The fashion industry in Nigeria has experienced significant growth over the last decade. According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the “textile, apparel, and footwear” sector has averaged a growth of 17% since 2010 contributing 0.24% to Nigeria’s GDP in Q1 2021 and employed over 7 million people in the country. Nairametrics in its data analysis on Statista also pointed out that the Nigerian fashion market is anticipated to scale to $1.31 billion by 2023.
In its contribution to the fashion industry, incomparable Scottish whisky brand, The Macallan, in collaboration with the iconic Nigerian designer brand, Trax Apparel, debuted a dedicated clothing collection in celebration of the newly released Classic Cut 2023 edition in Nigeria. The collection was unveiled at the Trax Apparel Studio in the heart of Lekki, Lagos. This release commemorates the sustainable nature of the whisky expression, reaffirming both brands’ dedication to discovering the extraordinary and crafting unparalleled products of character.
The collection unveiling was attended by a select group of 25 guests across business, and entertainment. The list included Former President, of the Nigerian Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick; Strategic Partner, RIF Trust Latitude, Idrs Fujah and ex-reality TV Personality, Ozoemena Joseph.
One of the standout moments of the evening was the signature tasting led by The Macallan Brand Ambassador and Educator in Lagos, Daniel Atteh, who guided the guests through the Classic Cut experience with an immersive whisky tasting. Following this, the Trax collection was unveiled by Mark Odiete, Creative Director of Trax Apparel.
Telling the tale behind the debut collection, the designer took guests through each curated piece. The designs included a beige safari co-ord, with hand-painted details of an oak tree, which highlighted the tale of the oak tree used to create the Sherry Oak signature cask used in ageing The Macallan.
Another show-stopping piece featured a velvet and aso-oke agbada, emphasising sustainability by utilising off-cuts from previously finished clothing pieces – an ode to the sustainable nature of The Macallan.
“This event marks a unique celebration of craftsmanship and sustainability, the core values of The Macallan,” said The Macallan Brand Ambassador and Educator Lagos, Daniel Atteh, “Our collaboration with Trax Apparel not only highlights the exquisite craftsmanship behind the Classic Cut 2023 edition but also underscores our commitment to creating extraordinary experiences. Through this partnership, we continue to honour the rich heritage of whisky making while championing innovative and sustainable practices. Tonight, we invite our guests to embark on a journey of taste and tradition, savouring a whisky that embodies our dedication to excellence.”
Speaking on the collection event which was held on Friday, May 31st, the Creative Director, Trax Apparel, Mark Odiete stated: “At Trax, we pride ourselves in creating designs that tell a story, much like The Macallan’s approach to whisky making. Our collection, inspired by the Classic Cut 2023 edition, reflects a shared commitment to quality, heritage, and environmental responsibility. Together, we celebrate not just a product, but a philosophy that values tradition while paving the way for a sustainable future.”
The Macallan Classic Cut 2023 Edition epitomises the brand’s unrivalled commitment to the mastery of wood and spirit, a tradition dating back to 1824. Committed to sustainability, The Macallan aims to achieve net-zero emissions across all global operations by 2045, with a short-term target of reducing emissions by 50% in six years. Prioritising sustainability and nature in every step of its whisky-making process, the brand sources its ingredients and materials locally and sustainably, ensuring a whisky ritual that honours tradition and the environment.