NELAS ACADEMY HONOURS ARREY BERLIN WITH THE BEST INSPIRATIONAL FASHION DESIGNER OF THE YEAR 2017 AWARD
Issued by the Office of the President
The Nelas Academy of Arts, Media and Television
The Nelas Academy of Arts, Media and Television proudly honoured internationally acclaimed fashion designer Arrey Berlin with the Nelas Best Inspirational Fashion Designer of the Year 2017 Award during its prestigious international awards ceremony held in Ludwigshafen, Germany.
The award recognized Arrey Berlin’s outstanding achievements in global fashion, her extraordinary artistic vision, entrepreneurial excellence, and her remarkable role in promoting African creativity on the international stage.
The historic ceremony brought together distinguished personalities from the diplomatic, traditional, media, and creative sectors. Among the Special Guests of Honour were His Excellency Ambassador Olu Falowo, Nigerian Consul General in Frankfurt, Germany, His Royal Majesty King Togbe Ngoryifia Céphas Kosi Bansah, Teddy Oscar, Nelas Academy Germany Coordinator, alongside prominent members of the international creative community.
A Passion Born in Childhood
Arrey Berlin’s inspiring journey into fashion began at the age of five when she created her very first skirt by transforming an old pair of trousers into something entirely new. That simple childhood experiment ignited a lifelong passion that would eventually establish her among the world’s respected fashion designers.
Although family tradition encouraged her to pursue higher education, she successfully studied Linguistics while remaining devoted to fashion. Throughout her academic years, she continued to develop her creative skills, believing that fashion should inspire happiness, confidence, and self-expression.
Building an International Fashion Empire
In 2005, Arrey launched her first fashion label, Arrey Kono, and made her debut at the prestigious CPD Fashion Fair in Düsseldorf, Germany.
What began as an ambitious introduction to the international market quickly became a remarkable success story. Within only three days of exhibiting her collection, her designs had been purchased by 42 fashion stores around the world, confirming the international appeal of her unique artistic vision.
Her growing reputation led to the opening of her first concept store in Berlin’s famous Hackesche Höfe in 2006. She continued expanding her brand by establishing a permanent showroom in Berlin-Charlottenburg in 2013.
Determined to reposition her label for the global luxury market, she rebranded the company as ARREY berlin in 2015, reflecting a broader international identity while maintaining the originality that had become synonymous with her work.
In 2017, she celebrated another milestone by opening a permanent showroom and boutique in the iconic Montmartre district of Paris, further cementing her position within Europe’s high-fashion industry.
Fashion Meets Fine Art
For more than a decade, ARREY has successfully combined the disciplines of fashion and fine art, producing timeless collections that transcend seasonal trends.
Professionally trained in Paris, Milan, and Berlin, Arrey refined her creative philosophy through exposure to some of the world’s leading fashion houses and designers, including the legendary Karl Lagerfeld.
Her innovative approach has earned her recognition as one of the rising stars of international luxury fashion, with her collections distributed in more than 35 countries through approximately 300 premium designer boutiques, luxury retailers, and world-renowned department stores, including Liberty London.
Today, ARREY’s work continues to inspire designers, artists, entrepreneurs, and young creatives around the world who see in her journey a testament to the power of determination, originality, and artistic excellence.
A Well-Deserved Recognition
Presenting the award, on behalf of the President of The Nelas Academy of Arts, Media and Television, Ambassador Frank Ikegwuonu, Teddy Oscar described Arrey Berlin as an outstanding ambassador of African creativity whose success continues to inspire future generations.
He stated:
“Arrey Berlin represents the very essence of creative excellence. Her journey from a young girl discovering her passion for fashion to becoming an internationally celebrated designer is a remarkable example of vision, resilience, discipline, and innovation. Through her work, she has elevated African creativity onto the global stage while inspiring countless young people to pursue their dreams without limitation. The Nelas Academy is proud to honour her as the Best Inspirational Fashion Designer of the Year 2017.”
Preserving a Legacy of Excellence
The Nelas Academy of Arts, Media and Television remains committed to celebrating exceptional individuals whose achievements continue to shape society through creativity, leadership, humanitarian service, innovation, and cultural diplomacy.
As the Academy approaches its third decade of honouring global excellence, the recognition of Arrey Berlin remains one of the landmark moments in its international history, reflecting its enduring mission to celebrate those whose work inspires humanity and leaves a lasting legacy across generations.
Signed
Frank Ikegwuonu
President
The Nelas Academy of Arts, Media and Television
