Friday 13th of November 2026

Nairobi, Kenya

Tag: African Fashion

Bonang Matheba And Steve Madden Announce A Summertime Collaboration.

Posted on by Ann Mumbi

South African powerhouse Bonang Matheba will launch the Steve Madden Bonang Matheba Holiday Select Collection, marking the brand’s first-ever African partnership.
This partnership demonstrates Steve Madden’s trend-setting edge yet again as part of the brand’s build-up in honor of its ten-year anniversary in Africa.

Six shoe types and two handbag designs make up Bonang Matheba’s holiday collection, which, in the view of the fashion star, best captures the joyous spirit of a South African summer.

She stated, “I was looking for styles that would be fantastic for holidays, celebrations, dancing the night away in, or perhaps be the perfect gift to spoil someone special throughout the holiday season. Looking at the collection, which is distinguished by its distinctive Bonang packaging, Bonang has done an excellent job.

 

The line will debut during the 7 November Steve Madden Spring/Summer collection unveiling and go on sale in stores and online on November 6, 2022.

The Steve Madden Spring/Summer collection’s official debut and fashion show were invite-only events that took place at the Zeitz Mocaa Museum in Cape Town on November 7.

Guests were treated to a sunset fashion presentation themed “Walk in Central Park” that featured Steve Madden’s just released SS22 Spring/Summer clothes collection as well as the footwear line for the next season.

The well-known American brand Steve Madden entered the South African retail industry in 2013 with the opening of its first African location in Fourways, Johannesburg. To date, the business has grown to 14 retail locations around the country. The local team members, however, are aiming for market share in Africa, and Steve Madden has expanded its reach to include Namibia in keeping with its growth strategy of exposure through strategic locations on the continent.

Country manager Michelle de Fonseca stated at the launch that the brand’s emphasis is on its online offering, which ships throughout Africa, as well as standalone storefronts in chosen locations throughout important African markets. 20 standalone locations are planned for the end of 2023 as part of the company’s “goal to continue our successful retail expansion,” the spokesperson added.

De Fonseca stated the following in regards to the season’s debut and fashion show: “Steve Madden is synonymous with must-have footwear, and we are the most admired and sought-after shoe brand in SA. We set trends in the market for footwear, bags, and accessories, therefore we are thrilled to be entering the men’s and women’s clothes space with the same edginess and Steve Madden trademark of our shoes.

 

 

The Steve Madden Bonang Matheba Holiday Select Collection, the result of this season’s collaboration with South African giant Bonang Matheba, was revealed and announced at the event’s fashion showcase of the newest footwear and clothing.

The marketing manager for Steve Madden SA, who came up with the idea for the partnership, Tumelo Mmusi, called it “history in the making.” For the first time, Steve Madden International has partnered with African talent, demonstrating the brand’s dedication to the South African and African markets.

A variety of go-to holiday looks were chosen by Bonang for the Steve Madden Bonang Matheba Holiday Select Collection. Everyone on the earth, according to Bonang, would choose Steve Madden if they were to collaborate with a business.

Speaking on the relationship between the USA and South Africa, Ian Funk, president of international sales for the company based in New York, who was present at the event in Cape Town, said, “Our staff is enthralled by South Africa and the potential that lay ahead. We are thrilled about the collaboration with Bonang and eager to grow and work our magic together.

Lift Airlines, Home Suite Hotels, House of BNG, SoHo, and Mac Cosmetics are just a few of the well-known companies that have teamed up with Steve Madden for the launch.

Content courtesy of Front Page, Zalebs & NFH

African Fashion: Six Fashion Designers To Watch Out For During Nairobi Fashion Week In 2022

Posted on by Ann Mumbi

The season’s newest designs will be showcased during Nairobi Fashion Week (NFW) in November 2022 at Sarit Expo Center. From Friday, November 25 through Sunday, November 27, new collections from 25 designers will be unveiled on the runway. on the basis of

Since the start of Nairobi Fashion Week in 2013, six seasons have passed, according to founder and creative director James Brian. “Over the years, the NFW has demonstrated that it is a welcoming platform for aspiring and seasoned designers as well as fashion fans. It is an unquenchable inferno of glitz and glam that probes every crevice of fashion, from elegant and composed to blazing and bold. Because of this, we are thrilled to bring it back after the Covid-19 pandemic’s sad era ”

Rose Palhares From Angola
Born in Angola, Rose Palhares moved to Portugal when she was twelve years old. She always had a fascination for fashion design as a child, and she received her training in Brazil. She started her profession as a hairdresser in her home nation, fulfilling a childhood desire.

With studios in Lisbon and Luanda, she now splits her time between the two countries. Day 2’s performances by Palhares.

Nonnistics From Nigeria
Atelier in Lagos Nonye of Nonnistics once worked in banking, where she excelled at doing math. She has now applied the same devotion to the fields of fashion and design. Nonye was born, raised, and attended school in Owerri, Imo State.
Nonye was born, raised, and attended school in Owerri, Imo State.  She most recently presented during New York Fashion Week. On November 26th, check out her SS23 collection at Nairobi Fashion Week.

Chema Chetu From Kenya
Chema Chetu is a Kenyan leather goods company recognized for its incredibly imaginative yet useful bags, totes, and purses. Evelyne Wanjiku is the brand’s creator and chief designer.

Evelyne’s brand is a women-led and women-inspired business that aspires to empower its community one leather book and bag at a time in addition to her artistic vision and fine arts training. On Friday, May 25, Chema Chetu will present its SS23 Collection at Nairobi Fashion Week.

The Mod Hq From Ghana
After watching Style with Elsa Klensch on CNN in the 1980s, Ghanaian designer Ami Tonye Yomekpe became attracted by all things related to fashion. She was captivated by global fashion, designer interviews, backstage passes, and models on international runways.

But she didn’t start her fashion adventure until a serendipitous encounter while working on her dissertation, which happened much later. The late Kofi Ansah, a trailblazer and well-known Ghanaian fashion designer who revolutionized the business in Ghana, became a mentor to her after a series of interviews and inspired her to follow her passion.

Ami, an architect by training, later founded her company Afromod Trends, which was recently renamed MOD, and made a second appearance at Nairobi Fashion Week 2022.

Rossely From Angola 
Rossely was raised in Portugal and England after being born in Luanda, Angola. In Luanda, Angola, in 2015, she made the decision to start Pretah, a brand that celebrates her love of retro and vintage fashion as well as her African heritage.
In Luanda, Angola, in 2015, she made the decision to start Pretah, a brand that celebrates her love of retro and vintage fashion as well as her African heritage.  On the 25th, she will present her SS23 Collection at Nairobi Fashion Week.

Andrea Galante From Agonla
Angolan-born When Andrea Galante was a young girl, she spent the afternoons with her grandmother, a seamstress by trade, and it was during these times that she first learned how to tie the first knots in her dolls’ and children’s clothing.
The sensuality of a woman is highlighted by her line’s use of satin fabrics, lace, sparkles, and daring cuts. She started transitioning to the wedding industry in 2017.
At Nairobi Fashion Week 2022, Andrea will present her SS23 Collection on Thursday, June 26.

It’s anticipated that this season of NFW would draw more viewers than previous ones.
There will be 25 designers on display, hailing from countries including Kenya, South Africa, Togo, Benin, the United States, Nigeria, Ghana, Angola, Zimbabwe, Namibia, the Ivory Coast, and Switzerland.
“I’m incredibly excited about this show.
I’m eager and anticipatory because this will be my first time taking part, Meeting other designers and fashion fans is something I’m looking forward to “says Chemachetu Leather designer Eva Wanjiru from Kenya.

A portion of the money raised from the sale of Nairobi Fashion Week (NFW) tickets will be given to help patients with esophageal cancer.
The Kenyatta University Teaching, Research, and Referral Hospital cancer center will work with us to ensure a good community effect.

Content courtesy of NFW & NFH

In The November Issue Of Vogue Arabia, Naomi Campbell Dons Four Looks From African Fashion Houses.

Posted on by Fashion Tribe Influencer

The cover of the November 2022 issue of Vogue Arabia Magazine features supermodel Naomi Campbell and was shot by fashion photographer Sam Rawadi.
Amine Jreissati served as the fashion director, Sam Allison and Ankita Chandra produced, and True North handled set production. Robert Behar was in charge of styling, Angloma, a makeup artist, and Kiril Vasilev, a hair stylist, are responsible for beauty, Naomi is sporting an outfit from El Tayeb Nation on the cover.

Using her position during public appearances to promote the upcoming generation of designers, supermodel Naomi Campbell is well known for actively promoting obscure international businesses, particularly those from the African continent.

I think it’s so important to be unified, and for creatives to come together without borders or boundaries to express themselves and what they do. Everyone’s now looking towards Africa for the next big thing, but I’ve been visiting and working in the continent since 1993. When you have the passion to do something it’s from the heart, it’s not a trend. I’ve always believed in the continent. I’m so proud of what I see, and I want to share that with the world

~ Naomi Campbell ~

Nowhere was it more clear than in the November issue of Vogue Arabia Magazine, where she wore four costumes made by African designers.
In this issue, Naomi talked openly about being a mother, encouraging up-and-coming artists with an emphasis on African talent, and other causes dear to her heart.
Robert Behar was in charge of styling, Amine Jreissati was in charge of fashion, Kiril Vasilev was in charge of the hair, and Angloma was in charge of the makeup.
Naomi wore a full ensemble from the Sudanese-French womenswear label El Tayeb Nation on the cover.

The ageless beauty chose an off-white pair of thigh-high boots to go with the string cape she wore as her second costume, created by the sustainable Nigerian firm NKWO totally out of waste.

Naomi then changed into a fish and chips print outfit from the newest SS23 collection by South African fashion designer Thebe Magugu. She added a pair of scarlet thigh-high boots to complete the look.
Naomi looked stunning in an Aso-Oke blazer designed by Nigerian fashion designer Kenneth Ize. She accessorized the look with bold rings by Noudar and off-white thigh-high boots.

Content courtesy of Vogue Arabia & NFH

Fola Francis Makes Fashion History By Being The First Transgender Model To Appear In Lagos Fashion Week.

Posted on by Fashion Police

Fola Francis, a model and fashion designer, smiles broadly as she glances through her phone.
She smiles even larger when I inquire as to what is going on. Francis mentions her Instagram and the compliments she has received for making her runway debut at Lagos Fashion Week the day before by saying, “The messages keep rolling in.” “It’s really exciting!”

At the end of October, designers from all over Africa were featured during Lagos Fashion Week, which Vogue characterizes as Africa’s top fashion event. Francis was the first transgender person to ever walk the catwalk and model for Cute-Saint and Fruché. In Nigeria, there are no transgender rights, and residents and the government alike frequently discriminate against them. In light of this, Francis’s debut on the runway is a big event.

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

Her debut was tense; making history isn’t simple. Before taking the runway, she reportedly danced backstage while telling herself, “You’re the Fola Francis. a shithead Your efforts are bringing your idea to fruition. She wouldn’t ruin it because she had worked so hard to get here.

She claims she felt uneasy when she saw so many people waiting outside for the first performance. “Shit! Shit! I was like, ” But when everyone started yelling with delight, Francis recounts, “I wanted to laugh.
“You know what? I said to myself. You must consider this seriously. They need to know that you’re here and serious about business.

Francis was serious, after all. Fortunately, as I was running late, I was present to see it. Thankfully, the Cute-Saint event began two hours later than expected.

A contemporary African fashion label called Cute-Saint is genderless. African-inspired textures and fabrics with words like Omo Eko inscribed on them were part of its 2022 collection (Lagos child). Few individuals in the audience at the Federal Palace Hotel were aware that Francis would be strolling.

Disclosure and Fatoumata Diawara’s “Douha (Mali Mali)” was playing loudly when Francis took on the runway. She donned a flowing red robe with clear high heels, a ponytail in her hair, and rich red lipstick on her lips. Her eyes were covered by yellow shades. When Francis appeared on the runway, the crowd cheered enthusiastically, as was obvious.

She walked calmly, keeping a straight expression, and focusing on the path in front of her. She modeled just one outfit for Cute-Saint. At the conclusion of the performance, there was more applause. Many audience members congratulated Francis on her debut, which some of them described as monumental.
Femi, the creative director of Cute-Saint, tells me on the phone, “To be very honest, we didn’t think about including a trans woman in our show until Fola approached me.” “As a company that encourages diversity, we found it intriguing because it reflects our own ideals. We think that fashion significantly changes people’s perspectives and that if everyone is afraid to change anything, nothing will ever change.

I query Femi as to whether he is concerned about any unfavorable effects of Francis’s participation. Before we took the action, “we were well informed of the possible implications of the action,” he claims. “But I think we’re okay as long as our ideals remain intact. People who share our ideals will be attracted to it. To fully satisfy the market is impossible.

A few hours after Cute- Saint’s, I watched footage of the Fruché show with Francis as I had missed some of it. The garments are ready-to-wear and exposing; Fruché is known for designing clothing for contemporary women. Once more, the crowd applauds Francis when she enters, this time wearing all-white clothing, her face somber, and her hair perfectly coiffed.

There is a loud rendition of Beyoncé’s “Alien Superstar” Francis responds, pointing to her stroll, “This is my favorite.” As a Beyoncé lover, I think it fits the song exactly right.
The hymn is being sung, and I can hear people intently observing Francis. Many people in the crowd, once more, were unaware that she was walking.
“We’re a progressive company, and I have a fantastic relationship with most of the individuals who buy from us, so I don’t have any fears,” says Frank Aghuno, founder of Fruché. But if something were to happen, good riddance to them because they had never been on our side.
It was simple for Aghuno to choose Fola, he continues. She is a young, independent woman, so when she reached out and I didn’t have any issues with it, I was thrilled to have her.

Content courtesy  of Xtra Magazine & NFH

African Fashion: Lagos Fashion Week 2022 Featured 5 Noteworthy Shows.

Posted on by Fashion Tribe Influencer

The fashion market in Africa is expanding significantly. Inspiring collections that highlight their brands’ aesthetics are released by designers in the continent’s major fashion hubs every season.

The African fashion industry is about to go worldwide, with events like Lagos Fashion Week, Glitz Fashion Week, Hub of Africa Fashion Week, and more. In Lagos Fashion Week, we observed models walking down the runway in outfits created by imaginative designers from all over the continent.
For three gloriously beautiful days, fashion enthusiasts from Nigeria and around the world gathered in Lagos, probably Africa’s largest fashion hub, to celebrate the continent’s industry and take in the new season’s collections from designers.

Lagos Fashion Week 2022 came to a thrilling conclusion with a premiere party, an after-party, public shows, and private ones.

Although some designers, including Dye Labs, Eki Kere, Sisiano, Iamisigo, Banke Kuku, Lagos Space Programme, Imad Eduso, and Andrea Iyamah, held private viewings off-site, the public exhibition of more than 30 established and up-and-coming designers were held at the Balmoral Hall of the Federal Palace Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Long braids, bold eyeliner, heavy makeup, Afro hair, patched denim jackets and pants, corsets, long and short dresses, crop tops, cargo pants, high-soled boots, cliques of twos and threes, brightly colored hairstyles and piercings, and camera personnel peering through lenses for perfect shots were just a few of the eccentric looks we saw.

The runway promised a completely different experience from the street style and its immersed culture, as designers produced their best collections yet, including expertly designed suits, loose-fitting shirt dresses, classic textiles, knits, tasselled purses, and even hand-beaded apparel. I discussed the collections with some of the designers.

TJ Who
TJ Who eloquently spreads the gospel of luxury through their attire.
The company was established and is creatively driven by the outstanding Taju Ibrahim. Its approach is based on structures, minimalism, and astute comfort, giving its users a subtle sensation of strength.
They used textiles like cotton-bonded scuba, a blend of cotton, polyester, and viscose materials, to make jaw-dropping designs for their SS/23 collection. The stage included cuffed pants, divided sleeves, and subtle yet noticeable details in the threading.

According to Ibrahim, “this collection has been two years of experimental idea refining, rethinking, and revision, and this collection was us showing the world the number of designs we’ve diligently worked on over the years.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CWJVR1Lrh0l/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

We kept to our avant-garde, sci-fi, and ageless aesthetics with this collection, but we also discovered ways to incorporate our African roots and hand-embroidery techniques into them. They debuted in womenswear during this season.

Elie Kuame
The Ivory Coast-based Elie Kuame womenswear brand bears his name. After establishing the company in 2016, Kuame has continued to release clothing that is motivated by the love and encouragement he gets from the women in his life.
The majority of his creations are done by hand, and he gives each one a beautiful finishing touch while feeling a surge of love and joy. The designer has dressed royalty and graced the cover of the Ghanaian magazine Debonair Afrik.

The Elie Kuame brand’s SS/23 “This Is Couture” collection, which was inspired by African heritage, served as evidence that the continent was capable of producing much more. Models paraded wearing heavy, opulent clothing and traditional caps worn by queens. There were also visible details like hand beading, gold decorations, and indigenous materials.

“We aim to demonstrate through our roots that fashion is possible in Africa. All of the pieces were produced by hand and beaded, according to Kuame. “We want to use this collection to demonstrate that we can meet international standards as well,”

Jermaine Bleu
Based in Accra, Ghana, Jermaine Bleu is a rapidly expanding menswear and womenswear brand. In order to portray insightful tales about the African continent through the eyes of Africans, Jason Jermaine Asiedu started it in 2015. The brand has so far changed directions and graced the digital pages of publications like Teen Vogue and i-D.
The Jermaine Bleu brand returned to Lagos Fashion Week this year with the “Harmony” collection, which was motivated by duality, fluidity, and self-love. The collection is about crafting calming, peaceful narratives or travels.

According to Asiedu, this year, “we’re sharing stories about how we’ve been put in so many boxes by society that we forget who we are, and it drives us to tension, chaos, anxiety, and feelings we don’t even understand.

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This is our way of advising folks to take a deep breath, relax, and not take themselves too seriously.
They interpreted this concept through tangible components like color explosions as well as a design methodology and fabric selection.

JZO
Joseph O. Ike and Olamide E. Akindeinde founded the Nigerian company JZO. The two are creating a new type of menswear company that adds a whimsical element to African design by utilizing their backgrounds and abilities. Pieces have a strong brand voice, which makes them easy to recognize.
They build, then dismantle before rebuilding.

The fabric selection is perfect, and the styling and silhouette are flawless, always current, and unmistakably noticeable. Their SS/23 collection, “Pan-The-On,” is inspired by ancient African deities.

“We haven’t created or illustrated any of our own African pantheons. What, really, are gods to us? Says Ike. “This is our interpretation of that tale or the first in a series of tales along those lines.
What would they resemble? In order to create this collection, the color scheme, drapings, shapes, and everything else were taken into consideration.

Rick Dusi
A high-end clothing brand called Rick Dusi creates minimalist silhouettes. Their selection of textiles and color schemes is solely focused on the kinds of narratives they hope to tell and the sources of inspiration.
The company, which was founded by Eromosele Patrick Eidusi, has styled celebrities like Tim Kubart, a two-time nominee for the Grammy Awards and one-time winner. It has also contributed to the creation of some of our favorite fashion events, like Lagos Fashion Week and GTBANK Fashion Weekend.

Rick Dusi looked into the depressing past of the creative director to produce a collection for SS/23 that was a symbol of hope and light. A few months before the collection emerged, the designer, who had recently lost his father, produced looks that were influenced by the event. These looks included brilliantly colored lipsticks, metallic and checkered textiles that glittered, glittering accessories and neckpieces, and bold cosmetics.

According to him, his collection was inspired by a dark past and a hopeful future. This is one of the explanations for my choice of sparkling colors. It serves as a reminder that we are not defined by the past but rather are looking forward to what is ahead.

Content courtesy of Mail Guardian & NFH 

Moët & Chandon: The Impérial Way 8 Nations Across Africa Toast Champagne On The Champagne Day.

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

Raising a glass of champagne in joy is the ultimate expression of life’s high points.
And if anyone has perfected the craft of creating champagne, it’s Moët & Chandon.
The champagne Maison has been synonymous with this innate “know-how,” which the French so charmingly refer to as “savoir-faire,” throughout the course of its 2.5-century history with 1,190 hectares of vineyards and 28 kilometers of underground cellars, Moët & Chandon is claiming to have the most extensive winemaking foundation in the entire Champagne region.

It has led the path for others to follow and has eventually defined what excellent winemaking is breaking the rules is a sign of courage, and the cork’s triumphant explosion represents hundreds of years of craftsmanship, invention, and tradition.
Champagne Day was celebrated on October 28 across the world,  we’ve enjoyed the tradition of raising a champagne glass in celebration for decades.
However, on this particular day, it provided a special occasion to honor the festive beverage itself and toast to the Maison that has created that relationship, Moët & Chandon, which was appointed in 1748 to provide Versailles’ French royal court with supplies.
With the support of the entire world, it becomes sense that Moët & Chandon would eminently bring together numerous nations in Africa to celebrate champagne.

Moët & Chandon hosted 8 private events that drew Friends of the House, famous people, and dignitaries together to exhibit their reputation for glitz and savoir-fête around the area.
Michelle Ntalami, Maps Maponyane of South Africa, Nancy Sumari of Tanzania, and Timini Egbuson of Nigeria were among those chosen to organize these regional celebrations, raising a glass to the Maison and its ongoing success.

These individuals had already been to Épernay withMoët & Chandon in May, Champagne Day was celebrated the Imperial Way at these 8 small-scale, glitzy parties from South Africa to Kenya.
the Villa Kempinski in Nairobi, the Belmond Mount Nelson hotel in Cape Town, and the Johari Rotana Hotel in Dar es Salaam, among other stunning locations across the continent.

Each offering distinctive dining experiences and thoughtfully selected photo opportunities, such interactive glitter pods to amplify the excitement.
35 special visitors from Kenya, including Michelle Ntalami, Octopizzo, Lucia Musau, Anita Nderu, Kate Actress, and Nick Ndeda, graced the Villa Rosa Kempinski hotel in Nairobi.

When they arrived, guests were directed to the balcony bar’s patio to sip Moet & Chandon Imperial before going inside to a 5-course matched lunch.
Guests were served sophisticated meal pairings to go with Mot & Chandon champagnes while seated at a long table decorated with flowers and glass bubbles.
Highlights included Suprême de Volaille, Mot & Chandon Rosé Imperial with Smoked Beef Filet, and Mot & Chandon Imperial with Sushi Dragon Roll.

“Champagne Day is an occasion to honor how we have created the industry, distilling unmatched quality into every bottle for nearly three centuries, as a Maison with such a rich heritage of winemaking excellence.
Aimee Kellen, Head of Consumer Engagement for Moët Hennessy Africa and the Middle East, declares that it is the true desire ofMoët & Chandon’s to spread that delight throughout Africa and the world.

About Moët & Chandon
By providing a variety of distinctive wines for every occasion, Moët & Chandon, a Maison that was established in 1743, helped to introduce champagne to the globe.
Each champagne, whether it be from the renowned Moët Impérial or the Grand Vintage Collection, the outgoing Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial or the avant-garde Mot & Chandon Ice Impérial, dazzles and delights with vibrant fruitiness, an alluring palate, and beautiful maturity.

Since its inception, Moët & Chandon has been the champagne of choice to commemorate significant historical or private moments.
Each of life’s memorable milestones has a Moët & Chandon champagne style that perfectly captures the moment.

Content courtesy of Moët & Chandon, African Elite Group Ltd & NFH

African Fashion: Prosper Africa Aims To Expand The African Fashion And Art Industries.

Posted on by Fashion Tribe Influencer

At the Heineken Lagos Fashion Week honoring Africa as it creates the future of fashion, the city of Lagos welcomed fashion aficionados, designers, models, and investors from Africa and the rest of the world.

Through the U.S. government’s Prosper Africa project, new customers, suppliers, and investment opportunities are made available to U.S. and African enterprises. In order to discuss difficulties affecting the expanding creative business and how to scale the industry in Africa, Landmark Towers hosted fashion and art designers as well as corporate investors at the Fashion Business Series event.

Africa’s fashion industry has seen an increase in global awareness and demand, according to their research titled “Investment and collaboration potential in Africa’s creative industries.” Additionally, it states that major international stores like Nordstrom and Bloomingdales have put in place retail initiatives to help up-and-coming African designers.

Will Stevens, U.S. Consul General, explained to our reporters how initiatives like Prosper Africa can scale the fashion industry in Nigeria. He said, “Prosper Africa as an entity based in Washington DC looks to support discrete initiatives and hire companies to do a report to look at the creative industries and figure out what we can be doing together to export or increase activities and accelerate.

For the US government and private sector investment, they found certain challenges and opportunities.

He mentioned examples of a small-scale female designer who received a $10,000 grant from the US Africa Development Foundation (USADF) after completing an American government-sponsored training program when he said that the initiative will be looking at everything from micro-grants to small enterprises in Nigeria.
He added that institutional investors with a minimum investment of $100 million are being brought in to fund venture capital firms operating in Nigeria so that they may begin the difficult task of locating possibilities to speed up the expansion of the already thriving sector.

The report claims that in order to establish global alliances that would scale the export of African art, the art market needs more solid market links.

Prosper Africa aims to address some of the problems with the physical infrastructure and talent infrastructure in the fashion ecosystem from the perspective of the investment landscape.

In an interview with our reporters, Claire Idera, an art and fashion educator at CI Workshop, stated that one of the fundamental issues in the fashion and art design ecosystem is education. She claimed that there are no art or design classes in the Nigerian educational system, thus her company, “CI Workshop,” trains people in design research, fabric creation, and bringing development into clothing.

She also urges the government, other investors, and private venture capital to sponsor these programs. She claims that the majority of the fashion industry is conducted on the street and on social media, where brands compete to gain as many as 10,000 followers in the hope that this will boost sales. Because they didn’t go to fashion school or obtain the appropriate training, they still don’t realize that the problem is with their design.

A lot of work needs to be done in the fashion industry to scale up businesses from customization to mass production, and business owners also need to be trained on the export market and how to properly package their products for the U.S. and international markets, the U.S. Consul General said in a statement that served as his conclusion.

Content courtesy of Business Day & NFH

Black Panther: Inside Lupita Nyongo’s Stunning Beauty Tribute to Africa for the Black Panther at the Wakanda Forever Premiere

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

On October 26, Lupita Nyong’o showed out on the red carpet in a striking two-piece white outfit for the Los Angeles premiere of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.”

Nyong’o chose Balmain to commemorate her part in the “Black Panther” prequel. The actress wore a floor-length, triangular-cutout matching skirt with a one-shoulder cropped keyhole shirt. The matching pieces had braided fabric running down the middle of the skirt and around the shoulder.
Diamond earrings, two bracelets, and a ring from De Beers, which just appointed her as a worldwide brand ambassador, served as her accessories.

To create the look, Nyong’o collaborated with her go-to stylist Micaela Erlanger. Meryl Streep, Julianna Margulies, and Diane Kruger are all clients of Erlanger’s styling services.

Along with a strong, ruby-red lip, blush, mascara, and shimmery eyeshadow from Lancôme’s holiday beauty box eye palette, Nyong’o used makeup artist Nick Barose.

She worked with Vernon Francois on her hair and opted for a bold look that included a cowrie shell-lined hairline and big locs braided with rope and string in the back to resemble a chandelier.

The follow-up to “Black Panther,” a popular movie from Marvel Studios released in 2018, is titled “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.”

The follow-up to “Black Panther,” a popular movie from Marvel Studios released in 2018, is titled “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” Alongside newcomers, Tenoch Huerta, Michaela Coel, Dominique Thorne, Letitia Wright, Angela Bassett, Winston Duke, and Danai Gurira return for the sequel.

The actor, who played the lead, King T’Challa, in the 2018 original, died in 2020 after a four-year battle with colon ca he had kept private. He was 43.

“It was definitely tough to go back to a space that you hold so dearly in your heart and are so attached to T’Challa, so attached to Chad,” actress Letitia Wright, who plays T’Challa’s younger sister Princess Shuri, said.

“But we had to just be strong, to follow through on the story and it got emotional at times. It still is, but one that we came together, we worked on. We made him proud.”

“Black Panther”, in which Boseman played the king of the fictional African land of Wakanda, became a global hit and was hailed as a milestone for racial diversity in Hollywood.

Its sequel had been in the works when Boseman died.

“I dreaded it because I couldn’t imagine moving forward without Chadwick,” said Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o, who reprises her role as T’Challa’s former lover Nakia.

“But then when Ryan Coogler, our director and writer, walked me through his idea to carry on with the story, I breathed a breath of relief because what he did was he incorporated the loss into the story,” Nyong’o said. “And so as a person and as an actor, I didn’t have to pretend like I hadn’t experienced such a loss, such grief. And it very much makes use of that.”

“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” sees the protagonists working once again with the Dora Milaje, an elite group of female warriors, as they fight to protect their nation following the king’s death.

On November 11, the movie premieres in theaters.

Content courtesy of WWD & NFH

African Fashion GAFW22: Highlights from Ghana’s 2022 Glitz Africa Fashion Week

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

The greatest fashion event in Ghana, Glitz Africa Fashion Week, celebrated its 10th edition from October 19 to October 23, 2022, and featured a range of events for the industry.

October. 19 – It began with an influencers’ brunch sponsored by Glitz Africa at the Treehouse in Nyaniba Market, Osu, where several social media influencers were in attendance. Influencers’ contributions to fashion’s originality and sustainability were discussed.

October. 20 – The next day, the Beauty Forum, which was hosted at The Under Bridge in East Legon, featured live cosmetics and hair demonstrations as well as an open discussion with speakers and visitors on beauty and aesthetics. The winner of the GHC 10,000.00 cash award in a creative beauty pitch competition organized in collaboration with Pitch Better Africa was Eyifah Beauty.

The following individuals spoke at the forum: Melody Owusu, founder of MelzBeauty Lashes, Mya James, CEO of Thrive 7 Wellness Corp., Mybritt Aidoo, owner of Beauty bar NLD, Asare Prince, makeup artist for Asare Prince Beauty, Akai Kotei, creator of beauty content, Vincentia Ocloo, founder of Viola Beauty, Emily Bodom, owner of Enhance by EB, Angela Attoh, of Fulfilled (Co-owner, Nuhair).
The hosts were Mami Gyamfua Yeboah, founder of Oh My Hair, and Andria Asare Adjei, founder of Kannis Beauty in the UK.

October. 21 – The Sustainable Fashion Show, which featured sustainable designs by designers like Hazza, Al Woman, Zakiyya Mahama, Amin, Kofi Maako, and Ajepomaa Gallery, was held the next day at the Nubuke Foundation.

October 22 – The Business of Fashion Seminar was held at the Grand Arena, Accra International Conference Centre. Three-panel discussions on brand marketing in the digital age were moderated by Chrystal Kwame-Aryee, a professional MC and broadcast journalist, and featured Stefania Manfreda (Founder, Lokko House), Daniel Sarpong (Global Sales Coach), and Owusu Marfo (Head of Uber Experience & Marketing, Hubtel).
With Helen Appiah-Ampofo (TV & Radio Broadcast Presenter) serving as the moderator, there was a second conversation with Deladem Ephraim-Etsey (Fashion Consultant) and Percy Nii Okine (Founder & Creative Director, N3D Studios) on the subject of “Digital fashion: is this the biggest trend?”

The third panel, which covered the subject of “Psychology of fashion – how to gain brand loyalty,” was moderated by journalist and TV host Dela Michel and featured Kwasi Kyei Darkwah MA, AVP (Media, Brands & Culture Expert), Mellisa C. Kpobi (Sales Strategist), and Elikem Kumordzie (Fashion Designer).

Kofi Adjei, the product manager for Hubtel, also had a Hubtel moment during which he instructed the in-attendance guests on how to utilize the Hubtel app.
Design Shark, Reeya Swim, Aviella et Mondroit, Clemas, Kwelaku, Elikem Kumordzie, Pills & Pozin, Moon By Me, Jants Collection Mades Luxury, Mariya Sanusi, Ejiro, Attoh Andoh, Sima Brew, Telvin Nwafor, Nyonuvi, Konye, and Ugo Monye were among the designers who displayed their collections at the main GAFW show.

Oct. 23 – The evening with Nigerian bespoke designer Atafo Official at The Lotte, Cantonment, where guests were treated to an exclusive presentation of his line, marked the conclusion of the event.

An after-party called Fashion Night Out took place at Front Back to cap off Glitz Africa Fashion Week 2022.

Content courtesy of Glitz Africa Fashion Week & NFH

African Fashion: Heineken Lagos Fashion Week Is Eventually Scheduled To Return In October 26th to October 30th 2022

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

The official dates for the return of Heineken Lagos Fashion Week are October 26th–30th 2022
This season, Lagos Fashion Week is renewing its focus with a sustained resolution to demonstrate dedication to funding, capacity building across retail and manufacturing, and navigating the circular economy and education.
This season, Lagos Fashion Week is renewing its focus with a sustained resolution to demonstrate dedication to funding, capacity building across retail and manufacturing, and navigating the circular economy and education. Collaboration, co-creation, and community remain the driving force.
The Lagos Fashion Week Swap Shop, Workshops for women-owned businesses with Sunlight Nigeria, FBS with Cross-Boundary, Runway shows (Onsite and Offsite), Presentations, and After Parties were among the events that kicked off this year’s jam-packed schedule at the Press Cocktail hosted at Art Hotel.

Lagos Fashion Week will adopt a hybrid model with both online and physical runway displays. Ajobi, Gto, Orire, BABAYO, Pepperrow, and more up-and-coming designers will be among those showcasing their new season’s collections, which will be seen by fashion buyers, customers, and media from all over the continent and beyond.
To witness the new season’s collections from up-and-coming designers like Ajobi, Gto, Orire, BABAYO, Pepperrow, and others, fashion buyers, customers, and media from all over the continent and beyond will reconnect. There will also be digital presentations showcasing up-and-coming designers from all around Africa as well as a special exhibition of the collections of the chosen designers.

Lagos Fashion Week has played a significant role in fostering impact-driven interactions with important stakeholders since its start. On October 27, Lagos Fashion Week, in partnership with Cross-boundary, will host a diverse panel of professionals who will come together for a private debate on financing the African fashion sector.
Lagos Fashion Week will present Swap in order to fulfill its ongoing commitment to promote fresh discussions and intellectual exchanges about sustainability in fashion in Nigeria and Africa.

During the weekend of October 27–29, shop at Global Fashion Exchange.
The Green Access finalists Adaora Soludo, Themba Paulos Shezi, Nneji Akunne, Lu Adesola, Kwaku Kyere, Akoth Otieno, Peter Oshobor, Peter Acha, Essrhir Scheherazade & Sipho Lushaba will walk the runway following months of rigorous seminars on circular processes for fashion design.

The runway presentations for Lagos Fashion Week will begin on October 27 and run through October 29 at Federal Palace Hotel at 6 p.m. Off-site exhibitions will run from October 27 through October 30.

We’ll soon disclose the ticket details.
Title sponsor Heineken and partners Bestseller Foundation, TECNO, Lush Hair, Sunlight Nigeria, Austrian Lace, MAC, and Lagos State are behind Lagos Fashion Week 2022. Style House Files produces Lagos Fashion Week only.

Media partners include Pulse, Okay Africa, Guardian Life, Business Day, BellaNaija Online, Bella Naija Style, BellaNaija Style, and Culture Custodian.

Campaign Photo Credits:
Photography: Stephen Tayo
Produced by: Style House Files
Hair: Lush Hair Nigeria
Makeup: Cass Koncept
Designers: This Is Us, Pepperrow, Ywande Lag, Emmy Kasbit
Jewellry: Shop Raenna, Raya Jewellery
Models: Beth Model Africa, Few Models

Content courtesy of Business Day , Industrie africa & 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 

 

Red Carpet Awards: Pulse Influencer Awards 2022 Highlights & List of Winners

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

The Pulse Influencer Award is a platform for content creators to network and collaborates while also honoring regional talent. Following public nominations that resulted in the shortlisting of 10 candidates in each category, Pulse Kenya has revealed 26 winners of the Pulse Influencer Awards for this year.

List of Winners

1. Health & Fitness Influencer of the Year
Shiv Simani

2. Media Influencer of the Year
Natalie Githinji

3. Sports Influencer of the Year
Ferdinand Omanyala

4. Blogger Influencer of the Year
Edgar Obare

5. Food Influencer of the Year
Dennis Ombachi

6. Music Influencer of the Year
Nikita Kering

7. Travel & Leisure Influencer of the Year
Natalie Tewa

8. Business Influencer of the Year
Just Ivy

9. Fashion Influencer of the Year (Female)
Mercy Sande

10. Fashion Influencer of the Year (Male)
Lenana Kariba

11. Arts Influencer of the Year
Mini Cheps

12. Photography Influencer of the Year
Muma Pix

13. Comedy Influencer of the Year
Crazy Kennar

14. Acting Influencer of the Year (Female)
Jackie Matubia

15. Acting Influencer of the Year (Male)
Blessing Lung’aho

16. Beauty & Lifestyle Influencer of the Year
Joy Kendi

17. Dance Influencer of the Year
Ajib Gathoni

18. Tech Influencer of the Year
Daddie Marto

19. TikTok Influencer of the Year
Benawamalines

20. LinkedIn Influencer of the Year
Joan the Career Coach

21. YouTube Influencer of the Year
TMI Podcast

22. Facebook Influencer of the Year
Beryl Itindi

23. Instagram Influencer of the Year
Murugi Munyi

24. Twitter Influencer of the Year
Edgar Wabwire

25. Podcast Influencer of the Year
TMI Podcast

26. Pan-Africa’s Most Innovative Influencer of the Year
Just Ivy

The top influencers in Kenya attended a gala event where the winners were given their prizes on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at the Mövenpick Hotel & Residences.
In the Pan-African Category, Kenya was represented. Nominees were chosen from all of the Pulse operational markets for the opportunity to win the Positive Impact, Voice of Africa, Community, or Most Innovative Influencer of the Year awards.

The biggest victors of the evening were The TMI Podcast and Murugi Munyi, who took home three awards: YouTube Influencer of the Year, Podcast Influencer of the Year, and Instagram Influencer of the Year.

“I’d like to thank the Influencers because, without the job you do, this night would not have been possible,” said Wamuyu Kiragu, the MD of Pulse East Africa. It gives us great joy to provide a platform where your work is honored as well as the art and content you produce.
Even if you didn’t win, your work is still incredibly valuable, and I wish you the best of luck moving forward.

Ivy Mugo, Ms. “Just Ivy” won the Most Innovative Influencer award and was named Kenya’s Business Influencer of the Year for 2022.
Just after accepting the honor, she said in her speech: “Just Ivy When I decided two months ago that I wanted to give the voiceless in Africa, particularly when it comes to women and money, a voice, Africa was created.
To the content creators out there, I simply want to say that this company can pay and you can. I feel like it validates my journey.

The Pulse Influencer Awards were created by Pulse to give influencers a platform to be seen, honored, and acknowledged. They do this by bringing together active members of the online community, renowned and up-and-coming influencers, and the continent’s top companies.
Pulse, Africa’s most cutting-edge media organization, straddles the intersection of technology, journalism, and culture.

To support the influencer trend, which we observed gaining traction, the Pulse Influencer Awards were created. African digital influencers are becoming a key driver of the continent’s digital transformation. Influencers have a beneficial impact on the market by increasing engagement on social media platforms and promoting the areas they specialize in.

We requested nominations (and subsequently votes) for top influencers in a total of 25 categories, which represented the most well-liked themes, in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and Senegal.
This year’s event was proudly sponsored by Absa Bank, Xiaomi, Shop Zetu, Safari Beauty Spa, Little Cab, Domino’s Pizza, Cold Stone Creamery, Denri, AAR Healthcare and Mövenpick Hotel.

Content courtesy of Pulse Kenya, Capital FM Lifestyle & NFH

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