Thursday 12th of June 2025

Nairobi, Kenya

Tag: African Fashion Week

Africa Fashion Week Kicks Off in Nairobi, Kenya, Highlighting Indigenous Costumes

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

Amidst the vibrant pulse of Kenya’s capital, the second edition of Africa Fashion Week unfolded, a captivating fusion of fashion, culture, and creativity. From December 4th to 9th, 2023, the event served as a radiant platform for designers from across the continent to showcase their exquisite indigenous creations, celebrating the rich tapestry of African heritage.

At the heart of Africa Fashion Week lies a profound mission: to foster the growth of creative talent, entrepreneurship, and innovation while expanding the global reach of Africa’s indigenous apparel. As Saitoti Meitamei, the event’s Chief Executive Officer, eloquently stated, “The Africa Fashion Week is about reclaiming our pride, ensuring that Africans are filled with a sense of belonging and appreciation for the exquisite garments crafted on our continent.”

Over 30 African fashion designers graced the runway, each presenting their unique interpretations of traditional attire imbued with a modern sensibility. More than 60 models captivated the audience with their graceful strides, adorned in locally sourced and crafted ensembles. Fashion design students from Nairobi-based Delight Technical College, the event’s convener, also showcased their promising creations, garnering recognition and potential buyers.

The theme of “Celebration of Cultures, Creativity, and Colors” resonated throughout the event, as designers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Burundi, and Kenya showcased their distinct sartorial traditions. Each garment exuded a profound sense of cultural identity, weaving together intricate patterns, vibrant hues, and traditional techniques passed down through generations.

Wairimu Wangu, the event coordinator, emphasized the transformative power of Africa’s indigenous fashion, noting its ability to empower young designers and generate sustainable revenue streams. This year’s Africa Fashion Week, she explained, was meticulously organized to provide a platform for designers to connect with local and international clientele, foster meaningful partnerships, and expand their market reach.

Social media and digital commerce platforms have become indispensable tools for African fashion designers, enabling them to market their creations to a wider audience. As Wangu observed, designers are increasingly leveraging these platforms to showcase their artistry and cultivate a global clientele. Moreover, peer learning has fostered a spirit of camaraderie among designers, enhancing their business acumen and propelling their entrepreneurial endeavors.

Millicent Oluoch, a fashion designer and tutor, expressed enthusiasm for the event’s ability to attract aspiring designers from across Africa, providing them with a stage to showcase their talent and forge new business opportunities. Brian Obukui, a fashion tutor and member of the organizing committee, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the transformative impact of young stylists who are revolutionizing Africa’s indigenous wear, creating employment opportunities, and securing sustainable livelihoods.

As Africa Fashion Week draws to a close, it will leave an indelible mark on the global fashion landscape, reaffirming Africa’s position as a vibrant hub of creativity and innovation. The event’s legacy lies in its unwavering commitment to preserving and celebrating Africa’s rich cultural heritage while empowering the next generation of designers to carry this legacy forward, weaving their unique narratives into the ever-evolving tapestry of African fashion.

A Celebration of Africa’s Cultural Heritage

Africa Fashion Week serves as a platform for showcasing the continent’s diverse cultural heritage, bringing together designers from various African countries to present their unique creations inspired by traditional attire. The event provides an opportunity to celebrate the artistry and craftsmanship embedded in indigenous costumes, highlighting the intricate designs, vibrant colors, and symbolic elements that reflect each region’s distinct cultural identity.

Fostering Growth and Innovation in the Fashion Industry

Beyond showcasing the beauty of traditional African attire, Africa Fashion Week aims to foster growth and innovation within the continent’s fashion industry. The event provides a platform for designers to network, exchange ideas, and learn from one another, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing. Additionally, the event attracts international buyers and media attention, offering designers exposure to new markets and opportunities.

Expanding the Market for Indigenous Clothing

The Africa Fashion Week also seeks to expand the market for indigenous clothing, promoting its adoption both within Africa and on the global stage. By highlighting the versatility and adaptability of traditional garments, the event encourages the integration of indigenous designs into contemporary fashion trends. Moreover, the event promotes the economic potential of the fashion industry, emphasizing its role in job creation, economic empowerment, and sustainable development.

A Fusion of Fashion, Culture, and Creativity

Africa Fashion Week stands as a testament to the continent’s rich cultural heritage and its burgeoning fashion industry. The event serves as a vibrant fusion of fashion, culture, and creativity, showcasing the ingenuity and artistry of African designers while promoting the continent’s unique cultural identity. As the event unfolds, it is anticipated to generate excitement and anticipation within the global fashion community, further solidifying Africa’s position as a source of inspiration and innovation in the world of fashion.

Content courtesy of Delight Fashion School & NFH

Here Are The Highlights Of The 23rd Designer Collections Autumn/winter Season Of South African Fashion Week At Mall Of Africa

Posted on by Fashion Tribe Influencer

The Autumn/Winter 23 collections were displayed at the Mall of Africa in Midrand from Thursday through Saturday, October 20–22, as South African Fashion Week (SAFW) returns for its 41st season since its beginning in 1997.

Trans-seasonal designs, which can be worn in both cool and warm weather, have been included as part of fashion week’s adherence to global trends. It supports the gender-neutral and gender-fluid design and champions inclusion and diversity.

The local and international creative partnerships during fashion week have improved.

In addition, it continues to be dedicated to “marketing and supporting our designer entrepreneurs, creatively and commercially, while most importantly, providing the visibility required to access the local, as well as global, fashion industry,” as stated by fashion week founder and director Lucilla Booyzen.

Day 1: Fikile Sokhulu’s Gradual Ascent
Be on the lookout for Fikile Sokhulu’s understated genius. Her clothing has an ethereal, feminine, and timeless aspect that is infused with ecological and thoughtful ideas.

Her x-factor is only confirmed by her inclusion in the recent Standard Bank Gallery exhibition We Are Culture, which was organized by creative visionary Bee Diamondhead and featured 13 young artists.

Sokhulu, a fashion design graduate from the Durban University of Technology, made history as a student by debuting at fashion week and participating in the Cheers Qingdao Fashion Project in China. She and Mr. Price worked together on a collection, and she was a finalist in the SAFW New Talent Search competition.

Sokhulu was additionally one of four South African designers chosen for the Fashion Bridges project, a partnership between South Africa and Italy through a number of organizations, including Milan Fashion Week and the SAFW, that provided young designers from South Africa and Italy with the chance to collaborate on cross-cultural and artistic exchange.

“I’m extremely fascinated by the idea of life and trying to represent it in a way that has an aesthetic femininity, a connection to nature, and an organic approach,” Sokhulu explains. I enjoy observing women in my career wearing both delicate and sturdy clothing. This is also apparent in the fabrics I select because I only use natural materials.

Her most recent collection, which explores holy beauty and has the theme “converting dust into gold,” expands on her adoration for women.
The American-based Amanda Laird Cherry, who has never missed a SAFW season, is another Day 1 standout. Her clothing is renowned for incorporating cultural anthropology, and her designs are deliciously theatrical and sculptural.
Cherry returns to her South African roots this season and draws inspiration from the Victoria Street spice market in Durban.

Rubicon’s Hangwani Nengovhela is also researching her ancestry. Her Autumn/Winter 22 collection, which used muted colors and a restrained design approach, was a memorial to her late father and a time for introspection.
In the Rubicon Autumn Winter 23 collection, she draws inspiration from her Venda ancestry to continue down this route.

Day 2: Munkus is One to Watch
With its New Talent Search competition, the SAFW has established careers and produced fashion stars for 24 years. Successful designers like Jacques van der Watt of Black Coffee, David Tlale, Anissa Mpungwe, and most recently Woolmark prize winner Mmuso Maxwell have all benefited from it.

The SAFW’s continuous and thoughtful responses to industry difficulties can be credited with the competition’s longevity and success. It has achieved this by putting a strong emphasis on commercial success and by assisting the winners and finalists via a number of platforms.
In order to check the sustainability box, Booyzen added the slow fashion criterion to the competition brief around 2017.
Textile craft and print were added to the brief in 2019 in response to South Africa’s faltering textile sector.

This year’s New Talent Search design subject, “Show us your print,” challenged the top contenders to alter public ideas of fabric design and think about eco-friendly fabrics.

The winner for 2022 is Thando Ntuli, with her company Munkus, and Day 2 should feature her. Her design philosophy and successful collection, which featured colorful prints and voluminous, asymmetrical, traditional, and layered constructions, were influenced by the conveniences of the home.

Ntuli began her career working with boutiques that support regional products while she was a student at the North West School of Design and Fedisa Fashion School in Cape Town.

As a junior fashion buyer, she was hired by a corporation and immediately realized that it wasn’t a suitable fit for her creative style.

She invested herself in developing her brand and testing out many platforms in search of chances and growth, living by the maxim “apply for everything and think about it later.” She won the New Talent Search competition this year, her second attempt.

Ntuli’s distinctive design aesthetic stems from the way she scrounged items from her mother’s and grandmother’s wardrobes to develop a multigenerational look with millennial, modern elements.

“To me, being at home means being at your most contented and finest. I’m such a homebody, and I believe that South African culture is rooted in the family.
My mother, my grandmothers, and the way I was raised are the wonderful ladies who have shaped my life and all I am, says Ntuli.

Her Umama Wam collection for Autumn/Winter 23 is a tribute to her mother.

Day 3: Veterans Evolve
The opening performance by Maxhosa Africa on Day 3 on Saturday was a highlight.
The brand returns to the SAFW after a lengthy absence, having just shown the Alkebulan collection in London.
With it, Laduma Ngxokolo has developed an aspirational brand with a flare for luxury and workmanship.

In addition to the Scouting Menswear Competition, keep an eye out for Ephymol by Ephraim Molingoana. The designer’s ongoing experimentation with new textures, prints, and fashion trends.
A pioneer, Molingoana made his debut at the SAFW in 2002 with a collection named Pink Panther that introduced menswear to tailored tailoring and vibrant color. He delivers a collection this time that is gender-neutral.

Wandi Nzimande, a co-founder of Loxion Kulca who passed away, was another pioneer we lost.
Loxion Kulca, which has its roots in Soweto’s street culture, will finish this season of the SAFW now that Ole Ledimo is in charge.

The new collection is expressive and unconventional, according to Ledimo. It presents viewpoints, assertions, narratives, and perspectives on the core of streetwear.
It symbolizes an African-born way of life that was influenced by skateboarding, graffiti, punk, kwaito, reggae, hip-hop, the burgeoning amapiano and club scene, as well as the downtown city center art movement.

Content courtesy of Mail Guardian & NFH 

 

Lagos Fashion Week Teams Up With Industrie Africa For A Special Retail Partnership

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

Lagos Fashion Week has formed a special retail partnership with Industrie Africa, a renowned African luxury fashion e-tailer.
The ground-breaking collaboration between two major African fashion industry fixtures both of whom have tirelessly championed, elevated, and curated Africa’s strongest designers to a regional and global community will launch on March 15, 2022, and will allow patrons to shop from a number of talented brands that presented at Lagos Fashion Week’s tenth-anniversary showcase last October.

Industrie Africa will surface a new wave of designers from the continent as well as the latest collections from iconic African brands over a three-month campaign, with new styles delivered each week, demonstrating its commitment to the platform’s mission.

Andrea Iyamah, Emmy Kasbit, IAMISIGO, KikoRomeo, NKWO, Orange Culture, Lisa Folawiyo, Studio 189, Babayo, Cynthia Abila, Gozel Green, Maliko, Niuku, and Pepper Row are among the brands participating.

Omoyemi Akerele, the founder of Lagos Fashion Week, said of the inaugural collaboration, “We’re excited to be rolling out this collaboration with Industrie Africa under the Lagos Fashion Week Presents platform, which focuses on expanding access to market pathways for African brands.”

 

It also allows us to take advantage of a model that best combines the physical experiences of the Lagos runway shows and the emotions they evoke with opportunities for a global audience to shop some of the designers’ collections digitally after the show.”

“The inception of Industrie Africa in 2018 was predicated on a desire to grant intimate access to the continent’s exceptionally diverse designer landscape to the world at large,” said Nisha Kanabar, Founder and CEO of Industrie Africa.

We’re now taking this concept a step further by offering a limited-time opportunity to shop a curated selection of the newest Spring ’22 collections from Lagos Fashion Week’s electrifying 10th-anniversary runway. We can’t wait to see what our fashion-conscious Industrie Africa customers will gravitate toward from our biggest launch yet.”

The first phase of the Lagos Fashion Week X Industrie Africa is exclusively available on Industrie Africa.

Visit here for more information and to stay up to date on all things Lagos Fashion Week.

Content courtesy of Lagos Fashion Week, Industrie Africa & NFH

Naomi Campbell Celebrates Nigerian Fashion At A Runway Show In Dubai

Posted on by Fashion Police

DUBAI: British supermodel Naomi Campbell hit the runway in Dubai on Saturday as part of Arise Fashion Week, which celebrated the best of Nigerian fashion and music.

The event took place at Armani Hotel Dubai, against the backdrop of the glittering Burj Khalifa, Fashion labels such as Hudayya, Banke Kuku, and Odio Mimonet, showcased their latest collections, while singer Akon and rapper D’Banj performed for the crowd, Campbell modeled a series of vibrant looks, including a deep blue jumpsuit, patterned tunic, and floral printed suit.

Lagos is usually the home for Arise Fashion Week but there was a slight difference this year. As part of Nigeria’s Day at the ongoing Dubai Expo 2020, the show was transported to the tourist’s playground, alongside a bevy of Nigerian designers and their muses, who showcased their latest collections in front of the socially-distanced audience.

Set on Friday at the center of Dubai downtown in Armani Hotels, where the iconic Burj Khalifa is standing tall, the show started at 9 pm and ended at 11:30 pm. In the space of 2-hours and 30 minutes, guests were treated to a spectacular display of fashion created by some of Nigeria’s most celebrated designers, which includes Lisa Folawiyo, Ituen Basi, Keneth Ize, Huddaya, Odio Mimonet, Lanre Da Silva, Tzar Studios, Onalaja, Banke Kuku, Tj Who, and others.

Opening the one-night show was none other than Naomi Campbell who stomped the catwalk wearing a stunning design by Abuja-based label, Huddaya. As the original supermodel that she is, Naomi wowed the audience as she sashayed down the runway in a royal blue number.

The look comprised of a robe dress and pants which the British supermodel teamed with a pair of peep-toe heel sandals. Her long, straight hair also made a remarkable addition to the entire look as it continued to swing left and right.

She also walked for Banke Kuku wearing a beautiful lounge dress from the brand, as well as Keneth Ize’s patterned dress, There was also an exciting music performance by Wizkid who charged the audience to Afropop and Afrobeat music.

Speaking about the show, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, who represented the Nigerian president, said by hosting AFW in Dubai, the organizers were showcasing Nigerian fashion to the world.

“I’m very glad to be here to witness another landmark achievement for the country: the first ARISE Fashion Week in Dubai. A city described as the Jewel of the Middle East where the best of Nigeria’s fashion and entertainment have come out in full force to celebrate our great country on this day that marks Nigeria’s Day at the Dubai Expo 2020,” Adebayo said in a statement.

Content courtesy of NFH Digital Team 

Lagos Fashion Week 2021: The Future Starts Now

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

Following a pandemic-induced hiatus, Lagos Fashion Week is finally set to return from October 27th-October 30th at the Lagos Fashion Week Tents, Federal Palace Hotel.

#TheFutureStartsNow is the defining theme for this year’s edition which speaks to the need for a global fashion industry that preserves and conserves the environment and values people over profit.

The future of fashion for the next decade and for many more to come starts now. It begins with a community of rising talents springing up across the continent, and with a commitment from our ecosystem to adopt a functional fashion system that delivers environmental, societal, and economic solutions that are beneficial for all.

To kick-off the season, we spent time with designers Cynthia Abila, Pepperow, Studio IMO, Elfreda, Maliko, TJ Who, Babayo, GETO, and Vicnate, alongside their muses Angel Obasi, Saleema, Deola Adebiyi, Wole Babalola, and Abiola Sonaike, who shared with us, their imaginings on the future of fashion in Africa.

“The Future of Fashion to me means smart production/consumption, sustainability, innovation and technology’ – Omafume Niemogha

“The Future of Fashion to me is inclusivity; Everyone gets a seat at the table”- Samatha Adebayo

“The Future of Fashion is in the metaverse for me, a confluence of physical and virtual fashion” – Edwin Okolo

“The Future of Fashion is wearable technology: Smart and intelligent textiles/footwear and garments are fast becoming the new innovation” – Cynthia Abila

While Lagos Fashion Week returns to the physical tents at Federal Palace, this year’s edition will embrace a hybrid model with digital shows highlighting rising talents from across Africa as well as featuring a distinct exhibition of the selected designers’ collections.

Fashion Business Series, a platform designed to facilitate conversations with key stakeholders in the industry will hold digitally on 27th October 2021. Speakers include Aissa Dione, Busayo Olupaona, Chid Liberty, George Gachara, Laureen Kouassi-Olsson, Mariama Camara, Roberta Annan, Tammy Tinker, and Viola Labi amongst others.

This year, as part of our ongoing commitment, to facilitate new conversations and exchange of ideas surrounding sustainability in fashion in Nigeria and Africa, Lagos Fashion Week is teaming up with Fru Girls and PopSwap-a new digital community for the Global Fashion Exchange to host an inaugural digitally-enabled Swap Shop experience in Lagos which will take place from the 28th-30th of October.

Putting into practice the foundations of a circular economy that prioritizes reuse, reduce & recycle, Lagos Fashion Week will facilitate the exchange of pre-owned items through swapping, sharing, donating, and resale.

#LFW2021 Line-Up

● Fashion Business Series: 27th October 2021

● Digital & Offsite Shows: 28th October 2021

● Physical Runway Shows: 29th-30th October 2021

The countdown is officially on! It’s 7 days to go and the city of Lagos will once again come alive as Lagos Fashion Week returns in full force.

Campaign Shoot Credits:

Photography: Demola Mako
Creative direction: Chuchu Ojekwe
Produced by: Style House Files
Makeup: Wura Salvador
Hair: Lush Hair Nigeria
Muses: Angel Obasi, Deola Adebiyi, Saleema, Wole Babalola, Abiola Sonaike
Shoes: Shekudo, Maliko Studios
Jewelry: Milola Jewels
Models: Beth Modelling Agency (Natse Jeide, Chioma Tagbo )

Content courtesy of Lagos Fashion Week & Nairobi Fashion Hub 

What to Expect at AFI Fashion Week Johannesburg 2021

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

AFI stated that this year’s theme ‘Be You, Be Truly African’ will celebrate all the unique and multifaceted expressions of being African in a globalized world.

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“Incoming together, after a long period of isolation, we are presenting a renewed outlook on who we are and what makes us unique. Driven by lifestyle and fashion, the emerging and established designers will showcase their latest collections, having reimagined new trends to complement the new way of living,” AFI said.

Guests can expect an expressive blend of fashion, cuisine, cocktails, live music, and a 360-degree view of the city of Johannesburg. In-person and virtual guests can Shop the Runway with House of Nala, which has curated offerings from pan-African ready-to-wear and luxury brands. The Shop the Runway experience will travel to Durban and Cape Town, bringing fashion enthusiasts of African luxury fashion to their cities.

Growing on the success of last year’s event, AFI will again partner with Anglo American Platinum to showcase this year’s PlatAfrica Jewellery Design and Manufacture Competition finalists as part of AFI Fashion Week Joburg 2021.

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To book your spot online or in-person Click Here tickets are for sale and extremely limited.

Themed Be you, be truly African, this year’s hybrid showcase of African fashion by African Fashion International takes place from October 28 to 30 2021 at the recently launched Alto 234 – Africa’s highest urban bar on the 41st floor of the Leonardo building in Sandton, with magnificent views of Johannesburg.

AFI is renowned for hosting world-class fashion and lifestyle experiences, and guests can expect an expressive blend of fashion, cuisine, cocktails, live music, and a 360-degree view of the city of Joburg.

In-person and virtual guests can Shop the Runway with House of Nala, featuring curated offerings from pan-African ready-to-wear and luxury brands. The Shop the Runway Experience will travel to Durban and Cape Town, making African luxury fashion more accessible.

Emerging and established designers will showcase their latest collections, with a mission to reimagine lifestyles for our new ways of being.

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The final showcase is presented by David Tlale on Saturday, October 30.

AFI Fastrack is the national graduate fashion platform offered by African Fashion International. This developmental platform provides emerging designers with a marketing opportunity, showcasing a capsule collection at AFI fashion events with full production infrastructure.

An annual selection of five to 12 finalists is paired with an established designer mentor as they compete in a three-episode reality TV series.

The winner is awarded the title of Young Designer of the Year, start-up capital to invest in their business and a retail opportunity with AFI’s e-commerce platform and House of Nala Concept Store.

The young emerging designers on the AFI Fastrack program will showcase their final collections on day two of fashion week.

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PlatAfrica is again partnering with AFI, to showcase this year’s finalists’ pieces as part of 2021 Joburg Fashion Week 2021. The winners in the student/apprentice and professional categories, as well as the popular People’s Choice Award, will be announced during the virtual showcase event on October 29.

Content courtesy of African fashion international & Nairobi fashion hub 

Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) 2021

Posted on by Nairobi Fashion Hub

The largest annual African fashion event in Europe, Africa Fashion Week London, is back for Season 10!  Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) is Europe’s largest fashion event promoting and nurturing African and African-inspired design talent

With a collaborative catwalk, exhibition, and business development program, AFWL has led the way in highlighting Africa’s emerging designers and apparel industry and has been at the forefront of bringing awareness of Africa’s burgeoning fashion industry to the international market.  AFWL has hosted 9 catwalk events and contributed expertise to at least 10 more events produced by 3rd parties such as The Mayor of London’s Black History Month celebrations

We have also showcased over 900 emerging designers & exhibitors, from Africa, Europe, and America, to almost 75,000 visitors including buyers, retailers, influential industry professionals, and the media, and is now a highlight on the annual fashion calendar.

AFWL brings value to designers through, contacts, experience, and knowledge within the fashion community. With a core team made up of experienced fashion industry experts and business professionals, AFWL is committed to creating a platform for African and African inspired designers that not only showcases them to an international market but also supports them in building a sustainable business that is globally recognized and promotes social change in Africa.

About Africa Fashion Week London

AFWL has hosted seven catwalk events since its inception in 2011 and contributed expertise to more than 12 events produced by 3rd parties such as The Mayor of London’s Black History Month celebrations and the annual Africa Centre Summer Festival. We have also showcased over 900 emerging designers & exhibitors, from Africa, Europe, and America, to almost 80,000 visitors including buyers, retailers, influential industry professionals, and the media, and is now a highlight on the annual fashion calendar.

Content courtesy of Move Me Back and Nairobi Fashion Hub 

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

Posted on 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 

 

25 Black Models Who Shaped Fashion and Modeling History

Posted on 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.

Wauzine Cheza Kama Wewe One Project, Two Countries, Eleven Designers, Boundless Creativity

Posted on by Fashion Police

Creative DNA x Fashion Scout present WAUZINE – a digital showcase including three limited edition digital publications, featuring 11 emerging designers from Kenya, and bringing together cross-cultural collaborations between writers, illustrators and creative teams in both London and Nairobi.

The first of our three issues explores Nairobi’s myriad neighborhoods through a fashion story by photographer Maganga Mwagogo showcasing the bold and powerful work of our designers and an in-depth essay by Awuor Onyango revealing the cultural and social ley lines that underpin the Kenyan capital.

WAUZINE is designed and created by the team at Fashion Scout, with Helen Jennings, Co-founder and Editorial Director of Nataal Media as Features Editor and showcases exclusive photoshoots under the creative direction of Sunny Dolat, Fashion Curator and Co-founder of The Nest Collective.

As the UK partner of the British Council’s year-long Creative DNA programme, Fashion Scout is spearheading this online platform in order to give the designers visibility to a global audience whilst celebrating a diverse variety of voices and creativity.

Issue 002 will go live in January and Issue 003 will be live in February just before London Fashion Week when we will feature a Wauzine fashion film on the Fashion Scout’s digital schedule.

Wauzine Cheza Kama Wewe One Project, Two Countries, Eleven Designers, Boundless Creativity

Creative DNA programme supported by the British Council is focused on promoting alternative and innovative approaches to the global fashion system with the ambition of demonstrating that the fashion sector in Kenya is a professional choice for young people and a valuable contributor to the creative economy.

The programme conducted work in six major areas: Research and Insight, Policy and Advocacy, Business Support, NESTA Creative Enterprise Programme, Fashion Incubator as well as #FashionFridays

As part of the Fashion Incubator programme, British Council is working with local fashion designers in Kenya to boost the growth of a sustainable creative industry in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic through a programme aimed at developing their skills, knowledge and global networks.

Creative DNA project is delivered by the Kenyan partner, Metta Nairobi and the UK based partner Fashion Scout, 11 fashion businesses have been immersed in a 12- month incubator programme between February 2020 and February 2021 – including a business bootcamp, personalised mentoring, competitive seed funding and will be showcasing on Fashion Scout’s digital schedule during London Fashion Week.

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Creative Enterprise: the British Council offers individuals and organisations training in business and digital skills, networking events, access to new markets and connections to resources. You can read about the Creative Enterprise programme

Content courtesy of WAUZINE, British Council, HEVA Fund,  Fashion Scout, Mettā Nairobi & Nairobi fashion hub 

Winner Of African Kids Fashion Week is June Alaare Wisse a 7 years old Nigerian Dutch Model

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

A 7-year-old winner, June Wisse has emerged following this year’s African Kids Fashion Week competition; an event created to showcase the best of African fashion for children. The second runner ups ae Jayson Egbon and Oladeji Excel respectively.

This year’s edition themed the “SHOWCASE ” gave African kids the platform to showcase the best of African Fashion Inspired by the rich and diverse African culture with traditional fabrics in a creative and stylish way as organised by Smart Code Africa.

The competition was held virtually, where contestants with the highest likes and engagement online became the African Kids Fashion Week (Showcase) winner.

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In a statement made available to the press, the Creative Director of the event, Mr Ajibola Akande, said that the African Kids Fashion Week is an event created to showcase the best of African fashion for kids

“This years’ edition aims to build the attitude and develop personality for the young African to love and embrace African attires, ” he added.

Ajibola further explained the economic value of the project which is aimed at retaining the foreign exchange that goes out of Africa within Africa.

He said, “Billions of dollars goes out of Africa from the children fashion industry and one of the main objectives of the African Kids Fashion Week is to help retain those funds within Africa.

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“When the children grow up wearing African fashion, they will definitely stick to it when they are of age. Imagine all the children in African are wearing African fashion, you cannot imagine how much that will contribute into the Africa economy in respect to IGR.”

The event gave children between the ages of 4 to 12 years the opportunity to showcase the best of African Fashion Inspired by the rich and diverse culture in Africa.

The online event started with an entry which started on the 9th of August and closed on the 22nd of August. Voting started on the 23rd of August and ended on the 29th of August 2020. The voting was filled with interesting activities as contestants scramble for votes from all over the world. Some Nigerian celebrities also joined in the competition by endorsing their chosen candidates to win the competition via the Instagram platform @africankidsfashionweek.

This year’s African Kids Fashion Week was powered by Smartcode Africa and was supported by Mobiwura Children Fragrance, Afrikayla, wonder child for kids, Wealahkids among other top kids designers

Content Courtesy of This Day Live & Nairobi fashion hub 

Top 10 Fashion Shows Events In The World

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

The fashion industry provides the world with a full calendar of fashion show events from across the world. From runway shows to trade shows, the fashion world knows how to keep busy. But which events are not to be missed? As most things in the world, not all fashion events are created equal. Some events just top the hot list year after year.

Here is a list of the top ten annual fashion events to attend, or at least dream of attending don’t forget to add them your bucket list.

1. Paris Fashion Week

The greatest of all fashion shows, it is one of the most celebrated fashion weeks held in bi-annually in Paris one of the four fashion capitals of the world. The event is held to showcase Spring-Summer and Autumn-Winter collections at the respective times of each year. Many of the notables in the fashion industry, as well as the well-known connoisseurs of fashion attend the event to view the designs.

Some of the famous designers who place their latest creations on display include Dior, Paul Smith, Louis Vuitton, Nina Ricci, Lanvin, Julien David, Barbara Bui, Jean Paul Gaultier, Vivienne Westwood, Givenchy, Alexander McQueen, Chanel, Valentino, Miu Miu

2. New York Fashion Week

New York Fashion Week is a biannual event which occurs in February and September of each in New York, one of the primary fashion capitals around the globe. The New York Fashion Week event is considered to be among the four major fashion weeks in the world next to London, Milan, and Paris.

The event is attended by some of the biggest fashion names in the industry including Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Dianne von Furstenberg, Tommy Hilfiger, Herve Leger, Brooks Brothers, Alexander Wang, and many more. It was established in the early 1940s and was the first fashion event across the world. The purpose of the event is showcase American fashions which ordinarily play a secondary role to French designs.

3. Milan Fashion Week

Milan Fashion Week (Italian: Settimana della moda) is a clothing trade show held semi-annually in Milan, Italy. The autumn/winter event is held in February/March of each year, and thespring/summer event is held in September/October of each year. An event of glitz and glamour in Milan, Italy among the big Four Fashion Capitals around the world, the Milan Fashion Week occurs bi-annually like its counterparts every year.

It is scheduled in the months of February-March for the Spring Summer Collection and September- October for the Autumn Winter Collection. It begun in the year 1958 and since has been counted as one of the most illustrious shows the world over. Prestigious fashion houses are part of this event which includes Dolce & Gabanna, Roberto Cavalli, Gucci, and Prada among others.

4. London Fashion Week

London Fashion Week is one of the primary four fashion week events around the globe which takes place bi- annually during February and September. The event showcases the latest trends and designs in womenswear and is attended by top designers and fashion houses in the industry who flock to the event to exhibit their latest creations.

It was launched in the early 1980s and is organised by the British Fashion Council discussed earlier.

Some of the designer fashions on exhibit include Antonio Berardi, Alexander White, Burberry, Beth Gilmour, Christopher Kane, Claire Barrow, David Koma, Eudon Choi, Erdem, Finlay & Co., Giles, Holly Fulton, Jasper Conran, Kevin Geddes, Lucilla Gray, Margaret Howell, Noel Stewart, Osman, Simone Rocha, Vivienne Westwood, and many more.

5. Berlin Fashion Week

Berlin Fashion Week is a relatively new event which takes place at Brandbenburg Gate each year during the months of January and July. The event was initiated in 2007 with the purpose of showcasing up and coming designer’s creations. Berlin Fashion Week is a collaborative effort of the Berlin Senate and the Berlin Partner GmbH, the central contact agency for overseeing new operations and foreign trade to promote Berlin as a business hub. The event is sponsored by Mercedes-Benz which also sponsors a series of other fashion industry events.

Since the establishment of the Berlin Fashion Week event almost a decade ago, the event has gained international status for many new and upcoming designers. The designers are bringing their fashions to the Berlin capital in an effort to get started on their way in the highly competitive fashion industry. Attendees can view fashions from designers such as Dorothee Schumacher, Ewa Herzog, Fyodor Golan, Emre Ernemoglu, and more.

6. Australian Fashion Week

The Australian Fashion Week is an annual event held in the country which aims to feature the works of fashion houses and designers from the Australian and Asia Pacific regions. It was first held in the year 1995. This event brings the designers and the retail buyers under one roof and helps the latter to purchase the latest in fashion from them.

Some of the noted Fashion names associated with this event include Lisa Ho, Alex Perry, Zimmermann, Toni Maticevski, Leona Edmiston, J’Aton Couture, Ericaamerica and more.

7. Dubai Shopping Festival

Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) started on 16 February 1996 as a retail event intended to benefit retail trade in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It has since been promoted as a tourist attraction.It is an annual month-long event, usually scheduled during the first quarter of the year, and attracts about 3 million people to Dubai.

Over the 30 day period, visitors have access to the best fashion brands from around the world with special deals and promotions, in addition to attending a variety of arts and cultural events. The events take place in the Mall of the Emirates and include The International Festival of Fashion Photography from Cannes which is an extraordinary showcase of the latest beauty and fashion photography in large format by notable fashion photographers.

You can also experience events such as The Diamond Fashion Show by Dhamani which features notable jewellery designers who showcase their exquisite designs against a sparkling Burj Khalifa backdrop. The Dubai Shopping Festival website is a great place to discover more interesting fashion events during this annual extravaganza.

8. Tokyo Fashion Week

The Japanese are known for excelling in whatever they do. Fashion is not an area where they are lagging in any respect. The Tokyo Fashion Week is an event which has steadily climbed up the charts of popularity over the years.

The styles and trends showcased are bold and often very experimental. Some of the most unusual fashion trends have come out into the world through the Tokyo Fashion Week and it wouldn’t be a surprise if this event slowly becomes one of the best in the industry.

9. Africa Fashion Week London

Founded in 2011 by Ronke Ademiluyi, Africa Fashion Week London ( AFWL ) is Europe’s largest fashion event promoting and nurturing African and African-inspired design talent ,with a collaborative catwalk, exhibition and business development program, AFWL has led the way in highlighting Africa’s emerging designers and apparel industry and has been at the forefront of bringing awareness of Africa’s burgeoning fashion industry to the international market.

Since 2011, AFWL has hosted 8 catwalk events and contributed expertise to at least 10 more events produced by 3rd parties such as The Mayor of London’s Black History Month celebrations, they  have also showcased over 800 emerging designers & exhibitors, from Africa, Europe and America, to almost 70,000 visitors including buyers, retailers, influential industry professionals, and the media and is now a highlight on the annual fashion calendar.

AFWL brings value to designers through, contacts, experience and knowledge within the fashion community, with a core team made up of experienced fashion industry experts and business professionals, AFWL is committed to creating a platform for African and African inspired designers that not only showcases them to an international market, but also supports them in building a sustainable business that is globally recognized and promotes social change in Africa.

10. Los Angeles Fashion week

Los Angeles Fashion Week takes place twice, annually in numerous locations throughout the Los Angeles area. Currently, three event producers hold multiple day runway shows concurrent with Market Week (also known as LA Fashion Market).

While there are several productions that take place throughout the county of Los Angeles, a number of city officials, including Mayor Eric Garcetti and District 14 council member Jose Huizar, have awarded event organizers LAFW the official event status

CFDA Fashion Awards

The CFDA Fashion Awards, also known as the Fashion industry Oscars, this annual event recognizes individuals in the American Fashion Industry with awards for design excellence and extraordinary accomplishments in journalism and creative vision, according to the CFDA.

There is also a lifetime achievement given each year. But the highlight of this award show is of course the red carpet. Stars and industry people dress to impress in the best of high fashion. It is not only an event; it is a star studded runway show.

Fashion shows debut every season, particularly the Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter seasons,this is where the latest fashion trends are made.

Content courtesy of Nairobi fashion hub Digital Team

 

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