Wednesday 6th of May 2026

Nairobi, Kenya

Tag: African Fashion

The Folklore Connect and Lagos Fashion Week collaborate on the SS23 Digital Buyer’s Preview.

Posted on by Fashion Tribe Influencer

The Folklore Connect, a wholesale e-commerce platform, and Lagos Fashion Week have teamed up to create an innovative Spring/Summer Digital Buyer’s Preview as part of their access to market initiatives.
The Folklore Connect at Lagos Fashion Week, which opened yesterday, October 11, and will run through October 14, will give retailers an opportunity to pre-order items from brands like Orange Culture, Gozel Green, Abiola Olusola, Oré, Cute-Saint, Onalaja, Kadiju, Kiko Romeo, and Fia Factory before Lagos Fashion Week even begins.

Retailers can apply to participate in the event using The Folklore Connect’s tech-driven B2B platform, browse the participating companies indicated above, and choose a preferred time slot for a virtual appointment to meet the designers and view the Spring/Summer 2023 collections.

The collaboration with Folklore aims to guarantee that both known and up-and-coming fashion businesses from Africa are represented in the international market season, which ordinarily ends before collections are formally introduced at Lagos Fashion Week at the end of October.
The digital event will make it easier for The Folklore’s international retail partners to place bulk orders, furthering the company’s goal of empowering different brands from Africa and other markets by utilizing cutting-edge software and technology.

Through this collaboration, Lagos Fashion Week reaffirms its dedication to creating a stage for African creatives to exhibit their talent and capitalize on a globalized commercial landscape with a strategy that heralds collaboration, grassroots community impact, and co-creation, which is the cornerstone for constructing a sustainable fashion future.

With its attempts to assist, bolster, and advance the fashion sector, Lagos Fashion Week remains a pioneer.
The yearly event offers a physical platform that gradually repositions fashion as a helpful tool for trade and innovation in Africa, beyond the runway.

Kenyan brand Lilabare, a brand partner for our upcoming Lagos Fashion Week exclusive Buyer’s Preview, designs and creates elegant, functional clothing using recycled fabrics and textiles sourced from manufacturing excess, to ensure that no resources end up wasted.

With ancient spinning, weaving and dyeing techniques, Lilabare’s sustainably made collections of tunics, dresses, coordinating sets and outerwear are brought to life by artisans in the brand’s Nairobi atelier.

Content courtesy of Lagos Fashion Week, The Folklore Connect & NFH

DFW 2022 Themed “Celebrating Culture & Fabric Manipulation”: How Delight Fashion Week Unfolded at Delight Tailoring Fashion Design School In Nairobi

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

Delight Fashion Week (DFW) is one of the Kenyan biggest fashion events.
Held in October each year, the event celebrates emerging Kenyan fashion designers’ and models’ collections, showcasing them to the world, this year’s theme was “Celebrating Culture & Fabric Manipulation”
DFW is also a hotspot for celebrities, who are spotted attending runways for inspiration, the event was hosted by Azeezah Hashim and Co-Host  by Jemimah Nempiris
This year, October’s DFW ran from October 3 – 7. Receiving over 50k online mentions during the event, this year’s Delight  Fashion Week has been the most discussed since 2020. So, what got fans talking?

Designers & Models

A total of 60 students participated in Delight Fashion Week 2022, showcasing and modeling one item from each of their individual designs.
The list of student designers from Delight Fashion and Design Tailoring School who debuted their collection on October 7, 2022, below is the list of designers and models.

Delight Fashion Week 2022: Student’s Single Piece Presentation as per the categories.

Designers & Models Group A
1. Rose Alinda
2. Joyce Mwangi(Mudafa)
3. Stancey Norah
4. Juventer Awuor
5. Sharon Muriithi
6. Joy Nyaga
7. Janis Koki
8. Jheria Mohammed
9. Emelda Akinyi

Designers & Models Group B
1. Lucy Ndanu
2. Jeanette Nyapela
3. Stacy Agnes
4. Stecy Jane
5. Regina Wothaya
6. Sarafina Julius
7. Ashley Nereah
8. Sylvia Nduta

Designers & Models Group C
1. Moreen Oroma
2. Mercy Nga’ng’a
3. Teresia Kirika
4. Amy Mbinya
5. Rosemary Munguti
6. Oreu Nadupoi
7. Gladys Wambui
8. Cynthia Kimaiga

Designers & Models Group D
1. Grace Waithera
2. Celine Sangwa
3. Teckla Mukami
4. Keziah Githinji
5. Jacqueline Alivizda
6. Sephora Naruba
7. Mercy Wangoi
8. Grace Baraka

Designers & Models Group E
1. Sandra Kalama
2. Amina Arif
3. Trizah Akoth
4. Nyandeng’ Priscilla
5. Vicky Mumo
6. Elizabeth Adhieu Makuach
7. Jedina Nyarinda
8. Stella Amwayi

Designers & Models Group F
1. Lucy Ngolo
2. Nyibol Mary
3. Maggy Kibe
4. Maureen Akinyi
5. Sylvia Mwagongo
6. Joyce Chepkorir
7. Joyce Kinuthia
8. Risper Msembe
​​​​​​​
Designers & Models Group G
1. Richard Mwangi
2. Samuel Poisa
3. Peter Kariuki
4. Abdinoor
5. Sammy Finest
6. David Dimba
7. Jaebet Twite

Miriam Kanama talks about sustainable and eco-friendly fashion and “recycling”, The collection by Demitu Toje, Raissa Ipollo, and Brenda Lemama focused on East African culture.

Global cultures were the focus of Joyce Wanja and Brenda Mwendwa’s collection.

The Invited Guest Designers

Crocheted items are made by Stickning Creations, and pieces made of bamboo and bottle caps are made by Ottyman Arts (Dan).

The Celebrities Guests.

  1. Carol Ng’ang’a Founder and Creative at Crafts With Meaning.
  2. Ashok Sunny CEO and Founder at Ashok Sunny Tailored.
  3. Lucy Rao Founder and Creative Designer at Rialto Fashions.
  4. Mercy Wilson Director at JW Show.
  5. Brightstar Kasyoka CEO Of Star Tailored Designs.
  6. Bevern Oguk CEO and Creative Designer at BOGUK.
  7. Musa Oyoo Founder at Terra Models Management Mombasa.
  8. Royd Bosire Founder at Entrepreneur Fashion Week.
  9. Branice Mayienga Head of Membership Services at Kenya National Chamber Of Commerce & Industry.
  10. Purity Manga Director at Pureza Beauty PALOUR.
The Round-Up
As with most live events, such as Delight Fashion Week, there is always a lively discussion going on online.
Brands may benefit from providing coverage of live events in order to gain exposure in a widely publicized conversation.
Furthermore, influencer marketing is more popular than ever. Brands can increase the impact of their campaigns with a much larger audience by utilizing influencers who have an engaged fanbase.
Don’t miss out on the next Delight Fashion Week which will be held on 13th-19th October 2023 marked your calendar and stay tuned for more of the talents from Delight Tailoring Fashion Design School.

About Delight Tailoring Fashion & Design School
The Peak of Sartorial Excellence: Preparing the Next Generation of Elite Tailors, The highest standard for training tailors By educating aspiring tailors to the greatest standards possible, the School seeks to safeguard, promote, and expand the value of bespoke tailoring.
For those looking to get the advanced knowledge, expertise, and experience necessary for work in reputable tailoring companies throughout the world or to start their own businesses, the School offers a singular chance. Graduates of this program will be equipped with the knowledge and abilities necessary to find a satisfying job in the tailoring industry.

Additionally, the school provides group Master Classes and Professional Workshops, which are perfect for people looking to improve their tailoring abilities in specific areas.

The School’s curriculum emphasizes the ancient techniques of soft-structured hand-craft tailoring, as well as cutting and fitting in accordance with body shape for style, elegance, and comfort. It is provided by highly educated Master Tailors.
For inquiries, call us at +254 722 533 771.

Content courtesy of Delight Fashion Week & NFH 

Qatar Creates and EMERGE: Naomi Campbell and Qatar Collaborate To Host The Emerge Initiative

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

Under the patronage of Her Excellency Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani and co-hosted by the spokesperson and founder of EMERGE, Qatar Creates will host a fashion show and VIP dinner. EMERGE is a global charitable initiative devoted to uniting the fashion and creative industries as a force for good. Powered by global supermodel Naomi Campbell and Fashion For Relief.

On October 28, at Ceremonial Court in Education City, a charity gala and fashion show will be held to support alternative education and investments in young creative and business talent from developing regions, with a focus on Africa, the Diaspora, and developing communities all over the world.

 

Fashion For Relief is an organization that unites the international fashion, entertainment, design, and music industries to raise money for a variety of worthwhile causes and humanitarian crises while promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities for all.
It was founded in 2005 and was inspired by Naomi Campbell’s friendship with Nelson Mandela, the former president of South Africa.
Through their new initiative EMERGE, the event will welcome the biggest personalities in the fashion and creative industries to Doha this year.
Through this effort, new apprenticeships, after-school programs, and university programs will be developed with an emphasis on creative and alternative industries, including general education, fashion, technology, art, agriculture, and environmental innovations.

A big Couture Show will follow three major events that makeup EMERGE. The Fashion Exhibit will highlight a number of celebrated award-winning fashion designers from Africa, the Diaspora, and the Middle East, including Thebe Magugu, Bianca Saunders, and Abdel El Tayeb, while the Art Exhibit will focus on prominent and well-regarded young artists, led by art masters like Kehinde Wiley or Victor Ehikhamenor.
Following a discussion on the value of creativity in business between Naomi Campbell, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa, and Kehinde Wiley, the creative and business event EMERGE Talk will bring together top professionals to examine the future of alternative sectors.

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The brains behind Qatar Creates, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, stated: “With the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM, we stand at the verge of an incredible moment for our area.
It is up to us to seize this opportunity and focus the world’s attention on issues that affect marginalized people all across the world.
I appreciate EMERGE joining us, and I have faith that we can take advantage of this chance to uplift and empower people who most need it while setting cultural milestones.

A fashion presentation by well-known designers will be presented at the ticketed charity gala, which will also include an auction and a VIP dinner. Kate Moss, Jane Fonda, Beyoncé, and models Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner, and Winnie Harlow have all walked in the benefit show in the past. The occasion will feature gifted award-winning designers from the Middle East, the Diaspora, and Africa.

The EMERGE gala is one of a record-breaking number of high-profile events that Qatar Creates has planned for the opening of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM and beyond. The executive director of Qatar Creates, Saad Al Hudaifi, praised this significant development in the organization’s quest to become a platform for culture and entertainment, saying:

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As curators of the most interesting activities and events for our nation, it is Qatar Creates’ duty to promote cultural exchange.
The EMERGE gala is a major event in our calendar that also serves as a high point for the global fashion and creative sectors, giving us the chance to work together on topical projects that have a real positive impact on other people.

Through Qatar Creates, you may get tickets for the event. Through the Qatar Creates site, One Pass holders can take advantage of privileged access and discounts.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CkLZQyJDxmT/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Visit www.qacreates.com for more details on Qatar Creates and the One Pass.

 

African Fashion Show: DC Fashion Week Celebrates Its 37th Season

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

After celebrating its 37th season over four nights and showcasing models, designers, entrepreneurs, and guests, DC Fashion Week came to a conclusion. Menswear, Emerging Designers, and Couture designs by a broad group of creatives from both local and foreign origins showcase the multifaceted centrality of Washington, DC.

Williams, a native of Chicago, was inspired to create the semi-annual DCFW trade fairs by his professional experiences in the years after moving to Washington, D.C.
“I began my career as a model and actor before venturing into designing and beginning to produce. And as a designer, I wanted to increase awareness of our brand, Williams recalled.

“At the time, DC lacked a single reputable trade fair that truly displayed fashion, so I started fashion week,” the author said.
His expertise in managing the DC fashion market for more than 20 years was made clear by the 36 seasons that preceded the most recent DCFW.
A Menswear Collections show showcasing brands like Andrew Nowell Menswear, Earle Bannister, The Debonaire Club Clothiers, and Obioma Fashion marked the beginning of the Spring/Summer designer showcases.

The Friday, September 23 display was a significant departure from conventional ideas of masculinity in clothing, both formal and informal. The variety of shapes, patterns, and tales was inspired by experimentation and playfulness.
The menswear presentation showcased diversity and inventiveness in both models and designs, from Andrew Nowell’s silver-blue jacquard short set to Earle Bannister’s wool animal-eared masks.

The 37th season’s opening fashion show is taking place. William’s explained the significance he placed on the event: “We’re one of the few big fashion weeks that still has an exclusive menswear collection presentation that’s really important to me.

Designers from Saturday’s Emerging Designers Showcase, who ranged in age from nine to eighty and many of whom were DC residents paying respect to their homeland, used their creations to share their stories, bring attention to social issues, and acknowledge history and culture. History was the focus of one designer team’s collection, led by Coco Wright and Adisa Bomani of Coco Bomani.

Bomani means “warrior,” while Coco means “chocolate. The idea that slaves were the origin of all fashion was the idea behind Coco.
Without cotton, there would be no textile industry, thus we pay respect to everyone who helped bring Ean to this place, including your parents, ancestors, and your mother’s mother’s mother.

The individuals who brought you here are represented by what you wear from Coco Bomani, according to Bomani, who unveiled the brand’s cutting-edge and detailed creations.
When displaying her varied ‘My Closet’ collection, Delight Dzansi, CEO and creative director of alkeBULAN and a graduate of the University of Maryland had a similar concept for her brand’s target market.

In order to provide ethnic clothing for Africans and people of African origin worldwide while also generating employment, alkeBULAN was founded in 2018.
Designer Aje’Ne Thomas of the Accept All Love All company created a palette of vibrant colors specifically for people who struggle with sadness and anxiety.

Briscoe Nero, the designer of Fedele Nero, devoted his collection to his hometown in Washington, DC, by accentuating designs with local cues like the cherry blossom branches that ran along the seams of some of his outfits.
Creatives had a forum to promote the topics and cultures they care about thanks to the Emerging Designers presentation.

The crowd felt opulent on the final night of festivities when International Couture ensembles were unveiled. While some labels, including Williams’ Corjor International, Eryn Boggs, and Troy Anthony made their only weekend appearance on the final night, others, like Obioma Fashion, recategorized themselves for comebacks.

Content courtesy of The Hilltop Online, DC Fashion Week & NFH

 

Fashion Show: The “Mud Show” From Balenciaga Summer 2023 Dared To Delve Into The Vanity Of Fashion.

Posted on by Fashion Police

When it comes to its presentations during Paris Fashion Week, Demna’s Balenciaga never fails to put on a groundbreaking, attention-grabbing runway display.
Earlier occurrences included the emotive Winter 2022 show in the French capital, a red carpet presentation for SS22, and an episode of The Simpsons for the same latter season.
Earlier occurrences included the emotive Winter 2022 show in the French capital, a red carpet presentation for SS22, and an episode of The Simpsons for the same latter season.

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The glitterati that has gathered in Paris for Spring/Summer 2023 was excited about Balenciaga and eagerly expecting today’s show in light of this.
Was it going to be another star-studded runway like the 51st Couture show, which featured Christine Quinn, Kim Kardashian, Nicole Kidman, Dua Lipa, and Naomi Campbell, or was Demna going to buck conventions & spin the story in an unexpected way?

Balenciaga did precisely the latter for SS23. It appears that Demna is up to his antics once more after being invited with Natalia Antunes’ misplaced pocketbook, the identity of whom now sets the tone for a mysterious Balenciaga presentation.
Such encoded language has impacted earlier presentations, like Winter 2022, which examined consumption, and Balenciaga’s takeover of Wall Street, which featured a pile of fake cash.
What’s up with the Balenciaga wallet that was found and lost by “The Mud Show”?
The runway will be the only judge.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CjP67NnrtMG/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Driving miles outside of the Parisian city center, Demna also defies fashion week conventions by not having a local presentation. This is an effort that shouldn’t be dismissed because a Balenciaga show frequently ends up being the season’s high point.

In terms of “The Mud Show,” that is. Christine Quinn, Kylie Jenner, Khloe Kardashian, North West, Anna Wintour, et al., as well as hundreds of other attendees, sat in a warehouse that was engulfed in a mudslide.
Ahead was a mud hole that was 20 feet deep, cavernous, undulating in texture and height, and had several pools and puddles of water. The walls and some areas of the floor were covered in a thick wash of black mud.
While the high fashion crowd’s luxury Balenciaga coats and pointed heels slid through the sloppy materials, the area was filled with a swampy odor.

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Demna mentions identity and self-expression in his concert notes and stresses how wonderful it is to stand out from the crowd. Additionally, he asserts that “fashion loves labels and packaging more than anything else. Who cares if it’s luxurious, not luxurious, street, couture, nice, awful, buzzy, or viral? It’s limiting and a bit outdated to categorize fashion as polished, exclusive, and visually expensive.

Demna concludes by saying that he “decided to no longer speak my designs and explain my collections, but to depict a state of mind… This show’s set serves as a metaphor for seeking the truth and staying grounded. Let’s make love, not war, and let everyone be who they want to be.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CjQAK65KKcu/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The show couldn’t have been more natural if it tried, keeping that in mind. Models (including Bella Hadid) followed in full force and with a drive to push on, splashing into the deep mud and water after Kanye, who was wearing a complete security outfit.
In other places, infants were carried around in Balenciaga harnesses, tops were glittering, and others were made of latex with 404 error messages.
Teddy bears became handheld accessories, another bag was transformed into a wearable in the shape of a glove, and Demna’s widely shared Lays chip bag was transformed into a pochette.

Dresses ranged from active neck-hanging pieces to glitter bombs made of lamé that were pleated and dragged in the mud. In addition to a host of new track-like shoes and the reintroduction of the Knife Boot, glitter was used to dazzle on chunky platform clog versions of the Space Shoe.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CjP-xtnKRQK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

In conclusion, Demna sent out a Le Cagole outfit. This entire leather garment was adorned with Le Cagole-isms, bag handles, and swinging ornaments dangling from the body, just like the boots and the bag that give it its name.

Content courtesy of  Hyper Beast & NFH

 

Kenya Fashion: The Return Of Nairobi Fashion Week After A Four-year Hiatus.

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

The Concord Hotel and Suites will host Nairobi Fashion Week’s fourth season, called “Mama Afrika,” on November 26.

Every 1900 to 2200 hours on both days, six designers from various nations, including the Netherlands, will present their original works.
I’m thrilled to reveal this year’s display.

Nairobi Fashion Week will present the newest collections for the season at Sarit Expo Center in November as it returns after a four-year hiatus.
From November 25 to November 27, 25 designers will present their newest offerings.
The countries they hail from include Kenya, South Africa, Togo, Benin, the United States, Nigeria, Ghana, Angola, Zimbabwe, Namibia, the Ivory Coast, and Switzerland.

As we constantly strive to accomplish more and provide both our clients and guests with satisfying entertainment, it will be better than the last. According to Joseph Brian, the founder of NFW, we have five designers from Kenya this year, the others are from Africa, and one is from the Netherlands.

Pop-up exhibitions will also be part of the two-day event, allowing visitors to meet designers and exhibitors before the show at any time.

Since NFW’s beginning in 2013, this year has marked the sixth season.
NFW has established itself as a welcoming environment over the years for both aspiring and established designers as well as fashion fans, according to founder and creative director James Brian.

In order to establish an ecosystem between stockists and designers, he said, “our objective is to promote Nairobi as a fashion district in Africa.”

With a variety of culturally inspired content from Kenya and beyond on exhibit under the adaptable topic “Blueprint,” this year’s event will guarantee a global place.

According to Brian, the theme aims to vividly depict the cultural landmarks and experiences of the designers through their unique works.

“A stunning collection of themes-appropriate designs will be displayed. The occasion offers elegance with meaning.
The fashion, art, textile, and industrial industries will all be impacted in addition to providing a fertile environment for vocations to flourish.”
Chema Chetu Leather’s Eva Wanjiru, a Kenyan designer, expressed excitement for the exhibit.

“I’m meeting other designers for the first time, and I’m looking forward to doing the same for other fashion fans.”
A portion of the money made from the sale of tickets for Nairobi Fashion Week will go toward helping people with oesophageal cancer.

The Kenyatta University Teaching, Research, and Referral Hospital Cancer Center will ensure that we have a good impact on the community, according to Brian.

Content courtesy NFW & NFH

On Africa’s Largest Red Carpet And With The Theme “The Awakening,” The Abryanz Style & Fashion Awards 2022 Recognize And Honor African Fashion Industry Leaders.

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

Abryanz Style And Fashion Awards 2022 Categories Released.

In Uganda, Kampala (19th September 2022). The timer has started counting down to Africa’s greatest fashion event! We are thrilled to present the Abryanz Style & Fashion Awards 2022’s official categories today.
The new ASFAs 8th edition categories, which are categorized into 5 aspects, honor a new era of fashion and reflect the new satiety in the creative African fashion field. The Abryanz Style & Fashion Awards 2022 will be broadcast LIVE from the Kampala Serena Hotel on Friday, December 16, 2022.

“Africa has gained a new type of synergy over the past two years. According to ASFAs CEO Brian Ahumuza, this year’s theme, The Awakening, “suggests we are going into a new wave of undeniable African excellence.” “We have envisioned and reenvisioned the occasion.
To honor how far we have gone and where we are heading, the 2022 ASFAs will bring together game-changing players from the past, present, and future on one red carpet and in one space.

Below is an explanation of the 5 category elements;

  • Honorary Awards:- These are the most prestigious awards given in recognition of individuals with extraordinary achievements and exceptional contributions to the African fashion industry. Honorary Awards are not voted for by the public, they are designated by the ASFA Board.

 

  • Designer Awards:- The designer awards honour creative excellence in the business of fashion design. The Awards celebrate brands, businesses and personalities that have significantly advanced the fashion industry through their work. The award winners are decided through public voting and internal deliberations by the ASFA Board.

 

  • Fashion Awards:- The fashion awards categories celebrate visionaries who have become major drivers in fashion by fostering business and public perception through innovative approaches to fashion, style and design. The award winners are decided through public voting and internal deliberations by the ASFA Board.

 

  • Music in Fashion:- The Music in Fashion award categories focus on the fashionable aspect of the music industry. The awards emphasize the role of fashion in music and celebrate those who have creatively merged both worlds. The award winners are decided through public voting and internal deliberations by the ASFA Board.

 

  • Fashion Personalities:- The awards honour personalities for their futuristic approach to fashion through the way they have presented themselves. The award winners will be decided through public voting and internal deliberations by the ASFA board.

The winners of the “Abryanz Style & Fashion Awards” 2022 awards are chosen in part by the general public and the ASFA Voting Academy, which is made up of a distinguished group of fashion industry experts in the fields of modeling, fashion design, film, public relations, influencers, and creative arts.
The full list of ASFA 2022 categories is here;

Honorary Awards
1. Life Time Achievement Award
2. Icon Award
3. ASFA Visionary Award
4. Award for Positive Change
5. Best Fashion Business Contributor Diaspora
6. Trailblazer Award
7. Fashion Influencer Award

Designer Awards
8. Designer of the Year Africa – AFRICA & UGANDA
9. African Fashion Brand of the Year – AFRICA
10. Business Maverick of the Year – AFRICA & UGANDA
11. Model of the Year – AFRICA
12. Emerging Designer of the Year Menswear – AFRICA
13. Emerging Designer of the Year Womenswear – AFRICA
14. Beauty Brand of the Year – AFRICA & UGANDA
15. Emerging Fashion Brand – UGANDA

Fashion Awards
16. Makeup Artist of the Year – AFRICA & UGANDA
17. Hair Artist of the Year – AFRICA & UGANDA
18. Stylist of the Year – AFRICA & UGANDA
19. Image Maker of the Year – AFRICA
20. Fashion Journalism Excellence Award – AFRICA

Music In Fashion Awards
21. Fashionable Music Video Award – AFRICA & UGANDA
22. Stylish Artist of the Year – MALE & FEMALE | AFRICA & UGANDA

Fashion Personalities Awards
24. Fashionista of the Year – MALE & FEMALE | AFRICA & UGANDA
25. Best Dressed Guest – ALL GUESTS PRESENT
26. Most Stylish Personality – MALE & FEMALE | AFRICA & UGANDA

The Abryanz Style & Fashion Awards 2022, with the theme “The Awakening,” honor and celebrate African fashion industry leaders on Africa’s largest red carpet.
The general audience is requested to go at the aforementioned awards and consider which category best reflects their interests.
Nominations will open soon; check Abryanz official channels frequently for updates.

Content courtesy of Abryanz Style & Fashion Awards & NFH

East African-inspired Luxury Streetwear Is Brought To “Fusion” By Mn Designers.

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

Numerous regional designers are featured in “Energy Gear x Ramadhan Designs Presents Fusion,” a haute fashion show that fuses traditional and modern styles.
MINNEAPOLIS “Fashion has always been a passion of mine.”

Ramadhan “Rammy” Mohamed, the founder of Ramadhan Designs and one of the two designers emceeing Thursday’s Fusion event for Fashion Week MN, claims that she was first motivated to pursue her love while a young girl by seeing her uncle sew clothing for women in East Africa.

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Mohamed, an Oromo immigrant who now resides in St. Paul, is prepared to debut her most recent line of couture garments with an East African flair. She warns that the new decline will likely be “unexpected.”

Very seductive but timeless. You’ll most likely see a lot of crop tops and fabric manipulation, said Mohamed.
Mike Byers, the creator of the upscale streetwear brand Energy Gear, will collaborate with Mohamed on this occasion. Byers said he believes the term for which he called his business manifests in his creations.

“I believe that the word ‘energy’ denotes a great deal. It denotes wellbeing and good health. It represents who you are and who you associate with. It denotes what you think and how you behave as well as what you allow to enter your thoughts.
I think it stands for a lot of things,” Byers added.

The Thursday presentation will include a fusion of the two design houses’ individual aesthetics, displaying Byers’ contemporary and futuristic streetwear alongside Mohamed’s exquisite, intricate, and ecological couture.

The event will take place at Jaguar Land Rover Minneapolis among premium vehicles as a parallel to the classic-modern idea.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CgtJWZpqrRT/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Old school, antique automobiles still have a lot of value, according to Byers, but there are also brand-new, ultra-modern, ultra-futuristic, fast cars that are valuable.
The street representation in the current automobiles and the couture representation in the vintage, old-school cars, I believe, is another element that we want to use and highlight.

Mohamed, who this year produced a collection that was 100% waste-free, is thrilled to share her concept for sustainability through a beautiful mashup of fine fabrics in unusual hues and textures. She claims that not a single piece of cloth was wasted. She hopes that her designs would strike a chord with her neighbors. She has drawn inspiration throughout her adult life from “a child at the State Fair” to “someone across the world in East Africa.”

I attended fashion school because I wanted to give Minnesotans options and apparel, she added. Very stylish, cozy, and, of course, perfectly suited to Minnesota’s climate. I wish to contribute in some way to the revitalization of art production in our city for the benefit of our people.

Although the apparel is what is being displayed at Fusion, Byers continues, the designers couldn’t have brought their collections to life without assistance from the community.

This is how genuine cooperation between communities, our demographics, and our variety looks like, he remarked. “We work with models of all ages and sizes. We simply like to demonstrate what actual community collaboration looks like because that’s the vibe we want to project.
Fusion by Energy Gear x Ramadhan Designs kicks off on Thursday at 6 p.m. with beverages, a pop-up store, and a DJ. Beginning at 7 o’clock comes the fashion show with Energy Gear, Ramadhan Designs, Rashidat Akangbe Enifeni, Venci, and Generation Bliss.

Content courtesy of Ramadhan Designs & NFH

DStv: The DStv Delicious International Food & Music Festival 2022

Posted on by Ann Mumbi

DStv Delicious International Food and Music Festival, The seven-year-old event is geared toward fans of both music and cuisine.
The nation’s premier culinary and music festival is back after a two-year hiatus, bringing excitement to Gauteng’s Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit for the Heritage Day weekend.
The festival honors the biggest national and international acts as well as gastronomy and music. International musicians Burna Boy, Stereo MCs, Digable Planets, and Babyface will perform at the 2022 DStv Delicious International Food and Music Festival took place on September 24–25.

The stage will be graced by South African superstars including Simphiwe Dana, Zenzi Makeba Lee, Msaki, and spoken-word master Lebo Mashile.

After a two-year break caused by the virus that paralyzed the planet, the much-awaited return of the DStv Delicious International Food & Music Festival is just days away.
The best in local and foreign cuisine will be served, and a match will be lit to ignite the dance floor, so there won’t be much time for standing still at this year’s event.

As “a music festival for food enthusiasts and the food festival for music lovers,” the event was introduced in October 2013 with the goal of showcasing both domestic and international culinary and musical talent.

A unique tribute to South African singer-songwriter and activist Miriam Makeba, whose music and work contributed to the campaign for black people’s freedom and equality, will take place at the Kyalami Grand Prix circuit during heritage weekend.

There are many fun events over the two-day festival to keep you engaged. Here are five delectable festival foods to indulge in this year.

The Top Five Items Served During The Dstv Tasty Festival

Food
It’s no accident that the festival is called Delicious. This year, there will be over 100 merchants delivering the freshest gourmet street cuisine as well as a variety of fascinating dinners. In Greenside, Johannesburg, one of these vendors is the recently opened Best Friend Street Bar restaurant. They have a wide selection of drinks that go well with their food, which includes everything from burgers, pizza, and prego rolls to beignets.

The ambassador lounge will include a tempting menu from celebrity chef Siba Mtongana. “Because it is at a racecourse, we have taken an effort to ensure that we curate an exceptional and personalized meal. The exquisite, sophisticated, and Sibalicious lounge cuisine for this year relates to the opulence of the ambassador lounge.

To recreate the gourmet dining experience, we’ve borrowed a few ideas from my restaurant in Cape Town.
However, we also recognize that this is a special occasion, so we don’t want to go overboard,” she adds.

The publication of the cookbook DStv: Delicious Festival: Our Story & Recipes, which can be purchased for R390 equivalent to Ksh 2642 Kenyan shilling online at That Food Guy Shop, is an exciting aspect of this year’s event.
The cookbook, which is devoted to celebrating South Africa’s variety via food and music, includes recipes and tales from regional musicians who discuss their favorite dishes and food-related experiences.

It’s the ideal collector’s item for any fan of a delicious festival, featuring dishes like Lorna Maseko’s stuffed leg of lamb with spinach, tomato, chili, and biltong jam, J’Something’s crispy Korean cauliflower with toasted cashew and cauliflower stem salsa, and the festival’s own chocolate cookie ice cream sandwiches.

Music
The main stage of this year’s delectable festival is the best location to dance the night away on Saturday when Nigerian megastar Burna Boy performs. Nigerian singer Nissi, G Force, Stereo MCs, Major League DJs, and legends of kwaito including Mdu, Thebe, Arthur, Kabelo, Trompies, and Dino Bravo are among the other performers on that day.

On Sunday, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and renowned R&B producer Babyface and Brotha vocalist Angie Stone will serenade the crowd on the main stage. On Sunday, Msaki, Simphiwe Dana, Zenzi Makeba, and Lee will conduct a tribute to Miriam Makeba, who would have turned 90 this year.

Chefs who are kind
Why not support Chefs With Compassion, a non-profit organization dedicated to the fight against hunger, while enjoying the best food and music the festival has to offer?

You can do this by purchasing an R50, equivalent to Ksh 339 Kenya shillings plate signed by chef Nti or by purchasing a care package that includes non-perishable foods at any participating Sasol Delight garage store or the Sasol gazebo next to the non-profit organization’s stall at the festival. You have the chance to win a sundowner on the main stage as well as a magnum bottle of red wine.

According to Caroline McCann, co-founder of Chefs With Compassion, there is an increasing demand for food contributions as the nation recovers from the consequences of Covid-19, which has left many households without an income due to job losses.

“Through our cooperation with Delicious, we have already made slightly over 3.3 million (Ksh 22,240594) meals, and the only way we can prepare 4 million (Ksh 26,967,620) meals is by raising money. So, in order to continue till we reach our 4-million meal goal, we are seeking to raise R1 million (Ksh 6,741,905), the woman explains.

SuperPicks viewing area 
In addition, there are activities for all sports enthusiasts in advance of Saturday’s match between the Springboks and the Puma’s (which you can catch at the SuperPicks viewing area).

The Hollywoodbets Kings Park stadium in Durban will stream it live, and festivalgoers and sports fans will be able to witness the cricket and soccer games scheduled for the weekend.
You won’t have to worry about missing any athletic action this weekend because there is a bar accessible.

Viacom photobooth 
Bring your best stance to the BET Africa Viacom photo booth, which will be set up and ready to capture your outfit of the day.
A meet-and-greet with the cast of BET’s upcoming drama series God for Us All, Guluva for Himself, which was based on the lyrics of the 2000 kwaito musician Zola 7 song Ghetto Scandalous from his album Umdlwembe, will also be available at Viacom’s booth.

Kwanele Mthethwa, who plays Umbuso’s lead character on Mzansi Magic, and How to Ruin Christmas actor Yonda Thomas are two of the show’s famous actors.

Photo courtesy of Capital Fm Lifestyle 

Content courtesy of Mail & Guardian, NFH  

African Fashion: South African clothing retailers are reducing their reliance on Chinese imports.

Posted on by Fashion Police

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICAN — Major retail chains all around the country are increasingly putting labels on clothing with images of the South African flag. It’s an endeavor to support the textile and apparel industry in the nation.

According to the government, approximately 60% of the textiles sold by South African merchants are imported, with China accounting for the majority of these imports.

Retailers who have endorsed a government master plan to assist small companies in their community claim that there are more advantages besides merely employment development.

“Being able to have the goods created locally means that you can actually adapt to what the client requires more efficiently, which is really what any shop wants to move towards more quickly response,” said Hazel Pillay, general manager of retailer Pick & Pay Clothing.

Pick n Pay Clothing is one of the merchants boosting its supplies of locally based goods from 28% in 2019 to 40% in the present, along with Woolworth’s, Mr. Price, and Truworth’s. Following the worldwide trade disruptions brought on by the coronavirus epidemic as well as record unemployment, the change is currently gathering momentum.

A young designer named Katekani Moreku who was brought in to help with the project said, “It gave me a lot of attention and provided me a lot of publicity. I believe that it will have a significant impact that will increase the number of jobs for all generations in the times we currently live in when there is a very high rate of unemployment.

In 2020, according to Moreku’s estimation, his partnership with Pick n Pay generated roughly 1,000 jobs throughout the manufacturing and digital marketing sectors.

The goal of the South African government is to create 121,000 new textile jobs by 2030, and this is what they want to achieve.

More funding is required.
However, merchants warn it will necessitate spending on entrepreneur assistance and skill-training, including Pick n Pay’s Pillay.

“Yes, the talents were easily accessible before the 2000s, “added Pillay. “And as [manufacturing] shifted to China, investments in machinery and talent development all but vanished. However, I believe that if we looked at the state of the local economy in another 10 years, we would see a revival in some of that type of locally produced goods.

The retailer wants to source 60% of all textile products locally during the next five years, so that growth is required.

However, analysts caution that simply establishing quotas and targets won’t be sufficient to revive the business.
According to Dawie Roodt, chief economist for financial services company Efficient Group, “the government needs to become much more efficient if you want to have more investments in textile and more localization in textile, or any industry for that matter. Make sure, for instance, that the infrastructure is in good working order, that investing in South Africa is safe, and similar things.

Local manufacturers are unable to produce and deliver goods due to frequent power outages and deteriorating rails.

Additionally, there are also real-world obstacles to reducing the $3 billion trade deficit between China and South Africa.

“Remember that they have scale economies, “added Roodt. “South Africa is a small nation in comparison to China. Therefore, I don’t think we’ll be able to compete very well.

But for aspiring designers, even a slight improvement in the regional economy offers promise for the future.

Content courtesy of VOA & NFH

African Fashion: Meet The Skilled Lebanese-Ivorian Designer Blending Lebanese And African Cultures

Posted on by Ann Mumbi

A young designer from Lebanon named Renwa Yassin grew up in Ivory Coast. In her designs, she incorporates motifs from the two nations that make up her personality, showcasing her dual culture back and forth.

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The designer, who was born in Africa and has Lebanese ancestry, infuses each of her works with a distinctive flair in an effort to forge a solid and enduring connection between her two cultures and the worlds of fashion.

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Using motifs taken from both the African and the Mediterranean surroundings, Yassin investigates fashion as a means of bridging Lebanon and the Ivory Coast.
In 2019, she made the decision to expand on her multi-cultural creative expression and launched her own fashion label, RNWA YASSN, where she designs wardrobes with cutting-edge cuts and subtle cross-cultural influences.

According to her, the brand “is the key to increasing creative conversations leading to a more sustainable way of working in the fashion business.” She thus supports the sector by selling eco-designs made by regional weavers and artisans at ateliers in Beirut and Abidjan.
Additionally, RNWA YASSN makes use of raffia, which is made from palm trees, organic cotton, linen, Tencel, recycled polyester, and natural dyes made from fruits, plants, and vegetables.

Renwa Yassin was a Finalist for the Ready-to-Wear category of the 2022 Fashion Trust Arabia (FTA) Prize in July 2022.

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She is getting ready to present her works in front of the FTA judges in October 2022 together with the other 23 rising designers from the area.

Today, prominent fashion and lifestyle publications like Vogue Arabia, Grazia Middle East, and Harper’s Bazaar Arabia regularly showcase Renwa’s gorgeous designs, recognizing her as a brilliant up-and-coming artist.

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The secret to improving creative discussions that result in a more environmentally friendly method of operating in the fashion industry.

“RNWA YASSN, who was born and reared in Africa and has Lebanese ancestry, is familiar with the connections between the two cultures. The designer’s dedication to placing cultural heritage at the center of her maison was inspired by the proverb “Cultures have no bounds.”

Content courtesy of The 961 & NFH

African Fashion: The Gateway to Style, Innovation, and Trends | October 14th & 15th | Join the 10th Anniversary edition of African Fashion and Design Week 2022.

Posted on by Fashion Tribe Influencer

The 10th Anniversary Edition of African Fashion and Design Week (AFDW), organized by Bluepearl Services International, will take place in Lagos, Nigeria on October 14 and 15, 2022, at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island. Previous editions have been held in New York, Los Angeles, Nairobi, and Lagos. The 10th Anniversary Edition promises to be even better than the previous years’ successes.

Through African Fashion and Design Week, Bluepearl Services International has been showcasing Africa in the best possible light for the past ten (10) years. This has been done, among other things, by establishing venues for networking and celebrating one another in the African fashion industry.

In order to preview the looks that will define the continent’s fashion trends, African Fashion and Design Week annually attracts foreign stockists, tourists, fashion entrepreneurs, super models, industry professionals, local and international journalists, and more.

The 10th Anniversary Edition of AFDW, with the theme “Imagine, Inspire, Ignite,” will highlight the best in international fashion and design as well as the magnificence of Africa via the vision of its fashion designers. It will consist with

• Runway Showcase with collections from leading established and emerging designers across Africa, Europe and USA
• The annual African Icon of Hope Awards
• The Business of Fashion Seminar
• The Trade exhibition.

African Fashion and Design Week (AFDW) was founded by Queengold D. Sekibo with the goal of establishing opportunities for networking and celebrating one another in the African fashion industry.
Give up-and-coming designers the tools they need to build a solid brand that will enable them to support themselves and open up work prospects and global promotion of African fashion

The events on the AFDW calendar include:
Young talents get the chance to study the fundamentals of creating a fashion brand, how to make a sustainable living, and what opportunities are accessible in the fashion sector at the Business of Fashion Seminar.
The locations of these lectures include Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, and Togo.
Awards for African Icons of Hope: acknowledges the extraordinary efforts of designers who have helped to make Africa a fashion hotspot.

Runway Showcase:
Displays designs by eminent, established and up-and-coming African designers.

Trade Shows:
Give buyers and consumers vital networking opportunities.
To preview the looks that will define the continent’s fashion trends, African Fashion and Design Week annually attracts a large number of guests, fashion entrepreneurs, buyers, industry professionals, and local & international media.

Photo Credit
Model: Grace Modi (Sudan/USA)
Designer: Londa Msanii (USA)
Makeup Artist: CE Eaton (USA)
Photographer: Darron Whitsett (USA)
Photo Assistant: Nyasia Wilson & Cindy (USA)
Jewelry: London Smith (USA) Wrapped with Love Jewelry

Content courtesy of African Fashion and Design Week (AFDW) & NFH

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