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Saturday 11th of January 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 

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