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Tag: Fashion Designer

The 2023 Schedule for Lagos Fashion Week is Announced

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

Lagos will once again be at the forefront of connecting with the global fashion community and honoring the craftsmanship of Africa and its diaspora during the 12th iteration of Lagos Fashion Week, which is scheduled to take place from October 26 to 29 of 2023.

Within Africa’s constantly changing fashion scene, Lagos Fashion Week occupies a key role. It continues to guide the continent’s fashion industry toward a conscious future that cuts across boundaries, strengthens communities, and has a significant socioeconomic impact.

Lagos Fashion Week is devoted to presenting the rich creativity and artistry that have come to define African fashion, building on its journey of more than ten years. As proven by various ground-breaking partnerships formed over the years, collaboration is at the heart of its vision for the future of fashion, nurturing alliances that open up novel avenues and produce one-of-a-kind chances.

The event encourages co-creation, welcomes varied talent, and deftly combines innovation and tradition to create designs that honor cultural legacy while embracing the digital world. Lagos Fashion Week also champions community strength through fostering talent, elevating voices, and igniting change in the fashion industry.

In the #LagosFW Tents and other locations throughout the vivacious city of Lagos, Lagos Fashion Week 2023 will return with Runway Shows and Presentations showcasing new season collections from designers.
The Nigerian and Pan-African industries, as well as other sectors, will be the focus of the Fashion Business Series. With seminars and master lectures, the Visual Makers Fellowship was established to assist aspiring filmmakers and photographers.
Created with the goal of fostering fresh dialogue and intellectual interaction regarding sustainability in African design, Swap Shop After parties are a chance to explore Lagos’ nightlife and network with some of Africa’s best creatives in a laid-back setting.
XRETAIL is a tailored shopping experience across key cities in Africa. LagosFW Showrooms provide you access to some of your favorite fashion companies.

Lagos Fashion Week offers Green Access in keeping with its commitment to facilitating the growth of the regional manufacturing economy, fostering impactful conversations, and cultivating young talent. Until August 23, 2023, this yearly talent discovery platform will accept applications from designers in Nigeria.
This season’s subject is “Standing The Test of Time,” and the Green Access program seeks to identify five young Nigerian designers who place a strong emphasis on sustainability and the creative use of waste materials.

A fashion accelerator program called Green Access encourages the recommitment of resource efficiency, biodegradability, longevity, and recyclability as guiding principles for fashion design and production.

Green Access has been highlighting fashion businesses that are changing their business models and implementing measures to support environmentally, socially, and ethically responsible production processes since its start in 2018.

The OR Foundation awarded Themba Shezi (Heru Shezi, South Africa) and Lu Adesola (Lul’la House, Nigeria) financial support in the amount of $10,000 USD following the successful completion of the Green Access 2022 program. The funding was given out to help the recipients’ respective brands grow and advance.

They were chosen for the funding based on their deep awareness of and dedication to researching the idea of circular fashion, as well as the incorporation of pre-existing materials into their design processes, such as textiles, clothing, or waste from other industries.
The OR Foundation, a 501(C)(3) public charity located in the USA, has been operating in Ghana since 2009.

Its primary goal is to find and support alternatives to the dominant fashion model. The foundation’s activities center on the confluence of environmental justice, educational advancement, and fashion design.
The OR Foundation perfectly complements the aims and ideals of Lagos Fashion Week’s Green Access program by promoting ecological prosperity and developing a deeper relationship with fashion that goes beyond mere consumerism.

The OR Foundation and Lagos Fashion Week agree that sustainable fashion has the power to spark good change and move the industry toward a future that is more responsible and mindful.
Emerging designers have the ability to have a big effect and support a more circular and sustainable fashion industry thanks to the Green Access platform.

#LagosFW Important Dates:

  1. Green Access Applications Open: 25th July – 23rd August 2023 | Apply HERE
  2. Runway Shows: 26th – 29th October 2023

For more information regarding Lagos Fashion Week 2023, kindly visit lagosfashionweek.ng or follow their Instagram page @lagosfashionweekofficial.

Content courtesy Lagos Fashion Week, Culture Custodian & NFH

 

Through Gaff, We Celebrate the Innovation and Beauty of African Fashion and Promote Our Designers Around the World – Desiring a Sure Boss, Olapeju Naomi

Posted on by Fashion Tribe Influencer

An exceptional African amazon of beauty, glitz, and style is Naomi Olapeju Sigismund. She is an elegant, seductive, and chic fashionista. Naomi serves as the project director for African Canada Investment and the convener for the Hope For Sure Foundation. She traveled to Nigeria to conduct the Glam African Fashion Festival at Victoria Island in Lagos’ famous Oriental Hotel and Suits.

Naomi Olapeju expressed her gratitude to the attendees and visitors at GAFF 2023 during a gathering that included several super fashion stars, business leaders, industry captains, and champions of traditional and cultural values.

She gushed over the successes of the imaginative event, stating that the event’s main goal is to honor the inventiveness, beauty, and vivacious spirit of African design. “It is an honor and a privilege for me to stand before you as we begin this exciting journey together,” she said. A strong statement of identity, culture, and art, fashion has always been.
It cuts across barriers, brings people together, and shares tales that are firmly established in our culture. The Glam African Fashion Festival honors the diversity and wealth of African fashion by exhibiting the extraordinary abilities and imagination of designers from all over the continent.

The mother of all African fashion shows’ attracted guests who made time in their busy schedules to attend, and were treated to a stunning exhibition of creativity, innovation, and enthusiasm.
The runway came alive with a kaleidoscope of colors, textures, and patterns that capture the soul of Africa, from spectacular traditional outfits to cutting-edge contemporary creations.
The organizers took practical measures to make sure that GAFF 2023 is about more than just fashion.

They made certain that the focus is on empowerment. Olapeju stated, “It’s about showcasing the unrealized potential inside our communities and giving up-and-coming designers a stage on which to shine.
It focuses on opening doors, encouraging entrepreneurship, and changing lives. We can inspire and empower people via fashion, fostering economic development and cross-cultural interaction.

The proud African woman continued by expressing her true belief that by working together, we can shatter barriers, confront preconceptions, and transform the world of fashion. She is deeply committed to promoting the beauty and originality of her continent.

The Glam African Fashion Festival is a movement, a driver of advancement and change, not merely a one-time occasion.

Without a doubt, Naomi Olapeju, who is Hope For Sure’s capable mentor, has created channels through which members of the African fashion industry may collaborate with the foundation to help the brilliant designers on the continent and be a part of this amazing journey.

To celebrate the wonder of African fashion, the inventiveness that results from our different cultures, and the unifying power of creativity, she explained that all hands must be on deck.

As she concluded her remarks for the occasion, Naomi Olapeju said that as the models creatively and aesthetically adorned the catwalk that evening, everyone should congratulate them on their talent and embrace the idea of a future in which African design reclaims its rightful place on the global arena.

Let’s let the brilliance that exists within our borders inspire, enthrall, and move us.
Olapeju praised everyone who attended, supported African fashion, and believed in the aspirations of the continent’s creators.

It was an event, in her opinion, that began a revolution in the fashion business and highlighted the genius of African inventiveness.
Glamour African culture stands for culture, peace, and heritage.
Everybody’s life has been greatly impacted by fashion; among other things, it has helped people overcome obstacles and change their moods.

I kindly ask that we always make an effort to express love to mental health sufferers as they need it.
The earnings from the Glam African Festival benefit those who have experienced mental illness.
“Let’s be constructive with criticism and cast out all negativity to prevent inciting depression,” Olapeju argued.

The most crucial point is that fashion is an effective tool for tackling mental health difficulties.
A person’s uniqueness can be expressed through their attire. In the same vein, we honor our award recipients for their outstanding contributions to humanity and unwavering commitment to improving our communities.

I can confirm that clothes can genuinely affect how we think as the convener of the Hope for Sure Foundation.

Thank you, and have a wonderful day ahead of you all!
We’re glad you’re here for Glam African Fashion Festival 2023.

Content Courtesy Of  Glam African Fashion Festival & NFH

 

 

‘We Are African’ is Celebrated During Ebubeleni Fashion Week.

Posted on by Fashion Tribe Influencer

This year’s Ebubeleni Fashion Week, it’s all about the glitz and glamour while highlighting why designers are happy to be African.

While glamorizing this year’s Women’s Month celebrations, the second annual Ebubeleni Fashion Week also contributes to the preparations for the 12th annual Ebubeleni Festival in 2023.
On Saturday, August 12, the fashion show will take place at the Boardwalk International Convention Center.

A non-profit organization called Ebubeleni Festival Projects, which was founded in 2019 with the express purpose of concentrating on the growth of the arts, culture, and fashion sectors in Nelson Mandela Bay and the larger Eastern Cape, is responsible for the program.

In order to promote the creative diversity of Nelson Mandela Bay, project manager Busisiwe Nxele said, “We aim to increase activity in the regional fashion sector; create retail demand by giving emerging designers a chance to be exposed to potential national buyers and media; create a fashion buzz in the region, sparking the interest of outside guests to visit the city, and rank it on the World Fashion Capital list.”

“There are many brilliant young fashion designers in the Eastern Cape, especially those who graduate from college but are dissatisfied by the lack of opportunities to sell their goods. As a result, they leave the Bay to pursue professions in larger towns like Joburg and Cape Town.

“We are happy that several of the designers that took part in our most recent fashion show were acknowledged. Some are creating clothing for the stars of the telenovela Gqeberha the Empire.
“At our first fashion show, we were able to generate more than 80 jobs, which the industry gladly benefited from, especially given that it occurred during the challenging years of COVID-19.”

The designers were approached with a request for their most current work, along with their bios and an explanation of what motivates their designs.

The opportunity to develop a new collection and present it on the runway of the fashion show will be granted to the ten chosen local designers.

A group of business leaders will judge these designers for a cash award.
The entire line will be eligible for the first prize, while the “Royalty We Are Africa” show-stopping outfit will be awarded the second prize.

The 10 selected designers to showcase their works are Quza Designs by Ayanda Quza, Azato Couture by Gladys Azato, Thee King’s Inc by Thandile Ndamase, Birth Mark by Asithandile Zixesha, Mismash Designs by Nomahlubi Mashiya, Kat Lebea Designs by Katleho Lebea, Handmade by Tazleigh Swartz, Thembani Selani, Christopher Tom, Alkebulan by Sihle Champion.

Five fashion design students from Nelson Mandela University (NMU) and two guest designers, including House of Chilli by Namhla Fihla and Imprint SA by Mzukisi Mbane, will also present their work.

On July 15, a casting call for male and female models took place at the Tramways building. A total of 171 models attended, and 24 multicultural young models were chosen.

The Fashion Week program will include designers’ workshops where local designers who didn’t make it will be worked on by one of the top local designers, one national designer, a national retail buyer, and an NMU fashion design lecturer as part of the effort to encourage local designers.

Through their clothing, the designers and performers will convey a narrative.
Participants are urged to stay on theme and display how they interpret “Royalty  We are African”.
Ami Faku and Zuko SA, two multi-award-winning artists, will perform.

Doors for the Red Carpet open at 5 p.m., and the program begins at 6 p.m.
Tickets are R500 each and are available nationally via Webtickets, Pick n Pay, and Boxer stores.

Content  courtesy of HeraLd Live & NFH

 

After Visiting the China-africa Trade Fair, a Zambian Fashion Designer Develops Great Ideas.

Posted on by Fashion Tribe Influencer

LUSAKA (Xinhua), July 22, 2023 – Young fashion designer from Zambia claims that by taking part in the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, he has gained an appreciation for and understanding of the Chinese business model as well as market penetration strategies.

The third China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo was held in the central Chinese city of Changsha from June 29 to July 2, and Kabaso Nkandu, creative director and head designer at Nkanda Yatu, a Zambian fashion brand, said his participation there gave him the chance to network with significant figures in the apparel industry in addition to selling his brand to the Chinese market.

The 34-year-old Nkandu attended the expo on behalf of the China-Kenya marketing company Development Reimagined, which is dedicated to introducing African goods to the Chinese market.
Sessions were held by the agency that covered marketing, finding business partners, and comprehending the Chinese market and business concepts.

And that’s crucial because it allows us to see that there are other markets than just the one in Zambia.
It expands our horizons and allows us to access new markets, such as the excellent Chinese market, he stated in an interview.

Nkandu, who specializes in custom suits for men and women as well as wedding attire, claimed that he met with fabric manufacturers during the expo.
This is significant because textiles have been one of the biggest obstacles to the growth of the garment industry in Zambia because the majority of textiles must be imported.

Because of the passion displayed during the expo, he expressed optimism that his brand will reach the Chinese market. “Watching Chinese people appreciate things from Africa was the main highlight of our trip.
I could tell from the level of curiosity that the Chinese market would take our brand in.

The fashion designer has subsequently urged Zambian enterprises to show a strong interest in attending events like the China-Africa trade exhibition, which are very helpful in presenting Zambian products to foreign markets.

Nkandu, who launched his company in 2017, was concerned that the garment industry has not gotten sufficient assistance despite its potential to support the economic growth of Zambia and many other African nations.

According to Nkandu, the garment industry’s small and medium-sized businesses do not have easy access to affordable financing that may help them increase their production.

According to him, there are numerous trends occurring in the garment business in terms of machinery, technology, and many other things. “We want the government’s support; we want the private sector’s support for us to be able to be competitive in the global market,” he stated.
Nkandu, who now employs 15 people, claimed to have discovered prospective investors but is having trouble locating collateral for the banks.

His company’s production would increase as a result of the investment, he continued, and 255 additional workers will be employed as a result.

“I’m just getting started. I can’t offer them any collateral so they can give me the bank guarantee. I’m appealing to the government and the business sector to give the clothing industry the priority and care it needs,” he continued.

Nkandu stated that his long-term goal is to become one of the best designers in the entire globe, not just in Africa.

He created history in September 2022 when he became the first designer from Zambia to participate in Milan Fashion Week in Italy.
This is why he chose the name Nkanda Yatu for his company, which is taken from a local language and means “our skin.”

He explained that the moniker is intended to inspire people to value and care for local prints in the same manner that they do their skin.

Content courtesy of CN & NFH

 

According to a New Report From Ananse.com, Digital Innovation is What’s Fueling the Growth of the African Fashion Industry.

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

Johannesburg, South Africa; Lagos, Nigeria – July 21, 2023
Africa may become a worldwide exporter of goods for the fashion and creative industries and act as a role model for inclusive growth with more focused investments. According to a recent study on the transformative impact of digital innovation in fostering the expansion of the African fashion sector, this is the case.
Together with the research company Botho Emerging Markets Group, the Mastercard Foundation, and the African Development Bank’s Fashionomics initiative, Ananse.com, an innovative startup e-commerce platform that connects African designers with domestic and international consumers, co-authored the study.

Today, the international fashion business intelligence platform The Business of Fashion Live launched a white paper titled “Unleashing the Commercial Potential of African Creatives Through Digital Technology” that offers helpful insights into the state of the African creative sector and the potential of digital technology.

Digital innovation has had a revolutionary role in propelling the expansion of the African fashion sector.
The importance of user-friendly digital platforms designed specifically for micro, small, and medium-sized businesses is emphasized in the research, which makes it easier for them to access international markets. In order to increase the success of African fashion creatives, it emphasizes the necessity for digital and marketing training as well as aid in securing and delivering significant orders.

Key findings from the report include:
• The African creative sector represents a vibrant and untapped market with significant economic
potential.
• Digital innovation is creating unprecedented opportunities for African fashion creatives,
enabling them to reach global audiences and achieve commercial success.
• Investment in skills development, e-commerce infrastructure, and policy support is crucial to
unlocking the full potential of African creatives.
• Collaborative efforts among stakeholders, including governments, private sector entities, and
development organizations, are essential for fostering a thriving creative ecosystem.

In order to help public, commercial, and development sector players create solutions that allow small and micro fashion firms in Africa to expand, the goal of this research was to comprehend and describe the African fashion sector and the profile of the African fashion entrepreneur.
Sam Mensah, the founder of Ananse.com and a Ghanaian who previously worked in Silicon Valley, urged stakeholders to invest in the policies and infrastructure needed to support the success of fashion creatives on the continent.
“It calls upon stakeholders to harness the enormous potential of digital innovation,” Mensah said.

The study used a hybrid research methodology that combined primary and secondary sources. A thorough 43-question poll with a mix of qualitative and quantitative questions was used for the primary research, with respondents from respondents in 46 nations selecting Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa as the top three.

One of the top three nations.
Gender inequality in African creative businesses is another topic covered in the White Paper.
The survey indicated that although women are overrepresented in the creative industries, their low incomes have a disproportionately negative impact on them; only 32% of female entrepreneurs make more than $500 in monthly sales, compared to 42% of men.

Women are also less adept at using digital technology and utilize e-commerce and digital payments less frequently than men do. In fact, women are 31% less likely than men to have an e-commerce website. It highlights the value of tailored policies and tactics.

that address the unique issues faced by female-owned creative firms and help women-led small and medium-sized businesses. Policymakers are advised to increase the number of programs for vocational training that address the lack of business, technology, and marketing expertise among African fashion entrepreneurs, particularly among women. With these measures, innovative small and micro businesses will be better equipped to gain from the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.

For the benefit of the creative economy in Africa and around the world, improved policy coordination and cooperative investments by public, private, and development sector organizations have the potential to spark new value chains.

Download your free copy of the White Paper Here.

About Ananse
Ananse is a new e-commerce platform that enables customers from across the globe to purchase products from fashion designers, artists, and artisans located all over the African continent.
The company’s training, end-to-end payment, and logistics solution offer creative entrepreneurs in Africa a beneficial plug-and-play e-commerce service, enabling them to trade internationally and expand their businesses.

About the Mastercard Foundation
One of the biggest foundations in the world and a Canadian organization, The Mastercard Foundation, aims to promote financial inclusion and education.
It collaborates with forward-thinking businesses to make young people in Canada’s Indigenous communities and in Africa access to respectable jobs.
When Mastercard went public in 2006, it generously donated money to start the Foundation.
The Foundation is a distinct entity from the firm and operates independently. The Board of Directors and management of the Foundation decide on its policies, procedures, and programs.

Nothando Kleinbooi
Communications Consultant
African Communications Group
M: +27 (0) 84 758 5395
T: +27 (0) 10 300 0213
nothando@africancommunicationsgroup.com 

Georgie Ndirangu
Head, Pan-African Program Communications
Mastercard Foundation
M: +254 (0) 724 339 969
gndirangu@mastercardfdn.org

Content courtesy of Ananse, Mastercard Foundation & NFH

 

 

African Designers and Brands To Know About Now

Posted on by Fashion Tribe Influencer

When it comes to fashion, Africa is a continent with no shortage of ability.
While individuals like Virgil Abloh stand out as some of the most significant designers of our generation, the industry is home to a large number of creative people. Designers from throughout the continent are coming up with new textiles, patterns, and textures to create stunning clothing for consumers around the world. The entire globe is enthralled watching.

Others in South Africa are embracing natural components to redesign everyday clothing, while many Ghanaian designers are eschewing traditional wax cloth and kente clothes.

Additionally, there has been a surge of environmentally conscious designers that reuse deadstock materials to create brand-new products. Former Balenciaga employee Bobby Kolade founded Return to Sender in 2022 with the goal of bringing Uganda’s textile sector back to its pre-mid 1970s apex, when more cotton was processed than exported.

Designers from the United States, including Anifa Mvuemba of Hanifa, are doing important fashion exhibits in unusual locations like Washington, DC. “I’m purposeful. She said to Teen Vogue in 2021, “I like doing things my way and I dislike conforming, being put in a box.
“I honestly find it unsettling. I stayed loyal to myself and pushed myself with this performance in D.C. The result was astounding.

African fashion designers are emerging both on the continent and in the diaspora.
Togo-born Jacques Agbobly received a 2019 CFDA Scholarship and attended Parsons. Born in Austria of Nigerian parents, Kenneth Ize is a finalist for the 2019 LVMH Prize.
And Maram Aboul Enein, who later went on to work for Pierre Balmain, Zac Posen, and Oscar De La Renta, fled Egypt for Canada as a young girl.

Algeria
Ilyes Ouali won “Fashion Star Arabia” in 2019 and takes heavy inspiration from the glitz and glamour of the ’70s in his recent work.

Angola
Fashion designer and criminologist Nadir Tati uses fashion as a means of celebrating Angolan womanhood and promoting a culture of peace.

Benin
With his brand Allëdjo, Kassim Lassissi aims to channel all that he has encountered while traveling across the world, into sustainable fashion and style.

Botswana
From shining gold bodycon dresses to floor-length bridal gowns, DihDah offers a range of striking pieces.

Burkina Faso
Pathé’O has designed head-turning garments since the ’70s, dressing African leaders such as Nelson Mandela.

Burundi
Content creator, stylist, and entrepreneur Juan Nsabiye crafts bespoke suits, with a focus on elegance for all genders.

Cabo Verde
Stylist-turned-designer Marvin Lima uses his brand Virtuoso to recognize African videographers, photographers, makeup artists, and models.

Cameroon
With a background in environmental engineering, Liz Ngwane creates both upcycled and one-of-a-kind garments under her slow-fashion brand Margo’s Mode.

Central African Republic
O’poma Designs founder Olga Nganzi Samba-Pamza incorporates African kitenge fabrics into her clothes, which often teem with colorful hues.

Chad
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jonas Berassengar sewed masks for members of his community, to extend the accessibility of protective measures.

Comoros
Sakina M’sa fuses her interests in contemporary art, dance, and philosophy into her art direction and fashion design work.

Congo
“For women without limits” is Hanifa’s motto, which founder Anifa Mvuemba furthers through increased access to shows as well as inclusive sizing and model casting.

Cote d’Ivoire
Loza Maléombho fuses contemporary and traditional silhouettes through footwear, accessories, and made-to-order garments with gold accents.

DRC
Designer and creative director behind Moulandzaou, Aton Tsiba creates genderless clothes with loose form and fluorescent color palettes.

Djibouti
Yanie Ayoun draws inspiration from her mother and designs for the next generation of Djiboutian youth.

Egypt
Maram Aboul Enein reflects on her own spiritual journey with the brand MARAM and plays with texture through sequins, ruffles, and electric colorways.

Equatorial Guinea
Visionary Society founder Diosdado Sima draws from his early interests in typography and streetwear to create a brand centered on community.

Eritrea
Former costume designer and stylist Selam Fessahaye launched her brand in 2018 and features gilded embroidery and beading in recent work.

Eswatini
For her label Mamakatessa, Temahlubi Dlamin uses silks and tulles of every shade to make gowns for a plethora of occasions.

Ethiopia
Maisha Marshall-Ende’s label Lehwatch explores cultural exchange, as its name translates to, and uses Ethiopian fabrics to create garments inspired by her move to Canada.

Gabon
Teddy Ondo Ella’s label draws inspiration from Gabonese culture and dress, utilizing traditional pieces such as sarong wraps paired with bold patterns.

Gambia
Masaneh Badjie’s dresses are rich with detail, including corset-style boning, appliqué, and crystal beading.

Ghana
Free the Youth began in 2013 by Jonathan Coffie, Winfred Mensah, Richard Ormano, and Kelly Foli; it has grown beyond its initial purpose of documenting Ghanaian streetwear and now encapsulates the brand and organization.

Guinea
Mariama Camara is a designer and humanitarian, whose interest in handmade textiles began at a young age when she watched her family design and dye prints.

Guinea-Bissau
Armando Cabral began working in the fashion industry as a model and shifted to design in 2009 as his continued interests in footwear and luxury clothing grew.

Kenya
Akiba Studios fuses functionality and playfulness through whimsical motifs and pieces with a street-style twist.

Lesotho
Creative director and fashion designer Thabo Makhetha offers luxury coats, jackets, and capes inspired by Basotho blankets.

Liberia
Archel Bernard began her sewing factory with an all-woman staff in 2016, to help those impacted by the Ebola epidemic; after the factory’s success, she opened her ethical fashion store, Bombchel, four years later in Atlanta.

Libya
Through minimalistic and geometric pieces, designer Ibrahim Shebani allows Born in Exile’s ensembles to speak for themselves.

Madagascar
After studying fashion in Paris, Eric Raisina debuted his work in the mid-2000s, which focuses on tactility and color.

Malawi
Award-winning entrepreneur Lilly Alfonso’s penchant for fashion design traces itself back to her youth when she would upcycle and reinvent her mother’s old clothing.

Mali
Lamine Kouyaté’s Xuly. Bët repurposes deadstock fabrics in his garments, a practice pulled from his mother and grandmother who would reshape old clothes for him and his siblings as children.

Mauritania
Kadiata Diallo of Niuku fuses form and function with hand-painted dresses and suits.

Mauritius
Fabien Fauzou is a designer and seamstress who specializes in geometric and vibrant dresses.

Morocco
Doum offers a range of bags, from totes to cross bodies, with summery, woven elements.

Mozambique
From a tracksuit touting the word “fearless” to sleek little black dresses, Taibo Bacar offers customers a range of garments and accessories.

Namibia
Melisa Poulton, founder of House of Poulton, describes her label as powerful, dramatic, and bold, and she aims to bring strength to her wearers.

Niger
Referred to as the “magician of the desert,” Alphadi debuted his label in the mid-1980s and has crafted highly-detailed bustiers, maxi skirts, and floor-length dresses since.

Nigeria
Kenneth Ize’s unisex work features technicolor hues and traditional Aso-Oke fabrics on oversized tunics, waistcoats, and dresses.

Rwanda
The Mysteries plays with extreme silhouettes and textiles in its unconventional sets and individual pieces.

Sao Tome and Principe
D&D Clothing offers both ready-to-wear and custom ensembles, donning patterns that range from animal print to neon patchwork.

Senegal
Contemporary lifestyle brand Diarrablu innovates tradition through its inclusive clothing, jewelry, ceramics, and artwork.

Seychelles
Johanna Didon launched her brand Katiti in 2017, which focuses on classic styles with edgy twists, although she had been sewing clothes since she was 12.

Sierra Leone
Sai Sankoh looks to retro and vintage clothing for inspiration as well as pieces in her own wardrobe; her work brings luxury to anyone and everyone.

Somalia
Through a combined interest in jewelry and tailoring, Omar Munie began his award-winning work as a bag designer in the early 2010s.

South Africa
Swim, surf, and beachwear brand Bantu Wax is making waves with its graphics-driven apparel.

Sudan
Yousra Elsadig aims to dismantle stereotypes and sustainability through her work with the brand Boutique de Nana.

South Sudan
Activist, doctor, and designer multi-hyphenate Mayada Adil use clothes to empower women refugees and honor diplomacy.

Tanzania
Through her brand Naledi, designer Kemi Kalikawe celebrates spunk and youthfulness and advocates for women’s equality at the intersections of fashion and technology.

Togo
Textile artist and designer Jacques Agbobly launched their made-to-order knitwear label, Black Boy Knits, inspired by the joy they saw as a child from customers of tailors and seamstresses in Togo.

Tunisia
Appearing on Project Runway Middle East, Malek Gheni juxtaposes maximalist bling with simple and geometric pieces.

Uganda
Bobby Kolade’s brand Buzigahill aims to combat Uganda’s secondhand clothing crisis, by making efforts to return its textile industry to the success it faced in the late twentieth century.

Zambia
As an entrepreneur and founder of Debbie Chu, Deborah Chuma sees her label as a community, rather than a fashion design brand.

Zimbabwe
Vanhu Vamwe has created a community of macramé weavers and celebrates handmade objects and craftsmanship.

 

Content courtesy of Teen Vogue & NFH

 

 

South African Fashion Designers Revive the Detritus of Western Fashion.

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

Khumo Morojele and Klein Muis, two aspiring fashion designers from South Africa, spend hours searching a secondhand street market in Johannesburg for clothing.
The pair then upcycles what they discover into apparel or accessories that, in their opinion, show African style in a distinctive way.

Unlike recycling, which typically entails disassembling the original material and turning it into something else, upcycling refers to reusing an object in a novel way without compromising the material it was built of.

The two are currently working on a project called “Dunusa: Life of a Garment,” in which they source second-hand clothing that is frequently shipped from European nations to Africa and then disassembled and reconstructed into avant-garde and abstract apparel.

On July 14–16, the collection will be on display at the “Forecast Forum,” an international arts festival in Berlin where budding artists can find mentorship.

According to the 22-year-old Mr. Muis, “The question that we are trying to answer with the project is really the disparity between the north and the south… how certain parts of Africa become dumping grounds for European countries.”

The two work together as well as with other African artists. They are collaborating with a shoemaker in Ghana on a project to transform used soccer boots into sandals that honor both African and European passion for the game.

Because we value and truly connect with the possessions we own, it is consistently emphasized in our culture that we don’t squander anything.

According to Mr. Morojele, a 20-year-old, ” We kind of want to represent it and transcend that in our clothing.

Content courtesy of  Business World & NFH

 

African Textiles and Cutting-edge Technology Revolutionize the Fashion Industry, Thanks to a Nigerian Consultant

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

Felix Adu, a Nigerian-born fashion consultant working in Sweden, is creating waves by combining African materials into mainstream fashion, a revolutionary move that has shocked the fashion world.

Not content with that, Adu is also revolutionizing the fashion sector by fusing AI, NFTs, and cryptocurrency tokens into his line of clothing.
Adu is revolutionizing the world of fashion with his creative methods and dedication to exhibiting the splendor of African culture.
Adu’s concept is the result of his abiding love for his Nigerian roots and his ambition to make African textiles more prominent in the world of fashion.

Adu seeks to overthrow the fashion industry’s predominance of Western aesthetics by recognizing the wide range and exceptional craftsmanship found in African materials.
Adu honors the rich diversity and cultural legacy of Africa by combining traditional African textiles into his creations, which also promotes awareness of underappreciated artistic genres.

The way that Adu has used artificial intelligence (AI) in his fashion line is one of the main factors contributing to his success.
Adu improves his design process by utilizing AI technologies, making it possible to produce fashion items more quickly and accurately.

Adu can push the envelope and explore with daring patterns, colors, and styles because of the combination of artificial intelligence and artistic vision.

African textiles and artificial intelligence work together to produce a distinctive blend that appeals to fashion fans around.

The innovative mindset of Adu goes beyond only design. He enters the world of digital art by using crypto tokens and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to give his fashion business a new level of worth.
Adu gives collectors the chance to own unique digital copies of his creations by minting NFTs of his limited-edition clothing.

Furthermore, Adu has embraced the possibilities of cryptocurrencies and crypto tokens, allowing his consumers to use digital currencies to make transactions and upending established payment systems.
African textiles and the thriving fashion business on the continent are now receiving much-needed attention thanks to Felix Adu’s trailblazing initiatives, which have won him international renown.

Adu is challenging perceptions and changing international standards of beauty by infusing African aesthetics into the mainstream fashion narrative. His brand is at the vanguard of technological development in the fashion business thanks to his inventive use of AI, NFTs, and crypto tokens.
Along with profoundly altering Felix Adu’s personal life, his move from Nigeria to Sweden had a significant effect on the fashion industry.

He stands out as a true innovator in the business thanks to his dedication to exhibiting the exquisiteness of African textiles and his incorporation of AI, NFTs, and crypto tokens.

As Adu continues to revolutionize fashion, his work inspires young fashion designers throughout the world by demonstrating that creativity, cultural celebration, and cutting-edge technology can all coexist on the catwalk.

Content courtesy of Van Guard & NFH

 

 

A New Website Called “Teach Me Fashion” by Maikem Anderson Has Just Been Launched to Elevate African Fashion Through Unique  Designs.

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

Anderson Maikem, a designer from Cameroon, has truly perfected the art of dressing well.
Having a profound awareness of the transformational potential of clothes, Maikem set out to build his own company, Teach Me Fashion, a few years ago. Teach Me Fashion (TMF), a well-known Cameroonian apparel company, is known for its outstanding designs that give African fashion a new perspective.

The idea that one’s clothing should reflect their cultural history and personal personality is at the heart of Teach Me Fashion’s ideology. No matter where a person is in the globe, the brand’s products, which are all made of pure cotton, serve as a representation of their connection to their country of origin.

This distinctive strategy has captured the attention of fashion aficionados who wish to show their origins and uniqueness through their clothing choices.
What was originally a domestic business in Douala, Cameroon has now broadened its sights to include a global market. Teach Me Fashion has successfully expanded its business into Latvia and now provides delivery services to all countries through dependable partner delivery companies. The company has been able to transcend borders and share its unique fashion vision with people all over the world thanks to its global presence.

For those with a good sense of fashion, Teach Me Fashion is a gold mine for both sexes. The line offers a wide range of items, such as streetwear, tuxedos, jeans, underwear, and joggers in addition to custom suits and combinations.

Teach Me Fashion offers such a large selection of items that it can satisfy the needs of people looking for distinctive, cutting-edge clothing that stands out.
Teach Me Fashion has the ideal attire to suit any situation, whether it’s a formal function, a casual trip, or a laid-back day at home.

Visit Teach Me Fashion’s official website to see for yourself how excellent they are. Get ready to be amazed by the superb craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail in each outfit.
Teach Me Fashion offers a wide selection of exceptional clothing that will up your style game, from expertly made-suits to fashionable streetwear.

Teach Me Fashion is unique because it values authenticity and individual expression. The company recognizes the value of expressing one’s identity via apparel. Teach Me Fashion offers styles for each season of the year to meet a wide range of fashion requirements.
You can rely on Teach Me Fashion to provide designs that capture the essence of each season while showcasing your own individuality, whether it’s summer, winter, spring, or fall.

Beyond only fashion, Teach Me Fashion has an influence. The company is committed to empowering regional communities and promoting environmentally friendly methods.
Teach Me Fashion not only creates outstanding clothing but also supports the expansion and advancement of the fashion industry in Cameroon and elsewhere by obtaining premium materials and working with knowledgeable artisans.

Teach Me Fashion encourages people to embrace their ancestry, express their individuality, and celebrate their sense of style as it continues to create and redefine African design.

Teach Me Fashion offers people the chance to wear clothes that conveys their narrative and ties them to their roots by meticulously crafting each piece of apparel.
Teach Me Fashion introduces a fresh perspective to the world of fashion.

Don’t pass up the chance to participate in this fashion revolution.
Immerse yourself in the extraordinary world of African fashion by visiting the Teach Me Fashion website at https://teachmefashion1.com right away. Unlock a new level of style that speaks to your true identity by learning how to dress to impress at your gatherings and appointments.

Contact Information
Company name: Teach Me Fashion 1
Contact person: Mr. Maikem Anderson
Instagram: Tmf_designs_Maikem_anderson_
Facebook: Teach me fashion
Snapchat: Maikem.Anderson
TikTok: teachmefashion1

Email: Teachmefashion731@gmail.com
Phone# +37126007107
Address: Europe, Latvia, Riga
Website: https://teachmefashion1.com

Content courtesy of Benzinga & NFH

 

 

Just In Time For Summer, Adeife Fl Releases Her First Pret-a-porter Collection.

Posted on by Fashion Tribe Influencer

Adeife FL, a well-known clothing company that specializes in giving fashionable African garments from both traditional and contemporary cultures, is excited to announce the release of her newest ready-to-wear summer collection.

Adeife Fadahunsi, the innovative designer and founder of the Afro-Summer Collection, commented on it in a statement, saying that “this collection represents a fusion of traditional African elements and contemporary urban fashion, allowing individuals to express their Africanness while connecting with the rich heritage of the motherland.”

Adeife, who was excited by the new collection, noted that it is a genuine tribute to the company’s commitment to innovation and excellence. The collection features a wide selection of clothing intended to upgrade summer wardrobes with an African flair, drawing inspiration from the fascinating hues and patterns seen in African settings.

Every item in the summer collection, from bold dresses that flow smoothly to chic jumpsuits that exude confidence, is expertly made. Wearers are encouraged to embrace their Africanness with grace and style through the collection’s eye-catching prints, elaborate needlework, and bold patterns, which reflect Africa’s rich cultural past. she added.

Adeife FL’s summer collection offers a wide variety of solutions to fit various events and tastes, whether it’s a coastal holiday, a summer soiree, or simply an expression of personal flair.
Each piece of clothing is made to be as comfortable and functional as possible, enabling users to move through the summer with style and assurance.

Credits
Designer: @adeife_fl
Photography: @ednut__the_photographer
Model : @theoreofgod @ellathekingg @milanboy__ @bolalois
Creative director / Stylist: @moghagram

Content courtesy of Mo AfricaPR & NFH

 

 

 

 

Cardi B Attends Schiaparelli’s Paris Fashion Week Show in Sleek “Cardi Couture” 2023

Posted on by Fashion Police

At the Schiaparelli Haute Couture show on July 3 during Paris Fashion Week, Cardi B was in a league of her own in terms of fashion. The “WAP” rapper looked stunning in a dress by the Italian label that Schiaparelli herself labeled “Cardi Couture” on Instagram. Cardi attracted attention while donning a head-to-toe black outfit and flashy gold jewelry, in part because of her large, feathery black jacket.

While her scene-stealing coat was difficult to look away from, Cardi looked equally stylish when she took it off to show a form-fitting, sleeveless black dress with a touch of gold embroidery at the bust and a corset back with two rows of buttons.

She accessorized her look with two stacks of golden bracelets, two black head wraps (a Schiaparelli staple), and gold earrings in the form of human ears. As if that weren’t remarkable enough, she also wore earrings that had pearl decorations on them.

Her followers shouldn’t be shocked by Cardi’s stunning appearance. Although many people only know her as a rapper and businesswoman, she is also a rising fashion star. The mother of two isn’t afraid to test (and create) new trends, whether she’s captivating crowds at the Met Gala or donning vibrant catsuits. Cardi wore a dress to the 2023 Grammy Awards that had been on the runway at Paris Fashion Week just five days prior.

Cardi isn’t hesitant to dress in high fashion in everyday situations, even though exquisite couture is typically only worn on catwalks.
To see her Schiaparelli appearance from every perspective, look forward to the gallery!

With a number of eye-catching outfits, the “Bodack Yellow” rapper recently transformed the streets of Paris into her own private runway.
Fans, however, would not have anticipated anything less from the 30-year-old, particularly during a time like Paris Fashion Week.
Case in point? Cardi grabbed attention on July 3 when visiting Schiaparelli’s fall/winter 2023/2024 haute couture collection in a black strapless gown with a curve-hugging design in velvet fabric and sparkling gold accents.
She accessorized the look with an oversized feathered coat, black velvet headgear, and gold earrings in the shape of ears with pearl bangles.

Content courtesy of Pop Sugar & NFH

 

 

The Road To Success: African Creatives Are Reshaping And Redefining The Global Fashion Landscape In Africa Fashion

Posted on by Fashion Tribe Influencer

Africa Fashion The Journey To Success, African Creatives Shaping And Redefining The Global Fashion Landscape.

The red ground and blue-roofed homes are given a lovely glow as dawn breaks through Canchungo. Last winter, while bringing school supplies to the neighborhood kids, the stylist Wilow Diallo came discovered this community in the coastal area of Cacheu, Guinea-Bissau.
In addition to the vibrant color scheme, he was mesmerized by the residents’ unique sense of style and the sight of several generations gathered under the morinda trees.
He determined that this would be the ideal setting for a photo session exhibiting the “talent, innovation, and diverse perspectives of black creatives who are shaping and redefining the global fashion landscape.”

Africa has a population of more than 1.4 billion people, thousands of societies, and more than 2,000 languages; the borders between its 54 countries, as well as everywhere else, can hardly contain its multitudes.
According to Dr. Christine Checinska, the curator of the recent V&A exhibition Africa Design (now on display at the Brooklyn Museum through October this year), “The beauty of African fashion is that it is as varied as the continent itself.” “The aesthetic vocabulary of people is varied.

Global Africans have a respect for the skill that goes into creating a garment, print, or piece of weaving that has perhaps been lost in the global north. And there is a collective strength among designers, as they desire to enlist others in their quest for success.

The ways that black creatives incorporate African customs into their work particularly affect Diallo, who was reared in Senegal and now resides in Paris. He mentions the Cameroonian dancer and fashion designer Imane Ayissi, who transforms traditional Burkinabe woven fabric Faso Dan Fani into cocktail dresses and Ghanaian Kente fabric into cocoon coats. He cites the Nigerian company Emmy Kasbit, which is well-known for using fabrics from the Igboland region called Akwete, and Lagos Space Programme, winner of this year’s Woolmark Prize, whose collections feature lace and brocade motifs applied to clothing using the resist-dyeing method known as Adire, which has its roots in Yoruba culture.

Diallo, a Senegalese native who now calls Paris home, is particularly struck by the ways in which black artists incorporate African customs into their creations. He mentions the Cameroonian dancer and fashion designer Imane Ayissi, who creates cocoon jackets out of Ghanaian Kente fabric and cocktail dresses out of Faso Dan Fani, a traditional woven fabric from Burkina Faso.
He cites Lagos Space Programme, the winner of this year’s Woolmark Prize, whose collections feature lace and brocade motifs added to clothing using the resist-dye technique known as Adire, which has its roots in Yoruba culture, and the Nigerian brand Emmy Kasbit, which is renowned for its use of Akwete textiles from the Igboland region.

Thebe Magugu of South Africa is another. Magugu has collaborated with Dior on a capsule collection since becoming the first African to receive the LVMH Prize in 2019, and she reinvented a Valentino couture gown for Vogue.
These partnerships have been crucial for visibility. It gives visitors a familiar lens through which to view African fashion, he claims. “Bigger brands are becoming more respected.

The most successful partnerships benefit both parties.
Further explanation is provided by Adama Ndiaye, the Senegalese entrepreneur and creator of Adama Paris who organized Chanel’s Métiers d’art exhibition in Dakar last December.

“When a great luxury brand like Chanel comes to us with open arms asking to collaborate, it says that African fashion is at the top of its game,” she adds of the occasion that honored regional craftsmen and craftspeople.
“It was very successful. Africa is no longer seen as a continent that has to be “helped”; we now own our story and no one else does.
Twenty years ago, Ndiaye left her banking job in Paris to launch both her brand and Dakar Fashion Week. Back then, “nowhere was showcasing African fashion,” she explains. “We invited foreign designers from all over, including Moldova and Brazil, to learn about our culture and establish a platform for their work.

Now that there are so many talented African designers, we only pay attention to their work.
The exponential rise of Sub-Saharan Africa’s flourishing garment and footwear business, which is estimated to be worth $31 billion, is reflected in events like Dakar Fashion Week and Lagos Fashion Week, which debuted a decade ago.
Ndiaye claims that a major obstacle for designers is a lack of funding. She is currently attempting to establish a fund for up-and-coming designers.
In June, the same week that he reopened his worldwide internet store, Johannesburg faced power and water disruptions.
Magugu emphasizes the critical infrastructure changes that need to be implemented.

“The African fashion industry is being truthful about the harsh realities that exist here,” claims Magugu. We are no longer presenting this idealized business of African fashion, which I adore because it means we are dealing with reality.
The African Development Bank has recognized the creative industries, including fashion, as a sector with enormous potential growth as part of its objective to invest in high-growth industries and support women’s economic empowerment. Currently, only 1.9% of the world’s manufacturing takes place in Africa.

Although they may not be based in Africa, Diallo wanted to work with fashion designers whose roots provided them with a unique perspective.

When discussing the history of the African diaspora in London, Grace Wales Bonner draws on her Caribbean heritage and her understanding of black culture, while Priya Ahluwalia’s namesake label combines elements from the designer’s dual Indian-Nigerian heritage, as seen in her SS23 Africa is Limitless collection. In honor of Africa, “a vast wonderland of cultural innovation,” as the show notes put it, her research included vintage museum blankets from Tunisia, album covers from Côte d’Ivoire with exquisite Sapeurs and beadwork from Kenya and Rwanda.

Because of its constant emphasis on sustainability and preference for handcrafted or reused materials, like Emmy Kasbit, Ahluwalia shares a bond with African designers. Meanwhile, Diallo, Magugu, and Ndiaye all discuss how clothing is lovingly passed down from generation to generation in their own communities.

“Global African creatives build their collections in a more artistic way and they evolve,” claims Dr. Checinska. They are more thoughtful and not confined by the seasons. Sustainability is the starting point for many of them.

Focus is placed on people, resources, skills, and ultimately the earth, which promotes more ethical consumption.
She comes to the conclusion that the desire to build a sustainable fashion environment, as well as how they demand and exercise agency, are what truly unify African fashion creatives.

Milanca Figuereido, Angel Da Silva, Mari Seide, and Valentina Gomes are models.
Braima Djata is casting. Tânia Mário Gomes’s hair. Melissa Righi does makeup. Adam Storm, a photographer’s helper.
Assistant to the stylist, Jordan Renou Rohel. Paris, SW Studio for production

Content Courtesy of  Financial Times  FT & NFH

 

 

 

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