Oghoyemwen Joan QnẸde Edward
Fashion/Art expert, Skill Trainer and Business woman living in Dubai.
About
She is Creative Director and Founder of The Qnede Group, a multiple award winning Fashion Designer, and President of The Sewing Club.Qnede is a former Partner/Sole Proprietor at TwentyFour54 Abu Dhabi Media Zone and Member of the Dubai Design and Fashion Council (DDFC).In 2006, Qnede officially incorporated her brand. A little “Needle-work play” she started at the age of 10, is fast becoming an international business empire.Over the years, celebrities and media companies have prided themselves in QnEde's services. She has costumed several artists, music videos, TV shows and media personalities across Nigeria and Africa.She has taken the role of chief-judge in several beauty pageants, runway shows and young designers competitions and still works with several brands till today.In addition, she has handled several large scale Art Training workshops in Nigeria and internationally. This includes the United Arab Emirates where she is currently based. From global brands such as PUMA to government sponsored Fashion skill empowerment trainings organised both for the locals and residents in the UAE.
Awards and Recognition
In March 25th 2011, at Oba Akenzua cultural centre in Edo state, Qnede was awarded "Niger Delta Designer of the year 2011", presented to her by Classique Image Int. and Kings Unit Entertainment, right in the presence of the State Governor and other great personalities within and outside Nigeria.She was honored as ‘South-South Best designer' in December 2012 by The Merit media award organization under the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Edo State.Also In 2012, Qnede became the face/Brand ambassador of Photospot International.In 2015, she was appointed as the Face of Miss Edo State Beauty pageant, which is annually organized by the National Television Authority (NTA) and Gotham city Entertainment.Qnede won the Prestigious award of 'Best Women's Wear Designer of the Year' on 10th Nov 2017 at the 7th Edition of Green Naija Fashion Show and Awards. A year later in August 2018, Qnede was recognized as H.A.M.A 2018 Creative Arts Award Winner.At the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, On 20th october 2024, during the 7th Edition of "Best of Edo Awards" featuring 100 most Influential Personalities in Edo State, Qnede was given an award of recognition for her exceptional contributions to the nation's Fashion and Art industry.
Her story...
Art and fashion designing has always been a part of my life. I watched my mum make beautiful fashion pieces for herself, me and my sisters. It was fun to watch her knit colourful sweaters for us.As an inquisitive child, I would ask questions about her choice of colors and designs and to everyone's amazement, I was cutting thick papers and old wires to make shoes and other art crafts at the age of Nine (laughs).
My grandma worked at a fashion house and made beautiful kiddie shorts for me.She would also bring lots of pieces of fabrics for me. With these, I made clothes for my dolls and little fancy purses for myself and friends.For me, Art is powerful because it is at the centre of all human endeavours. Everything is a Design. I love to design everything from clothes, houses, music, food, to people. I love fine things and beautiful prints and textures. That transformation that my work brings on people, it is priceless".Qnede creates opportunities for those with a passion for Fashion, Art and entrepreneurship. She has trained hundreds of young and old artists, some of which are currently Fashion and Art business owners. Together with her team, she offers young people the platform to actualize their dreams.She says "I am passionate about using my creativity and platform as an International Artist and mentor to positively impact the world”.