African Fashion Events: The Ultimate Guide to Fashion Weeks, Shows, Exhibitions and Networking

Posted on November 9, 2026 by Oscar Alochi

African Fashion Events: The Ultimate Guide to Fashion Weeks, Shows, Exhibitions and Networking

From the runways of Lagos and Johannesburg to the creative showcases of Nairobi, Dakar, Accra and Dar es Salaam, discover the fashion events shaping Africa’s creative industry — and the opportunities they offer designers, models, photographers, brands, buyers, media and fashion entrepreneurs.

Africa’s fashion industry is experiencing an exciting period of creative expression, commercial ambition and international engagement. Across the continent, designers are reinterpreting traditional craftsmanship, developing contemporary fashion identities and building brands that speak to both African and global audiences.

At the centre of this evolution are fashion events: the runways, exhibitions, trade fairs, designer showcases, pop-up markets, workshops and networking gatherings that bring the industry together.

From established international fashion weeks to independent designer presentations and specialist textile exhibitions, these events provide more than an opportunity to see new collections. They create environments in which creative professionals meet potential clients, fashion brands connect with buyers, models encounter casting opportunities, photographers develop relationships with designers, and entrepreneurs explore business partnerships.

For emerging designers, a fashion show can be an introduction to the industry. For established labels, an exhibition can open conversations with retailers and international buyers. For models, photographers, stylists and makeup artists, events can provide opportunities to meet collaborators and demonstrate their professional abilities.

Across Africa, fashion events are also becoming important platforms for conversations about manufacturing, sustainability, cultural identity, entrepreneurship, technology and the future of the creative economy.

But with events taking place in different countries, cities and creative communities, knowing where to go, what to expect and how to make meaningful connections is essential.

This comprehensive guide explores the African fashion events landscape, highlights important fashion weeks and exhibitions, explains how to participate professionally and examines how Nairobi Fashion Hub is creating additional opportunities for discovery, networking and collaboration within Kenya’s fashion community and beyond.

1. Why African Fashion Events Matter

Fashion events are among the most visible expressions of an industry’s creative and commercial activity.

They bring together the people and businesses responsible for designing, producing, presenting, marketing and distributing fashion. They also provide a platform through which the public can engage with emerging trends, new designers and changing ideas about style.

For Africa, these gatherings have an additional significance: they help communicate the continent’s cultural diversity, creative capabilities and growing fashion entrepreneurship to international audiences.

A platform for showcasing African creativity

Africa has a rich history of textile production, craftsmanship, clothing traditions and artistic expression. Contemporary designers draw inspiration from these influences while experimenting with new silhouettes, materials, production techniques and design philosophies.

Fashion weeks and exhibitions allow designers to present this work in a professional setting.

Collections may incorporate traditional textiles, contemporary tailoring, handmade accessories, sustainable materials, modern streetwear and experimental couture.

Through runway presentations, exhibitions and fashion films, audiences can encounter different interpretations of African identity and contemporary style.

Connecting creativity with business

A successful fashion industry requires more than talented designers. It also needs manufacturers, fabric suppliers, retailers, distributors, investors, marketers, photographers, models and other specialists.

Fashion events create opportunities for these participants to meet.

A designer presenting a collection may encounter a potential retail partner. A textile manufacturer may meet a clothing brand seeking production capacity. An independent model may connect with a photographer or casting professional.

These relationships can develop into commercial projects, professional partnerships and longer-term collaborations.

Supporting emerging talent

Many fashion events include showcases dedicated to new designers, independent labels, young models and creative entrepreneurs.

Such opportunities can help emerging professionals introduce their work to audiences beyond their existing networks.

However, participation does not automatically guarantee employment, sales or international representation. The value often comes from preparation, the quality of the work presented and the professional relationships developed during and after the event.

Promoting African fashion internationally

International buyers, fashion journalists, stylists, photographers and industry representatives increasingly engage with African fashion through events and creative networks.

These interactions can help designers communicate their brand identities, present collections and explore new markets.

Fashion events therefore contribute to a broader ambition: making African creativity more visible while supporting the businesses and professionals behind it.

2. Understanding the Different Types of African Fashion Events

Not every fashion event serves the same purpose. Understanding the differences helps attendees identify the gatherings most relevant to their professional goals.

A. Fashion weeks

Fashion weeks are organised programmes of designer presentations, runway shows, exhibitions, industry discussions and related activities.

They usually bring together designers, models, casting directors, photographers, stylists, fashion editors, buyers, sponsors and fashion enthusiasts.

Fashion weeks may feature:

Established designer collections.
Emerging designer showcases.
Ready-to-wear presentations.
Luxury and couture collections.
Menswear and womenswear.
Sustainable fashion initiatives.
Accessories and jewellery.
Industry panels and workshops.
Buyer and media engagement.

For designers, a fashion week can provide a platform to present a collection and strengthen brand recognition.

For models, it can offer opportunities to participate in castings and runway presentations. For photographers and media professionals, it can create access to designers, collections and industry stories.

B. Runway shows and designer presentations

A runway show is a live presentation of clothing and accessories, usually worn by models walking along a designated catwalk or presentation space.

Designer presentations can also take place in galleries, studios, hotels, cultural venues and other unconventional locations.

Runway shows are particularly valuable for demonstrating how garments move, how collections work together and how a designer’s creative direction translates into a complete visual experience.

They require coordination between designers, models, casting directors, choreographers, stylists, makeup artists, hair professionals, lighting technicians, photographers and production teams.

C. Fashion exhibitions and trade fairs

Fashion exhibitions and trade fairs place greater emphasis on products, materials, manufacturing, commercial relationships and industry knowledge.

They may include:

Clothing and accessories exhibitions.
Textile and fabric showcases.
Leather and footwear exhibitions.
Manufacturing and sourcing fairs.
Sustainable fashion exhibitions.
Jewellery and craft exhibitions.
Fashion technology demonstrations.
Retail and wholesale showcases.

Unlike a runway show, a trade exhibition may allow buyers and visitors to examine products, discuss specifications, compare suppliers and negotiate business arrangements.

These events are particularly relevant to manufacturers, fashion entrepreneurs, retailers, sourcing professionals and designers seeking production partners.

D. Pop-up markets and fashion bazaars

Pop-up markets provide temporary spaces where independent designers, fashion brands, artisans and accessory makers can display and sell their products.

They may take place in shopping centres, hotels, creative hubs, outdoor venues, cultural spaces and lifestyle events.

For emerging brands, pop-ups can provide an opportunity to introduce products directly to customers, receive feedback and test demand.

They can also encourage collaboration between fashion labels, beauty businesses, food entrepreneurs and lifestyle brands.

E. Fashion conferences, workshops and masterclasses

Fashion conferences and educational gatherings focus on professional development, industry knowledge and the business of fashion.

Topics may include:

Fashion entrepreneurship.
Brand development and marketing.
Garment manufacturing.
Textile innovation.
Sustainability and responsible production.
Fashion photography.
Modelling and talent management.
Ecommerce and digital marketing.
Fashion law and intellectual property.
International market development.

These gatherings are particularly useful for students, emerging designers, creative entrepreneurs and established professionals seeking to strengthen their businesses.

F. Fashion networking events

Networking events are designed to bring people together for professional conversations and relationship building.

They may be organised independently or as part of a fashion week, exhibition or designer showcase.

Attendees may include designers, models, photographers, stylists, buyers, journalists, influencers, business owners, event organisers and investors.

The objective is to create opportunities for people to exchange ideas, identify common interests and explore potential collaborations.

A meaningful professional relationship may begin with a brief introduction at a fashion event and develop into a photoshoot, campaign, retail partnership or creative project.

3. Major African Fashion Weeks and Events to Know

Africa does not have one single fashion capital. Its fashion ecosystem is distributed across different countries, each with its own creative communities, design traditions, business opportunities and event platforms.

The following events and platforms are useful starting points for anyone interested in exploring the continent’s fashion landscape. Event formats, organisers and schedules can change, so attendees should confirm current information through official event channels before making travel or booking arrangements.

Lagos Fashion Week — Nigeria

Lagos Fashion Week is one of the continent’s prominent platforms for African fashion, design, business and creative industry engagement.

Based in Lagos, Nigeria, the event brings together designers, manufacturers, retailers, buyers, media, investors and other fashion stakeholders.

Its programme has developed beyond runway presentations to include initiatives focused on designer development, sustainability, industry education and commercial opportunities.

For emerging and established designers, Lagos Fashion Week provides an important environment for presenting collections and engaging with the wider fashion ecosystem.

Its international connections also make it relevant to buyers, fashion journalists, stylists and creative professionals interested in Nigerian and pan-African fashion.

Official website: https://lagosfashionweek.ng/

South Africa Fashion Week — South Africa

South Africa has an established fashion industry supported by designers, fashion businesses, manufacturers, creative professionals and educational institutions.

South Africa Fashion Week is an important platform for presenting local design talent and engaging with the country’s fashion market.

Johannesburg and other South African creative centres also host fashion showcases, designer presentations and industry gatherings that connect fashion with retail, media and business.

For designers seeking to understand the Southern African fashion market, these events provide valuable opportunities to explore contemporary design and meet industry participants.

Africa Fashion Week — South Africa and other markets

Africa Fashion Week platforms have helped provide visibility for African designers and emerging fashion businesses.

In South Africa, Africa Fashion Week offers a space for designer showcases and wider engagement with the fashion enterprise ecosystem.

Its associated initiatives have included support for emerging designers and accessories businesses through development, mentorship and market access opportunities.

For independent brands, such programmes can be particularly relevant because they connect creative development with the commercial requirements of running a fashion business.

Official website: https://www.africafashionweek.co.za/

Dakar Fashion Week — Senegal

Dakar has a distinctive position within West African fashion, with a creative scene influenced by contemporary design, cultural heritage, craftsmanship and international exchange.

Dakar Fashion Week, founded by designer Adama Paris, has contributed to the visibility of Senegalese and wider African fashion.

The event provides a platform for designers to present collections and engage with creative professionals, fashion media and audiences.

Its international outlook makes it relevant to people interested in the relationship between African design, cultural identity and global fashion.

Swahili Fashion Week — Tanzania

Swahili Fashion Week is an important East African fashion platform based in Dar es Salaam.

It provides a stage for designers from Tanzania and other African countries to showcase their work and engage with the wider fashion community.

Its programme has included runway presentations and fashion industry recognition through the Swahili Fashion Awards.

For East African designers, models, photographers and fashion entrepreneurs, the event offers an opportunity to connect with professionals across the region.

Accra Fashion Week — Ghana

Accra has developed a vibrant fashion community supported by independent designers, fashion entrepreneurs, models, photographers and creative businesses.

Accra Fashion Week provides a platform for presenting Ghanaian and international design talent.

The event is relevant to designers, stylists, fashion media, models and brands seeking to explore West African fashion and connect with creative professionals in Ghana.

Mozambique Fashion Week — Mozambique

Maputo’s fashion scene offers a combination of contemporary design, cultural expression and creative experimentation.

Mozambique Fashion Week has provided a platform for local and international designers, with presentations that extend beyond conventional runway venues.

The event is relevant to those interested in exploring the fashion industry in Southern Africa and discovering emerging creative talent.

MTC Windhoek Fashion Week — Namibia

Windhoek Fashion Week is part of Namibia’s efforts to develop its fashion industry and create greater opportunities for local designers and creative professionals.

The event has a focus on supporting Namibian talent, encouraging professional development and connecting local fashion with wider African and international networks.

It is an example of how fashion events can contribute to the development of creative industries beyond the continent’s largest commercial centres.

Nairobi’s fashion events and creative showcases — Kenya

Nairobi is an important centre for Kenya’s fashion, design, photography, modelling and creative entrepreneurship communities.

The city’s fashion calendar includes designer showcases, fashion shows, exhibitions, creative workshops, pop-up markets and industry networking gatherings.

Kenya’s fashion ecosystem brings together independent designers, established brands, models, photographers, stylists, makeup artists, fashion educators and event organisers.

For professionals seeking to participate in East African fashion, Nairobi provides a valuable starting point for building relationships and discovering creative talent.

Nairobi Fashion Hub’s events directory provides an additional digital route for discovering fashion-related events and other gatherings.

Explore: https://app.nairobifashionhub.co.ke/events

4. African Fashion Exhibitions and Trade Events: Where Creativity Meets Commerce

Runway shows attract attention, but exhibitions and trade fairs are equally important to the development of the fashion industry.

They provide opportunities for the businesses behind fashion to meet, exchange information and explore commercial relationships.

Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week — Nairobi

Nairobi is also a location for textile, apparel, leather and fashion sourcing activities.

Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week brings together participants across areas such as textiles, clothing, leather, accessories and footwear.

These events are particularly relevant to manufacturers, suppliers, sourcing professionals, fashion brands and businesses interested in the production side of the industry.

The Nairobi Fashion Hub events directory has listed the sixth edition of ASFW Nairobi for May 2027 at Sarit Expo Centre. Visitors should consult the organiser for the latest programme, participation requirements and event arrangements.

Textile and manufacturing exhibitions

Textile exhibitions connect fabric producers, designers, manufacturers, retailers and sourcing professionals.

They allow participants to explore:

Natural and synthetic fabrics.
Traditional African textiles.
Innovative materials.
Sustainable production.
Textile printing and finishing.
Garment manufacturing technologies.
Supply-chain services.

For designers, such exhibitions can help identify materials and production partners. For manufacturers, they provide opportunities to present capabilities and engage with prospective customers.

Accessories and jewellery exhibitions

Accessories are an important part of the African fashion economy.

Jewellery, handbags, footwear, belts, headwear and other accessories contribute to the identity of fashion collections and offer opportunities for independent businesses.

Exhibitions dedicated to accessories can help creators connect with buyers, retailers, designers and potential collaborators.

Sustainable fashion and circular design events

Sustainability has become an important subject in fashion conversations around the world.

African designers and entrepreneurs are exploring different approaches to responsible production, including upcycling, textile reuse, local sourcing, traditional craftsmanship and longer-lasting garment design.

Sustainable fashion events provide spaces for discussing material innovation, waste reduction, responsible manufacturing and business models that consider environmental and social impact.

They also help connect designers with researchers, suppliers, manufacturers and organisations working on related challenges.

5. What Happens at a Fashion Week? A Guide for First-Time Attendees

For someone attending a fashion week for the first time, the experience can seem overwhelming.

Fashion weeks often include multiple events, different venues, changing schedules and a variety of professional and social activities.

Understanding the typical structure can help attendees prepare.

Designer runway presentations

These are among the most visible activities at fashion weeks.

Designers present collections through a sequence of looks worn by models. The presentation may be accompanied by music, lighting, choreography and a carefully designed stage environment.

Press and media activities

Fashion journalists, photographers, videographers, editors and content creators document the collections and interview designers or other participants.

Media coverage helps communicate the event to audiences who may not attend in person.

Buyer and industry meetings

Some fashion events include opportunities for buyers, retailers, sourcing professionals and designers to meet.

These conversations can cover product ranges, pricing, production capacity, distribution, retail placement and future business opportunities.

Exhibitions and showrooms

Showrooms allow visitors to view garments and accessories more closely than is possible during a runway presentation.

They may provide opportunities to discuss design details, materials, sizing, production and ordering arrangements.

Workshops and panel discussions

Educational sessions bring together industry professionals to discuss challenges and opportunities.

Subjects may include brand building, manufacturing, sustainability, fashion marketing, creative entrepreneurship and international expansion.

Networking receptions and after-show gatherings

Informal gatherings can be valuable opportunities to meet people in a less structured environment.

They may take place after runway presentations, during exhibitions or as separate industry events.

For many attendees, these conversations become an important part of the fashion week experience.

6. How Designers Can Prepare for African Fashion Weeks and Shows

Participating in a fashion event requires preparation well before the first model walks onto the runway.

For designers, the quality of the collection matters, but so do organisation, presentation, communication and commercial readiness.

Develop a clear collection concept

A collection should communicate a recognisable creative direction.

Designers should consider the inspiration, intended customer, materials, colour palette, construction, styling and relationship between individual pieces.

A strong concept helps create a coherent presentation and gives media and buyers a clearer understanding of the brand.

Prepare a professional portfolio

A designer portfolio should communicate the quality and identity of the work.

It may include:

Professional collection photographs.
Previous runway presentations.
Lookbooks.
Details of fabrics and craftsmanship.
Brand history and design philosophy.
Relevant press coverage.
Contact and business information.

Plan production and garment readiness

Every garment intended for presentation should be completed, checked and prepared before the event.

Designers should allow sufficient time for fittings, alterations, styling, transport and last-minute adjustments.

Select the right creative team

A fashion show requires collaboration.

Depending on the production, designers may need:

Models.
A casting director.
Fashion stylists.
Makeup artists.
Hair professionals.
Photographers.
Videographers.
Choreographers.
Production coordinators.

The team should understand the collection and work towards a consistent presentation.

Prepare for business conversations

Designers attending fashion weeks should be ready to explain their brands and answer questions about pricing, production, availability, materials and distribution.

A fashion event can create commercial conversations, but the designer must be prepared to follow them up professionally.

7. Opportunities for Models at African Fashion Events

Fashion weeks and designer shows provide important opportunities for models to participate in professional productions.

Models may be engaged for runway presentations, promotional campaigns, editorial photography, designer lookbooks and event content.

However, successful participation requires preparation and professional conduct.

Build a relevant portfolio

A model’s portfolio should include clear, recent photographs that represent their current appearance and capabilities.

Depending on the assignment, it may include portrait images, full-length photographs, runway work, editorial images and commercial projects.

Prepare for castings

Casting directors may assess walking ability, posture, presentation, confidence and suitability for a particular collection.

Models should understand the casting brief and arrive prepared.

Network with designers and photographers

Fashion events bring models into contact with professionals who may be involved in future productions.

Introducing yourself professionally, sharing a portfolio and maintaining respectful communication can help establish relationships.

Understand booking arrangements

Before accepting an assignment, clarify the working hours, compensation, travel requirements, clothing arrangements, image-use permissions and other contractual terms.

Models should be cautious of vague promises and opportunities that require unclear or excessive upfront payments.

8. Opportunities for Photographers, Stylists and Makeup Artists

Fashion events are collaborative environments, and their success depends on the work of professionals beyond the designer and model.

Fashion photographers and videographers

Photographers document runway presentations, create backstage images, produce designer lookbooks and develop editorial content.

Fashion events can help photographers meet designers, models, agencies, magazines and creative directors.

A strong event portfolio should demonstrate technical ability, visual storytelling, consistency and an understanding of fashion presentation.

Fashion stylists

Stylists interpret collections and help develop the overall visual direction of a production.

They may work with designers, models, photographers, fashion editors and commercial brands.

Fashion events allow stylists to discover new collections, meet designers and identify opportunities for editorial or commercial collaboration.

Makeup artists and hair professionals

Makeup and hair contribute significantly to the visual identity of a fashion show or campaign.

Beauty professionals may work backstage, prepare models, develop creative looks and support editorial productions.

Events provide opportunities to demonstrate technical skills and build relationships with designers, models, photographers and production teams.

Fashion bloggers, influencers and media professionals

Fashion media and content creators help communicate collections, designers and events to wider audiences.

They may produce interviews, reviews, photographs, videos, social media coverage and behind-the-scenes content.

Professional media coverage can contribute to the visibility of designers and fashion events, although coverage should never be assumed or guaranteed simply because someone attends.

9. How to Network Successfully at African Fashion Events

Networking is one of the most valuable reasons to attend a fashion event.

However, effective networking is not simply collecting business cards or following people on social media. It is about developing genuine professional relationships based on shared interests, mutual respect and clear opportunities for collaboration.

Set clear networking objectives

Before attending, identify what you hope to achieve.

You may want to:

Meet potential clients.
Discover new designers.
Connect with fashion photographers.
Find models for upcoming campaigns.
Identify manufacturing partners.
Meet fashion buyers.
Explore media opportunities.
Find collaborators for a creative project.

Having a clear objective makes it easier to prioritise relevant activities.

Research the event and its participants

Review the event programme, participating designers, speakers, exhibitors and organisers.

Identify the people and businesses whose work is relevant to your professional goals.

This preparation can make introductions more focused and productive.

Prepare a professional introduction

Be ready to explain who you are, what you do and the type of work or collaboration you are interested in.

Keep your introduction concise and relevant to the person you are speaking with.

Carry a portfolio or digital profile

Designers, photographers, models, stylists and other creative professionals should have a convenient way to share their work.

A digital portfolio or professional profile makes it easier for potential collaborators to review your experience after meeting you.

Ask meaningful questions

Good networking involves listening as much as speaking.

Ask about someone’s work, current projects, creative interests or experience in the industry.

Genuine curiosity is more effective than approaching every conversation as an immediate sales opportunity.

Follow up after the event

A connection becomes more valuable when it develops into a professional relationship.

Send a short message referencing the conversation, express appreciation for the introduction and, where appropriate, suggest a practical next step.

Avoid sending generic promotional messages to everyone you meet.

Build relationships throughout the year

Do not limit networking to major fashion weeks.

Workshops, exhibitions, creative meetups, photography sessions and online professional communities can also provide opportunities to build relationships.

Consistency matters more than attending every major event.

10. How to Get the Most Out of a Fashion Exhibition or Trade Fair

For fashion entrepreneurs and businesses, exhibitions can be especially valuable when approached with clear commercial objectives.

Prepare your business materials

Exhibitors should have professional product photographs, company information, product descriptions, pricing information and relevant contact details.

Designers and manufacturers should be prepared to explain their production capabilities, order requirements and business arrangements.

Identify potential partners

Before attending, research the exhibitors and participating organisations.

Identify suppliers, retailers, manufacturers, designers or service providers whose work could complement your business.

Ask practical business questions

Useful conversations may cover:

Minimum order quantities.
Production lead times.
Material specifications.
Quality standards.
Pricing and payment arrangements.
Distribution options.
Shipping and logistics.
Customisation capabilities.

Record contacts and follow up

Keep a record of the businesses and people you meet, the subject of the conversation and any agreed next steps.

Follow up while the conversation is still fresh.

A trade exhibition should be approached as a business development opportunity, not simply a place to collect promotional materials.

11. How Fashion Events Support African Fashion Entrepreneurship

The commercial value of fashion events extends beyond the immediate programme.

They can contribute to the development of businesses and professional networks across the wider fashion value chain.

Supporting independent designers

Independent designers can use showcases and exhibitions to introduce collections, develop brand recognition and meet potential customers or business partners.

Encouraging local manufacturing

Textile and sourcing events can bring designers into contact with manufacturers, fabric suppliers and production specialists.

These connections can support the development of local supply chains and manufacturing relationships.

Creating work for creative professionals

Fashion shows and campaigns require models, photographers, stylists, makeup artists, hair professionals, production teams and other specialists.

This creates demand for a range of creative services.

Supporting fashion education

Workshops, talks and masterclasses provide opportunities to share knowledge and develop professional skills.

They can also strengthen relationships between educational institutions and the fashion industry.

Encouraging investment and international collaboration

Fashion events can introduce African businesses to potential investors, buyers, distributors, media organisations and international creative partners.

Such relationships require commercial preparation and follow-through, but they can create pathways for growth.

12. The Role of Digital Platforms in Connecting African Fashion Events

The growth of digital platforms is changing how fashion professionals discover events, promote their work and build relationships.

Traditionally, information about fashion shows, exhibitions and creative gatherings has often been distributed through social media, personal networks, event websites and industry publications.

Although these channels remain important, digital platforms dedicated to fashion can make discovery more organised by bringing professional profiles, event information and creative services into a connected environment.

For designers, digital visibility can help audiences discover their work beyond the physical event.

For models and photographers, professional profiles can provide a place to showcase portfolios.

For clients, directories can make it easier to identify creative professionals.

For organisers, event platforms can help present events to audiences and manage aspects of attendance.

This is particularly relevant to African fashion, where professionals may be based in different cities and countries but share opportunities for collaboration.

Nairobi Fashion Hub is part of this evolving digital landscape.

13. How Nairobi Fashion Hub Creates Opportunities for Fashion Networking and Event Discovery

Nairobi Fashion Hub is a Kenya-based fashion and creative platform that brings together models, designers, photographers, stylists, bloggers, makeup artists, beauty professionals, fashion brands, clients and event organisers.

Its digital platform is designed to support professional discovery, creative services, booking requests, project opportunities and fashion event experiences.

For people participating in African fashion events, the platform provides additional ways to discover professionals, present their work and connect with others in the industry.

Discover fashion events and creative gatherings

The Nairobi Fashion Hub events directory provides a place to explore listed fashion events and other relevant gatherings.

Users can discover event information, review available details and explore opportunities to attend.

Events may include fashion shows, exhibitions, workshops, networking gatherings and other creative activities.

The directory also retains ended events for visitors to explore, providing a way to look back at previous activities and the creative community’s event history.

Explore events:

https://app.nairobifashionhub.co.ke/events

Promote your fashion show, exhibition or networking event

For designers, fashion brands, agencies, creative organisations and event producers, organising an event is only one part of the process. Making the event discoverable and managing attendance are also important.

Nairobi Fashion Hub provides an event-host registration route for organisers who want to publish events through the platform.

Event hosts can use the available tools to publish events, sell tickets, manage guests and support attendee check-in.

This can be useful for:

Fashion shows and runway presentations.
Designer collection launches.
Fashion exhibitions.
Pop-up markets.
Workshops and masterclasses.
Industry networking events.
Fashion and beauty showcases.
Creative business gatherings.

https://app.nairobifashionhub.co.ke/join/host

Find models, designers, photographers and stylists

Fashion events often lead to creative projects that require more than one professional.

A designer planning a collection presentation may need models, photographers, makeup artists and stylists. A photographer preparing an editorial shoot may need a model, designer and beauty team.

Nairobi Fashion Hub’s professional services directory allows clients to explore different creative categories and identify professionals whose services may suit their projects.

The directory includes categories such as fashion models, fashion designers, fashion photography, influencers, hair and beauty professionals, and modelling agencies.

Explore the directory:

https://app.nairobifashionhub.co.ke/services

Create a professional profile and showcase your work

For models, photographers, designers, stylists and other creative professionals, being discoverable is an important part of building a career.

Nairobi Fashion Hub gives service providers an opportunity to create professional profiles, list services and showcase portfolio work.

A strong profile should communicate:

Your professional identity.
Your specialisation.
Your location.
Your experience.
The services you offer.
Relevant portfolio photographs.
Accurate contact and booking information.

For someone attending a fashion event, a professional profile can provide a useful reference to share with people they meet.

https://app.nairobifashionhub.co.ke/join/provider

For fashion brands and clients: Discover creative talent

Brands, businesses, photographers, designers, event organisers and individuals may need creative professionals for different projects.

Nairobi Fashion Hub provides a client registration route through which users can access the platform’s professional discovery and booking experience.

Clients can explore listings, review profiles and submit booking requests.

This can be useful when preparing a fashion campaign, editorial shoot, runway production, brand launch or other creative project.

https://app.nairobifashionhub.co.ke/join/client

Explore creative gigs and project opportunities

Not every fashion opportunity begins with a major fashion week.

Many projects begin with a brief: a brand needs models for a campaign, a designer needs a photographer for a lookbook, or an organiser needs creative professionals for an event.

Nairobi Fashion Hub’s creative gig functionality allows clients to publish project briefs with budgets, while professionals can submit offers for consideration.

For clients, clear project information helps attract relevant proposals. For professionals, it creates another channel through which they can discover projects and assess whether an opportunity matches their skills and availability.

Connect with the wider fashion community

Fashion is a collaborative industry.

A designer may need a photographer. A model may need a stylist. A brand may need an influencer. An event organiser may need models, makeup artists and production professionals.

By bringing different creative categories together, Nairobi Fashion Hub supports the discovery of professionals who may become collaborators on future projects.

The platform is intended to complement real-world fashion events by providing an additional digital space in which professional relationships can begin and continue.

Access Nairobi Fashion Hub on mobile

Nairobi Fashion Hub is available through its web application and dedicated mobile applications.

Website and web application:
https://app.nairobifashionhub.co.ke/

Android application:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.ke.tinker.nairobi_fashion_hub

iOS application:
https://apps.apple.com/uy/app/nairobi-fashion-hub/id6817497424

14. How to Organise a Successful African Fashion Event

Organising a fashion event requires creative direction, planning, production management, marketing and professional coordination.

Whether you are preparing a small designer showcase or a large fashion exhibition, a clear plan helps bring the different elements together.

Establish the event’s purpose

Begin by defining what the event is intended to achieve.

Is it a runway show, designer exhibition, fashion networking gathering, trade fair, product launch or educational workshop?

The event’s purpose should guide the programme, audience, venue and promotional strategy.

Identify the target audience

Determine who should attend.

Your audience may include designers, models, photographers, buyers, fashion students, retailers, sponsors, media representatives, creative entrepreneurs or members of the public.

Understanding the audience helps shape the event experience and marketing strategy.

Develop a realistic budget

Prepare a budget that considers:

Venue hire.
Stage and runway production.
Lighting and sound.
Models and casting.
Photography and videography.
Hair and makeup.
Styling and wardrobe.
Marketing and publicity.
Event staff and security.
Guest management.
Transport and logistics.
Contingency expenses.

The budget should reflect the scale and objectives of the event.

Select an appropriate venue

The venue should support the event’s format and expected attendance.

Consider accessibility, capacity, lighting, backstage facilities, changing areas, power supply, parking, transport and safety arrangements.

Assemble a professional team

A fashion event requires coordination between creative and operational professionals.

Depending on the format, the team may include designers, models, stylists, photographers, videographers, makeup artists, technical staff, event coordinators and marketing professionals.

Develop an event marketing strategy

Promote the event through appropriate digital channels, media relationships, professional networks and partner organisations.

Provide clear information about the event’s purpose, date, location, programme, participants and ticket arrangements.

Manage registration and attendance

Make it easy for guests to understand how to attend and what to expect.

Use clear registration or ticketing arrangements and establish a process for managing guests on the event day.

Continue engagement after the event

Share approved event photographs, videos and highlights.

Thank participants, partners, sponsors and attendees. Follow up with people who expressed interest in collaboration.

The relationships developed after an event can be as important as the event itself.

15. The Future of African Fashion Events

The future of African fashion events will be shaped by the relationship between creativity, business, technology and international collaboration.

Several developments are likely to influence how these events evolve.

Greater integration between physical and digital experiences

Digital platforms can help audiences discover events, explore designers and connect with professionals before and after physical gatherings.

Online portfolios, digital showrooms, livestreams and event platforms can extend the reach of fashion presentations beyond their venues.

Stronger focus on business development

Fashion events are increasingly expected to deliver value beyond visibility.

Buyers, manufacturers, designers and entrepreneurs need opportunities to discuss production, retail, distribution and market access.

The integration of commercial programmes, trade exhibitions and professional networking can help strengthen this aspect of the industry.

More attention to sustainability

Responsible production, textile waste, local sourcing and circular design are important subjects for the future of fashion.

Events can help bring together designers, manufacturers, researchers and businesses to explore practical approaches.

More opportunities for emerging African designers

Emerging talent needs access to mentorship, production resources, professional networks and market opportunities.

Fashion events can provide important spaces for introducing new designers and encouraging relationships with established industry participants.

Wider international collaboration

African fashion has the potential to build stronger relationships with international retailers, creative agencies, media organisations, manufacturers and educational institutions.

Events that encourage meaningful cross-border engagement can contribute to this ambition.

Greater recognition of the wider creative workforce

The fashion industry is supported by many professionals whose contributions are not always visible on the runway.

Photographers, makeup artists, stylists, models, production teams, digital creators, manufacturers and event organisers all play important roles.

The future of African fashion events should recognise and create opportunities for the wider creative ecosystem.

16. A Practical Checklist for Attending an African Fashion Event

Whether you are attending a fashion week, exhibition, runway show or networking event, preparation can help you make the most of the experience.

Before the event

Research the organiser and event programme.
Confirm the date, venue and attendance requirements.
Identify designers, exhibitors and professionals you would like to meet.
Prepare a professional introduction.
Update your portfolio or business profile.
Carry business cards or prepare a digital contact link.
Plan transport and accommodation if travelling.
Review ticketing and registration arrangements.

During the event

Arrive on time.
Respect event access and photography rules.
Engage professionally with participants.
Ask relevant questions.
Exchange contact information appropriately.
Visit exhibitions and networking areas.
Take notes about useful contacts and conversations.
Respect the work and creative rights of designers and exhibitors.

After the event

Follow up with relevant contacts.
Share approved photographs and event coverage.
Thank people who introduced or assisted you.
Explore potential collaborations.
Review what you learned.
Keep building the relationships beyond the event.

Conclusion: African Fashion Events Are Building More Than Runways

African fashion events are helping shape the continent’s creative and commercial future.

From fashion weeks and runway presentations to textile exhibitions, trade fairs, pop-up markets and professional networking gatherings, these platforms bring together the people and businesses responsible for moving the industry forward.

They provide designers with opportunities to present collections, models with opportunities to participate in productions, photographers with opportunities to develop creative relationships, and fashion businesses with opportunities to explore customers, suppliers and commercial partners.

Across Nairobi, Lagos, Accra, Dakar, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Dar es Salaam, Windhoek and other creative centres, the fashion events landscape reflects the diversity and ambition of African fashion.

But the real value of these gatherings extends beyond the event itself. It lies in the professional relationships, business conversations, creative collaborations and opportunities that continue long after the final runway presentation.

Digital platforms are adding another dimension to this ecosystem by making it easier to discover events, explore creative services and maintain professional connections.

Nairobi Fashion Hub is contributing to this development by connecting models, designers, photographers, stylists, makeup artists, fashion brands, clients and event organisers through a shared digital platform for professional discovery, creative opportunities and fashion events.

Whether you are a designer preparing for your next showcase, a model looking for runway opportunities, a photographer building your creative network, a brand exploring exhibitions or an organiser planning a fashion event, the next important connection could begin with a single introduction.

Discover the events. Meet the talent. Build the relationships. Grow African fashion.

Become part of Nairobi Fashion Hub

For fashion professionals: Create a profile, showcase your portfolio and list your services.
https://app.nairobifashionhub.co.ke/join/provider

For brands and clients: Discover creative professionals and submit booking requests.
https://app.nairobifashionhub.co.ke/join/client

For event organisers: Publish events, sell tickets and manage guests.
https://app.nairobifashionhub.co.ke/join/host

Explore fashion events:
https://app.nairobifashionhub.co.ke/events

Discover fashion professionals:
https://app.nairobifashionhub.co.ke/services

Visit Nairobi Fashion Hub:
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Download the mobile app:
Google Play | Apple App Store

About Nairobi Fashion Hub

Nairobi Fashion Hub is a Kenya-based fashion and creative-industry platform operated by Tinker Digital Limited. It connects models, fashion designers, photographers, stylists, bloggers, makeup artists, beauty professionals, fashion brands, clients and event organisers through digital tools for professional discovery, service bookings, creative gigs, portfolios and fashion events.

With a commitment to strengthening Kenya’s fashion community and supporting the wider African fashion industry, Nairobi Fashion Hub aims to make creative talent more discoverable, encourage professional collaboration and contribute to the international visibility of African fashion.

NAIROBI FASHION HUB — HOME OF AFRICAN FASHION.

Pushing the agenda for Made in Africa to the world.

Website: /
Email: info@nairobifashi

Meet The 15 African Fashion Brands Represented At SS24 London Fashion Week

Posted on September 21, 2023 by Oscar Alochi

One of the biggest fashion events in the world continues to be New York Fashion Week.
The twice-yearly exposition (held in February and September) serves as a big platform for showcasing the top international and American designers as well as a hot conduit into the American market. African designers have occasionally surfaced during NYFW, showcasing their collections on the runway.

Nigerian Maki Oh made her debut in 2012, while in 2014, South African and Nigerian industry icons David Tlale and Deola Sagoe both made their debuts. However, the watershed event in the late aughts is to thank for these designer debuts.
A group of African fashion designers attacked New York City in 2009.

African businesses Stoned Cherrie (South Africa), Xuly Bet (Mali), Momo Couture (Nigeria), and Tiffany Amber (Nigeria) were welcomed in the Bryant Park tents as part of the African Fashion Collective for the first time in NYFW’s history.
The “Obama Effect” was referred to by the general public in the fashion industry after Barack Obama became America’s first Black president a month earlier.

Through their presentations, these designers refuted stereotypical perceptions of Africa and highlighted the ingenuity and craftsmanship the region had to offer. There will never be another NYFW.
Since then, African designers have made progress. Nigeria’s Head of State Tia Adeola had been on the February program for NYFW’s Fall 2023 season.

Both brands are returning this September, the latter in the lineup for the eighth outing of The Black in Fashion Council Discovery Showroom.

1. Abigail Ajobi
Abigail Ajobi, the self-named brand’s creative director and fashion designer, is of Nigerian heritage.
The brand is a high-end streetwear company that uses exclusive and scarce materials to make its exquisite products. Additionally, by offering convertible styles that may be worn in different ways, it supports sustainability.

several methods. Abigail Ajobi has been in business since 2020. She has presented her designs at London Fashion Week and Lagos Fashion Week events and she has been featured in a number of periodicals. The collection’s profits are given to charities of the brand’s choosing.

The distinct and fashionable forms of Nollywood Y2k fashion served as the inspiration for Abigail Ajobi’s SS24 collection Anti-Muse.

2. Sukeina
Omar Salam chose to create Sukeina in 2012 after spending two years working at Christain Lacroix and working for French fashion designer Madame Sonia Rykiel in Paris.
The Senegalese designer with roots in New York, who studied fashion design at Parsons School of Design, has created a sartorial extravaganza with his womenswear line.

His distinctive designs for the brand include sculptural gowns, elaborate weaving, and dramatic forms.
Tribal elements from the continent have also affected his collections. His Fall 2022 collection incorporated the vibrant patterns of Bantu clothing, which can be seen in Eastern, Central, and Southern Africa.
2020 saw the launch of Sukeina, an origami dress, flapper-style mesh, and sheer looks collection.

3. Kílèntár
Klèntár is a Nigerian contemporary womenswear brand with a whimsical and feminine look that was founded by Michelle Adepoju in 2019.
Adepoju had at first begun by purchasing clothing to sell online.
She would purchase clothing items from her neighborhood thrift shop or charity shop, such as crop tops and blouses, and tastefully adorn them.

African sartorial features like cowries, indigo dyeing (adire), and hand weaving are also infused into the brand’s aesthetic. One of the newest labels in the NYFW lineup of African designers, Klèntár will exhibit alongside Korlekie, Onalaja, Fumi the Label, and Tia Adeola under the auspices of The Black in Fashion Council Discovery Showroom.

4. Dumebi
Barbara Biosah, a British-Nigerian fashion designer, founded the upscale womenswear line Dumebi, which specializes in handcrafted couture apparel, shoes, and accessories. Barbara’s designs are influenced by African and European Renaissance art with a British modern twist and a Parisian flair because of her British and Nigerian roots.
The brand wants to bring back custom-made clothing crafted with high-quality materials and creative ideas while cutting back on excessive mass production.

5. Korlekie
Beatrice Korlekie Newman, who graduated with a BA in fashion design from De Montfort University in Leicester, started Korlekie in 2013 from her Peckham, London, bedroom.
For the ladies in her local church, the British-Ghanaian designer created one-of-a-kind pieces in African textiles. Rita Ora, Anna Freil, Ellie Goulding, and Alesha Dixon are just a few of the A-listers who have worn the brand’s fashionable, upscale knitwear and crochet.
Further drawing inspiration from Ghanaian traditional craft, Korlekie combines luxurious materials with sensuality for the contemporary woman.

6. Feben
Feben’s collection is influenced by the nomadism of her personal identity as well as her Ethiopian ancestry, North Korean, and Swedish upbringing.
Vemmenby collaborated with Beyoncé to design and style costumes for the Brown Skin Girl music video after completing her MA in fashion at Central Saint Martins as an Isabella Blow scholar.
The visual codes of Black life from all over the world are explored via a surrealistic lens in Feben’s works.

7. Onalaja
Onalaja is one of a number of contemporary Nigerian businesses that prioritize luxury and wearability in their design aesthetic. Kanyinsola Onalaja, a Nigerian-born fashion designer who founded her company in 2014, obtained her BA in Fashion Design from London’s Istituto Marangoni.

After that, she traveled to Rome to study 3D pattern cutting at the Academia di Costume E Moda. Onalaja creates expertly designed clothing for women with contrasting textures and patterns utilizing high-end materials. Particularly the coral red and the elaborate embroidery that represents the designer’s Bini origin, these patterns are masterpieces.

The bodycon dresses from this brand are also size-inclusive, fitting a variety of body types.
This is why the company’s Zusi dress, which celebrates the feminine body in all its variety, has been a success. Indiyah Polack, a former Love Island contestant, and Kandi are two celebs who have been seen sporting it.

8. Labrum London
Foday Dumbuya, the creative director and founder of Labrum, found inspiration while growing up and learning in London, Cyprus, and Sierra Leone.
A contemporary menswear company’s mission is to “tell the untold stories of West Africa to help bridge the gap between Western and West African culture.”
The distinctive features of British tailoring are combined with West African inspirations to create Labrum’s unique sense of style.
In honor of his Sierra Leonean heritage, his SS24 collection, NOMOLI ODYSSEY, was shown at the Four Seasons hotel in Trinity Square.
A number of Labrum’s creations featured depictions of the Nomoli figure, a native of Sierra Leone and a symbol of fertility and harvest.

9. Fumi the Label
Fumi the Label is a ready-to-wear womenswear line created by Toronto-based designer Fumi Egbon that emphasizes comfort, grace, and sophistication. The brand, which debuted in 2016, specializes in vibrant colors, breathable clothing, and the possibility of wardrobe-building styling.
One example is the Naomi dress, which may be combined with thigh-high boots, denim, or jeans. The brand will reach a new milestone when it exhibits at NYFW.

10. Tolu Coker
After graduating from Central Saint Martins, British-Nigerian Multi-Disciplinary Artist Tolu Coker created her own brand in 2018.
Her work, which is heavily influenced by identity politics and social environments, uses fashion as a platform to promote social change.
Her 2019 collection honored the lives of women who had survived being raped as a result of war atrocities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The earnings from a portion of her collection were donated to the charity “Choose Love” in 2020, which assists minority populations, refugees, and immigrants both locally and internationally.

Irapada, the SS24 collection by Tolu Coker, is inspired by her Yoruba heritage.
Through the prism of her own family’s relationship to both religion and fashion, she used her works to explore how Yoruba spirituality is seen.

11. Victor Anate
Despite the fact that Nigerian designer Victor Anate won’t present his edgy womenswear line Vicnate at NYFW, he has contributed his talent as a co-collaborator by creating Naomi Campbell’s debut collection for Pretty Little Thing.
The renowned supermodel tapped Anate and Brooklyn-based Edvin Thompson of Theophilio, both of Jamaican descent, to create her line for the fast-fashion behemoth.
It launched as a runway show on September 5 to kick off NYFW, showcasing a 70-piece collection of outerwear, mesh dresses, sharp pantsuits, and more. Now that the project is finished, it joins Anate’s impressively expanding and exciting portfolio.

12. Tia Adeola
The Tia Adeola line was previously presented at NYFW. The brand’s launch, the Autumn/Winter 2020 collection, brought models down the catwalk wearing its recognizable sheer and ruffles. They were seductive, extremely provocative, and were modeled after Renaissance-era dress regulations.

Tia Adeola, a 2019 Parsons School of Design alumna who was born in New York and raised in London, has established herself as an intriguing new designer and amassed a cult following that includes Gigi Hadid, Flo Milli, SZA, and others.

13. Studio 189
OkayAfrica attended Studio 189’s debut spring runway show in 2019, which featured a number of notable guests like Quincy Brown, Fantasia, Justin Skye, Naturi Naughton, and Ayo Tometi (formerly Opal Tometi).
We also learned how the brand’s design principles combine cutting-edge tailoring with ancient West African crafts like indigo dyeing, hand-batik, and weaving.

The sustainable brand, which was established in 2013 by Abrima Erwiah and the actress Rosario Dawson, is propelled by an artisanal pulse and collaborates with regional artisans in a way that highlights their abilities and gives them employment opportunities. Studio 189 is more than simply a brand; it currently conducts business in Accra and the United States. Additionally, it is a social enterprise that finances numerous initiatives started by locals both in the U.S. and on the continent.

14. Head of State
Head of State wasn’t yet a fully developed brand in 2016 when Taofeek Abijako founded it.
His goal was to earn money to build a water infrastructure in his area while still a senior in secondary school in Nigeria.
Fast forward to 2017, when his brand’s spring/summer 2018 collection made him the youngest debutant at NYFW. He wasn’t even 20.

Taofeek, who is now based in Brooklyn, New York (his parents had won the lotto in 2010), utilizes the Head of State as a bridge to connect cultures in Nigeria and the United States.
The brand has focused on striking a balance between the two through their clothing.
Traditional Nigerian design features like silhouettes and embroidery are executed with a contemporary twist.

15. Oshobor
Oshobor was founded in 2020 and is the creation of Peter Oshobor. It combines slow fashion, traditional craft, and cultural tales.
The brand expanded into the 2022 Green Access program, Lagos Fashion Week’s platform for talent identification.
It further highlighted the brand’s zero-waste philosophy by showcasing a small number of exquisite outfits made from waste yarn and offcuts.

Oshobor will visit New York for their Carnaval Couture NYFW event thanks to a collaboration with Upscale Magazine and Art Meso, the art and fashion exhibition that highlights up-and-coming designers and creatives from all around the world.

Content courtesy of Culture Custodian, Okay Africa & NFH

Teyei’s Couture: A Unique Nigerian Fashion Label Founded By Faith Teyei Afan

Posted on March 21, 2022July 29, 2024 by Linda Wairegi

Teyei’s Couture is a unique Nigerian fashion label founded by Faith Teyei Afan. It focuses on creating unique and high-quality fashion items. She founded Teyei’s Couture to help women express themselves through fashion but she’s also empowering and educating upcoming fashion designers at her Fashion Academy.

Faith Teyei agreed to talk to our NFH Contributing writer Linda Wairegi to share more details about her inspiring fashion design journey and what other African designers can learn from her journey.

LW: Can you tell me about yourself?

FT: I am a Nigerian fashion designer, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and Founder of Teyei’s Couture born and raised in Jos, Nigeria.

I completed my secondary education at the Girls’ High School Gindiri, Plateau State, where my interest in designing was first conceived. After secondary education, my drive for fashion increased, and I learnt how to sew for two years.

My drive for designs grew astronomically higher when I started designing and sewing for myself, my siblings, and my close friends. In early 2016, I moved from sewing in my bedroom to an empty room in my family house, where I started my entrepreneurial adventure with two sewing machines. In the same month, about four ladies showed interest in wanting to learn under me, but only two eventually got enrolled.

With the increase in demand for designs, ladies’ interest in wanting to learn, my passion to create high-quality African clothes, put my home city of Jos on the world fashion map, and to use fashion as a tool to change the world for a better tomorrow, I launched my label Teyei’s Couture.

LW: When did you know that fashion was your passion in life?

FT: I got to understand that fashion is my passion when I discovered that even if I was tired, I’d still want to draw, design, and think of creative ideas. It became a big part of my life. Anytime I succeed with a design, I feel so happy and satisfied.

LW: Who inspired you to start your fashion journey?

FT: My inspiration comes from several people, but most especially my husband. He has been my strongest strength and supporter, pushing me right from the onset. He is not into fashion, but he opened my eyes a lot.

LW: How long has Teyei’s Couture been open?

FT: Teyei’s Couture will be 6 years this year.

LW: Where is your fashion business Teyei’s Couture located?

FT: Jos, Plateau State, and Abuja, both in Nigeria

LW: What’s the mantra for Teyei’s Couture?

FT: Believe in yourself, for there’s always this one multibillion-naira idea in you.

LW: What’s your ideal customer?

FT: I have fallen in love with creating designs for women who want to feel confident in who they are women who love to reinvent themselves, and women who love innovation. This set of people is my ideal customer.

LW: What’s your favourite fashion piece or pieces from Teyei’s Couture?

FT: My favourite piece has always been the free gowns. I love comfort so everything I find myself comfortable in is always my best. That aside, I also love skirts and blouses made from Ankara or any native African print fabric. They make me appreciate the African woman in me.

LW: Why do you love them so much?

FT: I love them so much, especially the Ankara prints, because they make me come alive, feel fulfilled, and be proud of my African self.

LW: What sets you apart from other African labels?

FT: What set us apart from other fashion labels is that we are not just a brand aimed at producing unique and quality garments. We also run an academy that trains young African women in fashion and entrepreneurship, empowering them with the right skill sets, mentorship to build their confidence, networking opportunities, and access to African fashion-related information.

Our dedication to our students and clients is driven by our promise to deliver Excellence, Value, and Quality. We aim to be at the forefront of exploring the innovative path that combines fashion, education, and technology.

LW: Have you encountered difficult moments in your fashion journey?

FT: One of the most difficult parts of my journey has always been insufficient funds for the company. I struggle with the little at hand to see that I give my students a comfortable place to learn and provide an appealing place for my customers.

We’re also challenged by an inadequate workforce, which is a result of a lack of resources. This has been a major setback as it has made us several times unable to take disadvantaged ladies on scholarship.

In a nutshell, lack of funds has been a major challenge to me in the journey, and that has made us keep our doors open to anyone ready to bring more value to us.

LW: What’s the best moment that made you feel alive as a fashion designer?

FT: There’s no greater joy compared to the immense joy and big smile from my customers.

This is because I put myself wholeheartedly into each of my designs. Therefore, anytime I get complimentary reviews and comments, it makes me alive to know that at least my work is paying off. This always encourages and pushes me to do more.

LW: I noticed that you also offer training to fashion students… So, can you tell us more about imparting and empowering the next fashion designers?

FT: Teaching has always been my dream. It’s something I enjoy doing. As an entrepreneur empowering the next generation of fashion designers, therefore, I try as much as I can to provide special scholarships for young girls and disadvantaged women who are very passionate about learning fashion. Occasionally, I employ the best students to work with me for some time so that they get to learn the administrative aspect to aid them to have a better approach when they start their own business of fashion.

LW: How do you balance the creative & the business side in fashion?

FT: I’ve always seen these two as having a meeting point at the end of each of my thoughts because my creativity has a way of intertwining itself with business.

One thing I usually say to my team is, “there’s always this one multibillion idea in you.” I always say to my team that as a brand and in our tradition, to apply creative thinking to business decisions and business shrewdness to our creative processes.

LW: What’s one thing that you wish you knew before you started on your fashion journey?

FT: I wished I knew that I could learn fashion with the little I had by simply watching videos on YouTube before learning the basics of sewing and pattern making.

LW: What’s your dream collaboration?

FT: My number one dream collaboration is to work with Hollywood to design costumes that portray an African woman in her native attire.

LW: Recently, you launched a fashion webinar, what’s the inspiration behind this?

FT: Teyei’s Couture became the first fashion brand/academy in the whole of Northern Nigeria to organize a fashion webinar. It took place on December 11th, 2021. The webinar themed “Fashion as a Way of Communication” explored fashion as an important aspect of culture, forming part of the non-verbal aspect of communication and shaping relations in society.

This was inspired by my desire to educate the public, especially my immediate community, about fashion and other fashion-related issues. I want to create a groundbreaking mindset that triggers ladies into embracing fashion as a tool to plunge them into their entrepreneurial journey and create awareness around it. We plan to make the webinar a series.

LW: What’s your vision behind this?

FT: My vision is to bring together speakers (women) from different walks of life to discuss fashion-related topics and trigger a change in mindset.

LW: What’s your personal style like?

FT: My personal style can be described as simple but classic. I love wearing easy clothes to be able to move around comfortably. I also love clothes that don’t go out of time easily.

LW: Do you have an inspiring quote for other designers?

FT: When you have a dream do not let it die. Keep watering it and nurturing it until it grows, and the results will be amazing. Never let your passion go away because of life challenges. Keep the light burning, having it at the back of your mind that one day it will all pay off.

LW: We’d love to connect with Teyei’s Couture online. Can you share the links with us?

Website: https://www.teyeiscouture.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teyeiscouture

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TeyeisCouture

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeyeisCouture

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/teyeiscouture

Tumblr: https://teyeiscouture.tumblr.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/teyeiscouture

Zimbabwe’s Ishmael Tsakatsa Unveils Zargue’sia’s Stones Of Fire SS22 Collection During Paris Fashion Week

Posted on October 4, 2021October 10, 2021 by Fashion Police

While fashion weeks are about the official shows on the calendar with onlookers being enamored by big brands, it’s also an opportunity for emerging brands to get their name and brand in front of buyers, media, and the masses.
There is a move-in fashion to bring more African talent to the forefront, like the IFFAC Investment Holdings Company, an investment fund aimed at supporting Africa’s creative and lifestyle industries. One such emerging brand that has sparked waves in his native Zimbabwe is Ishmael Tsakatsa, founder of Zargue’sia. His Paris Fashion Week show fell in line with the trends that are already being seen for the spring-summer 2022 season.

We’re seeing a lot of rich color from brands and Zargue’sia’s unveiling revealed a lot of rich colors and use of light textiles. Earth tone browns and oranges are part of the color palette, as well as orangey pinks, cremes, and baroque-inspired prints. Themed “Stones of Fire,” it took Tsakatsa over 11 months to create from the first sketch to fabric selection, pattern making, and last stitch.

“It was inspired by the innate human ability to pursue purpose with courage and determination regardless of the challenges and obstacles faced. Taking a literal example of a volcano, the hot molten lava is able to destroy anything standing as an obstacle in its way as it flows like a trailblazer,” he shares.

This is his first Paris Fashion Week and creating the collection had its challenges. “The preparations were very demanding but worth every single sweat. There were high expectations to be met with regards to how best l can represent Zimbabwe and Africa at large on my debut at Paris Fashion Week.”

Using and matching contrasting fabrics, another SS22 trend, Tsakatsa includes printed silk satin, beaded tulle, stretch duchess satin, soft linen, crepe, cationic chiffon, brocades, and polymetallic satin and organza.

A collection of seven looks, one look, with a pussy bow neckline chiffon blouse with ruffles on the sleeves is paired with an empire waistline fitted brocade pencil skirt with piping detail. And Tsakatsa created a voluminous gown, a strapless tiered ball gown with a beaded tasseled shoulder neckpiece.

Not originally trained in fashion design, Tsakatsa studied physiotherapy. “I was inspired by the love of a royal aesthetic with elegant drama and opulence,” he muses. “It started as a hobby way back then in my school days until I noticed that with my creative ability l had something fresh to offer to the world. I then launched my brand and since then I have never looked back.” Presenting at Zimbabwe Fashion Week in 2012 in a young designer’s competition he decided to launch Zargue’sia in 2013, where he was nominated for the Emerging Designer of the year award.

The following year he won the Zimbabwean Designer of the Year award. Zimbabwe isn’t known for fashion but for Tsakatsa he offers, “acquisition of entrepreneurial skills and knowledge in the fashion business and trade for economic development, growth, and sustainability,” to his country’s fashion industry. And for him, his collections are inspired by the Word of God from the Bible and the essence that lies behind the magnificence and radiance of God’s beauty.

It’s a collection of color, inspired by nature, God’s beauty, that’s in sync with the trends fashion is seeing on the major runways for the SS22 season. Tsakatsa will be hosting a re-see later this month in Paris.

Content courtesy of Forbes Magazine

Introducing The Fashion Hub, A Collaborative Effort Promoting Emerging Design Talents During Milan Fashion Week

Posted on September 30, 2021October 10, 2021 by Fashion Police

In celebration of sustainability, inclusivity, and diversity, the Camera Nazionale Della Moda Italiana partners with the DHL Young Designer Award and the Camera Buyer Italia.

Milan Fashion Week is not exclusively reserved for large houses or established brands, thanks to the Camera Nazionale Della Moda Italiana (CNMI). During Milan, Fashion Week Women’s Collection Spring/Summer 2022, from Sept. 21-27, 2021, CNMI celebrates and promotes young design talents from around the world at the Fashion Hub. A venue dedicated solely to the most interesting international designers, the Fashion Hub provides high visibility to emerging talents who embody CNMI’s values, like sustainability, inclusivity, and diversity.

An exciting night for new talents, the Fashion Hub’s opening on Sept. 21 brought individuals together to celebrate the recipients of a few coveted design awards the DHL Young Designer Award and the Camera Buyer Italia prize for Fashion Hub young designers presented by Italian actress Fiammetta Cicogna.

The DHL Young Designer Award was given to Gilberto Calzolari, whose collection is on display at the Fashion Hub, and Des Phemmes and Marco Rambaldi, brands included in the official CNMI calendar. DHL promises to support winning designers’ international expansion processes. Young designers working on the “Fashion Bridges – I Ponti Della Moda” project, Michael Peter Reid and Domenico Orefice with a special mention to Alessia Dovero e Sipho Mbuto won the Camera Buyer Italia prize.

The winners’ project, “Fashion Bridges I Ponti Della Moda,” is an impressive, collaborative affair bringing talent together on an international, multicultural scale. CNMI worked with a variety of partners to make the collaboration possible the Italian Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa, the Italian fashion school Polimoda, the South African Fashion Week, the ICE Agenzia (Italian Foreign Trade Agency), the Centro di Firenze per la Moda Italiana, and the Nelson Mandela Forum Firenze.

The initiative paired four former Polimoda students with four emerging designers from the South African Fashion Week. The Milan presentation is the beginning of an ongoing collaboration that continues at the South African Fashion Week in Johannesburg at the end of October.

Other exciting initiatives exhibited at the Fashion Hub include the CNMI’s collaboration with the Hungarian Fashion and Design Agency on “Budapest Select;” the CNMI sustainability program’s “Designers for the Planet” promoting three emerging, eco-conscious brands (Tiziano Guardini, Gilberto Calzolari, and Re-generations); a joint-effort Instagram competition and project by DHL and the Camera60Studio to promote Italian craft businesses’ commitment to sustainability; a collaborative endeavor between CNMI and the Black Lives Matter in Italian Fashion Collective entitled “Black Lives Matter in Italian Fashion,” featuring five new BIPOC designers.

A true collaborative venture, the Fashion Hub celebrates the best and brightest new talents within Milan and far beyond.

Textile and Fashion Value Chains: Opportunities For The Private Sector in Kenya in 2021

Posted on March 28, 2021May 6, 2024 by Linda Wairegi

The Textile and Fashion Value Chains Conversation looking at Opportunities in Kenya’s Private Sector happened on 25th March 2021 online. The African Development Bank, iMC Worldwide and Fashionomics Africa supported it.

Emmanuela Gregorio from African Development Bank opened the session and Jacqueline Shaw from Africa Fashion Guide moderated the event. The panellists included Oscar Alochi (Nairobi Fashion Hub), Jason Musyoka (Viktoria Ventures), Chebet Mutai (Waziwazi), Olivia Awuour (Pine Kazi) and Akinyi Odongo.

Emmanuela Gregorio: This event seeks to understand how businesses have positioned themselves in the fashion market. Consumer trends and country reports with detailed information that can be used by investors.

Plus, looking at the environmental and social impact,e.g. It takes 2.7 litres of water to manufacture a cotton t-shirt. Lastly, Kenyan is a growing fashion sector in Africa, and the garment industry is a promising investment.

Oscar Alochi: The 1960s – 1980s was very successful at marketing clothes for local use & export. It was impacted negatively by the entrance of second-hand clothes. The Kenyan textile and fashion market has been negatively affected by high production costs, including raw materials and marketing issues.

What’s the best way to bring back the Kenyan fashion textile industry?

Chebet Mutai: The private sector needs to work hand in hand with the government through fashion policies. The local consumption and creation by Kenyans are creating a grassroots momentum. That’s pushing the Buy Kenya, Build Kenya ecosystem. Take advantage of AGOA and focus on preferential trade agreements to access international/American markets.

How can we improve locally made fashion?

Chebet Mutai: Have a good brand story because consumers are becoming highly conscious. A strong brand story needs to weave into the marketing strategy. Adopt new technology, push the made in Africa brand and think about how to penetrate new markets.

Jacqueline Shaw: Many eyes are on the African continent, so Africans need to grab this opportunity by telling their own stories. You don’t want Kenya to be known only as an artisan-driven fashion place, yet there’s also knitting, basket weaving, leather shoes, like a strong leather industry.

Kenyan can be known for high-class quality and luxury items. So people can buy from us and not just admire us.

How did you start Waziwazi, a luxury leather business? Can Kenya be a leading luxury leather import on the content?

Chebet Mutai: You need to have the design conversation, who do I want to sell this product to… its quality lifts the product from this jurisdiction to the next. A commitment to a design-driven process centred on what the customer wants.

What is being done to improve the textile industry in Kenya?

Chebet Mutai: A lot is being done to improve the fashion textile industry. Some people already use local cotton and breed silkworm. The fashion line is more on an international level but, there’s an opportunity in other things like bedsheets. KEBS care about standardization.

Olivia Awuour: Green Nettle has sustainable textiles made from stinging nettle and they have won a fashion award.

Akinyi Odongo: We need to engage with farmers to grow organic content and upcycling mitumba pieces into fashion designs. It includes training students to look into sustainable fashion because that’s where the future is. We need to impart skills that will outlive us.

Are there Copyright Issues in the Textile and Fashion Value Chains?

Chebet Mutai: A particular designer copied one of my designs. So as designers, you need to have legal ownership of fashion products, copyright and trademark. Don’t walk away from people that infringe on your rights. You can go to KIPI for more information.

What are the finances like in the Textile and Fashion Scene?

Jason Musyoka: The more we understand the value chain, the more we can see opportunities. Blended finance can fund the creative sector.

Chebet Mutai: People are wary of sending money from abroad. Paypal is good for abroad buyers. The best way to do it is to integrate it on the site. It’s not fair that it’s easy to purchase products abroad. Yet, it’s hard for others to buy products from Kenyan designers.

What skills do you need to export fashion products?

Chebet Mutai: Making sure that the product you have is what the market wants. It needs good value and, that’s why the brand story really matters. There needs to be more guidance because you take time trying to figure things out.

What are the opportunities in the retail sector, the local market? The domestic consumer market in Kenya? Do you have an idea?

Oscar Alochi: It isn’t easy knowing estimating Kenyans using local luxury brands, but the numbers are still rising.

Chebet Mutai: You can access duty-free items if you can prove that your textile can’t be sourced locally as a fashion designer. Designers need to walk into spaces and take part in conversations and keep pushing for opportunities. Understand terms of trade that apply to countries and utilise KEPROBA.

Hilda Ogada: KEBROBA is a product development initiative. It handholds SMEs to make sure that their products meet the international guidelines. So, any exporter can easily access information about any documentation that they need.

Anne Wamae: We’re waiting for guidance to implement fashion policies.

Ann McCreath: There’s huge potential in the Kenyan fashion industry around alternative fashion textiles. Quality textiles with high-quality designs and correct branding plus transparency and storytelling. The price goes up and, everyone benefits in the value chain.

New designers should start small and think through designs and experiment since it’s a difficult time. It’s always a rollercoaster. Always be ready to adapt, apply for all training opportunities and learn from as many people as possible.

Closing Remarks about the Textile and Fashion Value Chain in Kenya

Emmanuela Gregorio: Kenya has an ecosystem that the government is working with so things can thrive. It’s important to have high-quality garments, look and feel, understand the market, pricing and market intelligence. Fashionomics wants to put its masterclasses online, better online payment systems, the importance of producing fashion sustainably.

25 Black Models Who Shaped Fashion and Modeling History

Posted on February 20, 2021October 10, 2021 by Fashion Police

From Pat Cleveland to Precious Lee, L’OFFICIEL looks back at the trailblazing Black models who have made an impact on fashion.

From the rise of fashion media from the mid-20th century to the present, the industry has continually been a place to grow in terms of inclusivity. For many years, modeling agencies, designers, and editors tended to look for one body type and skin color, but over the years, there have been a number of major Black figures who have shifted the industry’s status quo.

While now world-renowned supermodels, Naomi Campbell and Iman broke barriers and catwalked their way to diversifying the industry, paving the (run)way for a younger generation of models like Joan Smalls and Winnie Harlow to thrive today. Meanwhile, Beverly Johnson and Tyra Banks made history as the first Black models to grace the covers of major magazines, and haute couture model Mounia became Yves Saint Laurent’s first Black muse.

This Black History Month, L’OFFICIEL pays homage to 25 Black models who helped shape (and slay) the fashion industry as we know it today.

Africa’s Multi Billion Dollar Fashion Industry ( $15 Billion ) Business Empire

Posted on April 2, 2020May 2, 2024 by Oscar Alochi

The African fashion industry has been evolving significantly over the last years. Many African designers have been seen participating on the international stage showcasing their creativity and designs and being applauded by fashion lovers worldwide.

Their representations in magazines and fashion events have put the spotlight on the growing fashion scene of the African continent.

Not only the unique fabrics and designs, but also the African culture, heritage and beauty have left a long-lasting impression on the international fashion stage. The number of models of African origin being casted by the big fashion brands has risen significantly and they are frequently featured in leading fashion magazines and campaigns.

Africa’s creative industry overall has started gaining notice both regionally and internationally. Several local fashion brands have earned global recognition due to the talent and artistry of their designers. One remarkable award-winning designer is Folake Folarin- Coker.

Her brand Tiffany Amber has particularly become popular during the New York Fashion Week. In the meantime, her collection has been displayed in London, New York and Paris. Another upcoming artist, Deola Sagoe has dressed international artists like Rihanna and Solange Knowles.

The African footwear industry is still in the nascent stage. The continent is abundant in raw materials, skill and labour which are imperative for the growth of any industry. Several countries on the continent are contributing to the African footwear revolution, including Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria.

The Journey of a Made in Kenya Shoe Brand Enda Sportswear.

Ethiopia for instance, is ranked in the top ten of leather exporting countries worldwide and has been able to generate considerable income from shoe exports in 2018.

The global fashion industry is estimated to be worth around $1.5 trillion, there are however no official estimates about Africa’s fashion industry. This is due to the fact that it has historically not been seen as a lucrative sector. There is however a growing realization of its untapped potential in terms of job creation and economic development.

As of today, only selected African universities offer reputable master degrees in fashion and design. As the perception of the fashion industry is however shifting within the continent itself, more and more fashion courses are being offered in order to support the local talents.

At present, Africa has a population of 1.2 billion people. The future estimates of the growth of the population is 2 billion by 2050 and 4 billion by 2100. This gives a huge opportunity in the form of a large market size for investors to leverage on. Fashion brands with the right marketing strategy have good chances to flourish.

Another important demographic feature about Africa is that there are about 200 million people between 15 and 24 years old, which makes Africa the youngest continent in the world.

With technological development showing its vibrance in Africa, the youth are increasingly using Facebook, Instagram and other kinds of social media to keep their followers updated with the latest trends and launches in the line of fashion. This has not only given local brands more visibility internationally, it has also increased their business rapidly.

In addition, the rapid increase in African middle-class households has increased the market for luxury goods as there is demand for better quality products due to growing disposable income. The African markets are moving from basic commodities to modern lifestyle economies.

This change in African buying habits has caused a boost to the sales of the fashion brand segment, and provides vast opportunities for investors, fashion houses as well as fashion and beauty professionals looking to expand internationally.

This article originally appeared on African Cube

Photo courtesy of Coco lili Africa , Ankara Miani Inc , Enda Sportswear , Just Imagine Africa