Joel Namso Thomas, a 23-year-old from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State and the creative mind behind Gim’s Exclusive, has emerged the winner of the first-ever Inferno Runway, a cutting-edge fashion design reality show.
The show, developed to empower young designers, culminated in a 10-day intensive camp in Akwa Ibom, where Thomas showcased exceptional talent, creativity, and drive.
Inferno Runway, a project conceived by reality TV producer Bob Cal, was brought from the heart of New York City to Akwa Ibom in a bid to discover deserving talents in the African fashion scene. Throughout the competition, contestants faced a series of rigorous challenges designed to push their creativity to new heights, culminating in a final showcase where Thomas outshined his competitors.
As the winner of the Inferno Runway competition, Joel Namso Thomas, has secured a coveted spot at the prestigious 2025 Brooklyn Fashion Week, one of the world’s premier platforms for emerging designers. In addition, he has earned representation from Plugstar Entertainment, a leading US celebrity image management company, and will serve as the brand ambassador for Inferno Runway under FE TV HUB, further cementing his position as a rising star in the fashion industry.
The inaugural season of Inferno Runway was held in partnership with the renowned Mr. and Miss Nigeria International pageant, bringing together fashion, beauty, and culture in a spectacular event that highlighted the rich potential of Nigeria’s creative talents.
