For 12 years, Ifiokobong Victor built her fashion brand TALINO quietly, steadily, behind the scenes. No runway. No catwalk. Just vision, fabric, and faith. Last week, that changed.
At the 5th Uyo Fashion Week, held from May 13 to 17 at the Tropicana Event Centre in Uyo, Ifiokobong stepped onto a stage for the first time – not as a spectator, but as a designer presenting her own collection.
Titled ÀÁTEYÉ, the lineup featured 15 exclusive pieces that blended structured silhouettes with cultural storytelling.
Ifiokobong described the collection as “a memory of growth, courage, and proof that stepping out of fear yields unforgettable moments.”
‘Why not now?’
Reflecting on the milestone, Ifiokobong wrote: “12 years of creating. 12 years of believing in a vision called TALINO. And yesterday, for the very first time, I saw my creativity come alive on a runway stage. Fashion runway has never been my thing, but something in me said, ‘Why not now?’”
She admitted to sleepless nights, uncertainty, and crushing pressure – all within less than two weeks of preparation. At one point, she considered cancelling altogether. “I told my husband, ‘The time is too short… I don’t think I can do this. Maybe I should call the organisers and cancel,” she recalled. His response was firm: “No! That is why you are called TALINO. You can do it.”
‘Proud of my creativity’
Watching her designs move down the runway, Ifiokobong said, was more than a fashion moment. “It was a reminder that growth happens when you finally step out of fear and trust what you carry inside. Yesterday made me proud. Proud of my journey. Proud of my creativity. Proud of the TALINO brand.”
She thanked every woman who has worn TALINO with confidence over the years, saying their support carried the brand. “This moment is for you, too. I will always continue to create, grow, and make you proud.”
The show, part of Uyo Fashion Week’s “THE FUSION” theme, also featured the Arise 31 project, spotlighting designers from Akwa Ibom’s 31 local government areas.
The event was hosted by Nancy Isime and Denrele Edun, with celebrity guests including Ini Edo and Maurice Sam.
For Ifiokobong, the runway was never the goal – but after 12 years, it became the proof. TALINO has arrived.
