––Ibitein Thompson, current winner of Young Designer competition

She couldn’t believe it when she was declared winner of the young designer competition at the recent Native & Vogue Inter­national Fashion Week. The competi­tion, which is open to budding design­ers from Rivers State is an opportunity for them to expose their immense tal­ents to the world. She emerged winner from among 7 contestants. As a winner, she’s on automatic scholarship for one year in South Africa to attend a fashion school to hone her skills in fashion de­sign and it’s an all expense paid pack­age from the Rivers State Government.
Soft spoken Ibitein is a graduate of Fine Arts and Design who majored in paint­ing at University of Port Harcourt. Ibitein Thompson designs clothing for the stylish modern woman. Chatting with Sunday Sun after being declared winner, she said: “I feel fulfilled. I believed I could win the competition. I also had it in mind that even if I didn’t win, the experience of going for the competition is awesome and great. I have been a fashion designer since age 17. That is my profession, that is what I have been doing. It gladdens my heart that people appreciate my designs now.” The encounter was also an opportunity to know her favou­rites. Excerpts:
What’s your favourite colour?
Gold. There’s something about gold. It stands out.
Favourite food?
Eba and ukazi soup.
Favourite book?
Game by Steven King. It’s a great story.
Favourite leader?
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. It’s because he is from Niger Delta. I need to support one of our own.
Favourite climate?
I like cold weather. When it’s cold, I sleep better at night. I don’t like it when the weather is too hot.

I love eba and ukazi soup