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Tag: Fashion Designer

Milan Fashion Week Returns in Full Swing With IRL Events

Posted on by Fashion Tribe Influencer

Camera Della Moda officially unveiled the rich schedule for September, which will see 173 appointments, 125 of which to be held in person.

MILAN — “Energy” was a recurrent word during the press conference Italy’s Camera Della Moda president Carlo Capasa hosted on Tuesday to officially present the Milan Fashion Week schedule.

Capasa particularly expressed his satisfaction over the return of physical events, which will account for 125 of the 173 appointments scheduled for show week, which will run from Sept. 21 to 27.

“We’re inverting the trend compared to the last couple of [mainly digital] editions, which is something that gives us a powerful injection of energy in this moment,” said Capasa.

The schedule features 42 IRL shows out of 65 in total. For instance, Roberto Cavalli, under the creative direction of Fausto Puglisi; Moncler, and Boss, the sister collection of Hugo Boss, are returning to the calendar and set to host physical events. For the first time, brands such as MM6 Maison Margiela, HUI, and Vitelli will stage runway shows in Milan.

Prada, Fendi, Giorgio Armani, Versace, Missoni, Salvatore Ferragamo, Marni, Max Mara, Jil Sander, Alberta Ferretti, Etro, and MSGM are among the established names slated to present their collections in-person, while Emilio Pucci, Dsquared2, Antonio Marras, GCDS, and Philipp Plein are some of the brands sticking to the digital format this season.

As reported, Gucci will head to Los Angeles to present its next collection on Nov. 2, coinciding with the LACMA Art+Film Gala taking place on Nov. 6, for which the fashion house is the founding and presenting sponsor. Yet the brand will host a special event dubbed “Vault” during Milan Fashion Week, the details of which are still under wraps.

Moschino and Bottega Veneta are missing from the Italian schedule as the former will showcase its women’s spring 2022 collection as part of New York Fashion Week, while the latter, after decamping to London and Berlin, will stage a show in Detroit on Oct. 21.

In addition to Gucci, other events on the Milanese calendar will include the “The Way We Are” exhibition marking the 40th anniversary of the creation of the Emporio Armani brand and to be staged at the Armani Silos venue, as well as cocktail parties celebrating the 20th anniversary of Pomellato’s “Nudo” collection, the 50-year career of Chiara Boni and the 60th anniversary of the Marcolin eyewear company.

As for the annual “Green Carpets Fashion Awards,” this year Camera Della Moda will forgo the event that traditionally wrapped the city’s fashion week in September. Having ended the collaboration with Livia Firth and the Eco-Age agency, the Italian fashion chamber will reprise the event next year under the new name, “CNMI Sustainable Fashion Awards.” More details will be unveiled on Sept. 22, when the organization will host an event, but Capasa said that the concept will remain the same and continue to acknowledge the work of those who stand out for their application of sustainability principles in fashion.

Shows at Milan Fashion Week will officially kick off on Sept. 22 with the We Are Made in Italy (Black Lives Matter in Italian Fashion Collective) digital presentation, offering five new talents who are people of color the chance to display their collections in a video filmed by Antonio Dikele DiStefano, the writer, and filmmaker behind the Netflix series “Zero.”

The Milan schedule will also mark the debut on the official calendar of labels including Colville, Andreadamo, Defiance by Nicola Bacchilega, Roberto Di Stefano, Iuri, Traffico, Radica Studio, and Airin Tribal, among others.

All physical events will be accessible upon the showing of the “Green Pass” as per the Italian government’s decision. The pass enables citizens to enter schools, bars, restaurants, cinemas, and other indoor venues by certifying they have been vaccinated, read negative to a test, or recovered from COVID-19 in the previous six months.

Capasa himself strongly appealed to everyone to get vaccinated as “this is the only weapon we have against the virus” and underscored the beneficial effects the vaccination campaign had on the economy since the Italian fashion industry’s sales significantly rebounded in the first half of 2021, registering a 24 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

Projections for sales generated by the fashion industry and categories such as jewelry, beauty, and eyewear combined show 20.9 percent growth to 83.1 billion euros in 2021 compared to the 68.8 billion euros in 2020. In 2019, sales generated by those industries were 90.2 billion euros, so the positive projection elaborated by Camera Della Moda would still not mark a return to the pre-COVID-19 level.

“If the Christmas holiday season and relative sales will go well and this projection is confirmed, we would recover 15 billion euros out of the over 22.5 billion euros we lost last year. We wouldn’t make up for all the losses but we aim to recover the rest in 2022, if not even grow next year. I think there’s great attention on Italian fashion right now, and data on our export performance confirm this,” said Capasa.

Exports are expected to increase 24.5 percent to almost 70 billion euros by the end of 2021 compared to the previous year.

In the first five months of the year, exports of Italian fashion goods grew 27.6 percent. Top destinations included Switzerland, France, Germany as well as the U.S., and China, where exports were up 31.9 percent and 93.9 percent, respectively, compared to the same period last year.

As for Milan Fashion Week’s attendance, Capasa said that European and American buyers and members of the press are expected, while fashion operators from China won’t be present due to travel limitations.

The international appeal of the event will be boosted by many initiatives Camera Della Moda has included in the schedule.

These comprise the sixth edition of “Budapest Select,” spotlighting four Hungarian brands, and the first effort of the “Fashion Bridges” project it launched with South African institutions and South African Fashion Week earlier this year. Four former students of Polimoda were paired with young designers of the SAFW to develop capsule collections that will be unveiled during Milan Fashion Week, before traveling to Johannesburg Fashion Week at the end of October.

To further support young talents, the seventh edition of Milano Moda Graduate will showcase nine talents hailing from different Italian fashion schools, while emerging brands Amotea, Des Phemmes, Federico Cina, Froy, and Traffico will be promoted at Rinascente as part of the “Milano Fashionable Project” initiative developed by the retailer with Camera Della Moda.

Content courtesy of WWD & Nairobi fashion hub 

 

Luxury Brand Balenciaga’s $3000 take on the Plastic Storage Bag, Commonly Know as Osuofia Bag

Posted on by Fashion Police

A $3000 tote bag by luxury brand Balenciaga has gone viral for its resemblance to a nostalgic and distinctly Kiwi accessory: the blue and red checked plastic storage bags you can buy for under $5.

“My grandmother had expensive taste,” wrote Twitter user @richy_wrld.
“Everyone knows this is the $2 marae blanket bag,” commented Green party co-leader Marama Davidson in response.

Broadcaster Kara Rickard shared a screenshot of the smaller version of the bag on her Instagram Stories, commenting, “What in the marae / nans whare/storage bag is going on here @balenciaga #maraeciaga”.

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Balenciaga’s version is made in Italy from calfskin leather with organic cotton lining and is available in two sizes.

While it has obvious similarities to the local plastic bags used to store or transport everything from wool blankets to old clothes, it is actually also a style that is used around the world.

“Based on the quote RTs, I see it is a BIPOC household essential lol. Not just Polys” wrote Te Rina Triponel in the responses to her original tweet.

Around the world, there are various localized names for the style, including “shangazi kaja”, thailas and more. The BBC reported last year that the distinctive bags were popular in markets across West Africa, and are known as the “Ghana Must Go bag”.

“when in the 1980s hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants, most of them Ghanaians, hurriedly stuffed their belongings into them after being given short notice to leave Nigeria, it became known as Ghana Must Go.

A very similar style by Balenciaga had already been called out by Thai consumers in 2016 for its resemblance to the traditional market bags with their distinctive rainbow stripes.

Balenciaga’s designer Demna Gvasalia has become known for his ironic use of every day or capitalist symbols turned into luxury offerings.

In 2016 Demna’s other brand, Vetements, released a £185 slogan T-shirt featuring the DHL logo to much hype and ridicule, depending on what side of the fashion fence you fell (“Scam or subversion?” asked the Guardian at the time).

That was followed in 2017 with a Balenciaga tote bag that looked very similar to the famous bright blue plastic Ikea Frakta shopping bags (the “luxury” version was leather and handmade in Italy).

The brand recently released a neon yellow parka that was pretty much a very expensive version of a high-vis jacket, and last week launched a toolbox case for the Apple iPhone 12 think of it as a high fashion version of trolling.

This also isn’t the first time that the distinctive checked plastic of laundry/market/marae blanket bags has inspired luxury fashion designers.

In 2013 Phoebe Philo of French brand Celine memorably featured the blue, white, and red laundry-bag check on coats and such, while way back in 2007 Louis Vuitton sent models walking down the runway carrying designer versions of the bags.

While some say this is simply fashioned showcasing a sense of humor through parody, embracing high-low, or questioning the true definition of luxury, others criticize the appropriation of an affordable and accessible item, turned into something that is out of reach financially for most.

Balenciaga, owned by Kering, the conglomerate that also owns Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Alexander McQueen, and more, is set to open its first New Zealand store in Westfield Newmarket soon.

Content courtesy of  Stuff & Nairobi fashion hub 

Kenyan Born Beauty Queen Rehema Muthamia Crowned Miss England 2021

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

Miss England finalists walked the catwalk in Coventry for the last time on Friday night (August 27), the final was held at the Heart of England Conference Centre and saw the not-so-average contestants take to the stage.

The eventual winner of Miss England was 25-year-old technology consultant Rehema Muthamia, She was crowned by former champion and doctor, Bhasha Mukherjee, who held the title for two years.

The much-anticipated event was held in Coventry as part of the City of Culture 2021 celebrations, where Miss Coventry missed out after the penultimate round.

Born in North West London, Rehema spent part of her childhood living in Kenya and now works with healthcare professionals on electronic patient records.

As well as speaking four languages, she graduated in Genetics during the pandemic at the University of Sussex, Rehema said: “My family is so supportive they can’t stop talking about it, and the Kenyan community has really got behind me and wanted to support me and loved seeing someone from my heritage being represented.”

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When asked by a panel of judges what the worst experience in her life has been, she said: “I would have to say that the most difficult experience that I’ve had in life is having gone through an abusive relationship and it’s not something that people speak about, especially in young women.

“But having gone through a relationship that was abusive it helped me learn more about myself.

“In fact unfortunately the relationship and the abuse were made public in the press and it was a terrible experience having to go through that.

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“But knowing that I was able to come through that experience, learn more about myself and my worth, who I am as a woman and be able to now use this platform in Miss England, to help other women that may be in that have been in my position.”

Before scooping the top prize in the pageant, which took place at the Heart of England Conference and Events center in the Midlands city, the 25-year-old had also won the first-ever Miss All African Colours contest.

The Mr. England winner was also announced as 28-year-old Liam Royce from Banbury, Oxfordshire, Muthamia spent part of her childhood in Kenya before moving over to England and studying at the University of Sussex.

She will now represent England at the 70th Miss World in Puerto Rico and pocketed £2,000 in cash alongside a wardrobe of the evening and occasion wear, a photoshoot, a personalized website, luggage, and a glamour mirror.

Content courtesy of Daily Mail & Nairobi fashion hub 

The Fashion Internship Program Helps African Americans Teens Design Collections Create a Pop-up Store

Posted on by Fashion Tribe Influencer

Standing in front of a full-length mirror, Christian Dowdy styled customer Ryan Newman, pulling the tan T-shirt out from under the black floral hoodie and letting the tee peak out a bit.

After the slight adjustment, Dowdy, 18, couldn’t help but smile.

Not only was the teen showing Newman how to look good in his new outfit, but Dowdy had helped design the tee and sweatshirt Newman was wearing as part of the Future of Fashion summer internship program.

“To see our creations on anyone’s back I can’t wait to see them on the streets and think, ‘Oh man, we did that,’” Dowdy said.

Dowdy, a recent graduate of Harvest Preparatory School, is one of 16 Black teens from central Ohio in the two-month, immersive internship that culminated this week in the release of the clothing collection, Industry Plant, at a storefront in the Short North.

The young designers and entrepreneurs will be at 640 N. High St., through Friday showing off their streetwear line inspired by the natural beauty that can be found in urban spaces. The designs, which feature hard construction looks with floral and vine-like touchpoints, will be given away to underprivileged youths who visit the pop-up store while others can offer a donation to take home a special piece.

The Future of Fashion program teaches young designers and entrepreneurs about the fashion industry

The Future of Fashion Program, which seeks to teach young African Americans about every facet of the fashion industry while also paying them for their work, was a collaboration of two local nonprofit groups, the Columbus Fashion Alliance and My Brother’s Keeper Village.

During the first few weeks of the internship the students, ages 14 to 19 and all male except for one young woman, met with various industry leaders – buyers, designers, merchandisers, marketers – to learn that working in fashion involves more than just making clothes. They took field trips to meet Black-owned brands including Starstrukt Apparel in Reynoldsburg and the Toledo-based Midwest Kids and Mud Made.

“The best part of this is that they see people who look like them,” said Ronny Oppong, the director of the program and a Brooklyn, New York-based fashion creator who grew up on the North Side of Columbus. “You can be an entrepreneur. You can be incorporate and be a VP or a buyer. They were able to interact with all these spaces and see what they look like.”

Oppong, a 29-year-old who studied fashion merchandising at Ohio State University, said he was thrilled to come back to his hometown to lead this internship and get young Black men interested in fashion – an industry where he hasn’t seen a lot of African American mentors.

Students meet with black designers and industry leaders

Meeting Black designers and industry leaders in central Ohio was one of the most beneficial aspects of the internship, said Greg Simpson, 16 and a rising senior at the Southwestern Career Academy in Grove City.

“To see people who look like me and have had some of the same struggles I had to get to that point – that was really inspiring,” Simpson said. “It was surreal to see other people make it and let me know I can do this.”

He said the program “lit a fire under him,” especially the fact that he was paid $300 a week for his efforts, to try to make a full-time career out of fashion.

Through the summer, the students learned plenty of practical skills, too.

Kenttwon Brown, 19, said he learned how to use graphic design software, screenprint garments, and effectively implement color in his creations.

He designed a logo that he’ll use for his own brand, modeled for promotional materials, and filled a whole notebook full of advice he heard over the two months.
In fact, he said he learned more this summer than his entire freshman year studying graphic design at Central State University near Dayton.

“It was almost a dream come true,” said Brown, a 2020 graduate of Reynoldsburg High School.
But the summer wasn’t without its challenges, he added.

Pop-up store impresses mentors and customers alike

The group learned tough lessons, such a curating the best designs from so many good ideas and leaving really cool styles on the cutting-room floor.

Then, they had what seemed like the impossible task of producing the garments for the pop-up shop, deciding how much of each piece to order and setting it all up in a store setting to appeal to customers – all within a few short weeks.

“We had to think about what are we going to make and what’s on the floor,” Brown said. “What’s our inventory? What’s the main showcase? All these items are so fire that it was hard to decide what to highlight.”

Indeed, what the students produced in their pop-up store a space that used to house Lululemon Athletica and was donated for the week impressed the students’ mentors and customers, alike.

“The setup is amazing,” Newman said. “It’s really, really pretty and everything looks like what you’d see in a successful storefront.”

Passersby wouldn’t have known the store was only a temporary post filled with designs from teenagers based on the sleek interior of the store filled with posters of models showing off the clothes, racks made from industrial pipes, and the sheer variety of goods offered, from beanies with the Industrial Plant logo to pants with green flowers printed on them to myriad T-shirt options.

Looking around Monday during the first hour the store was open, instructor Kathy Hayes, who headed up the visual merchandising team, stood in awe of the environment and how confidently her students navigated the space with their eager customers.

“It’s amazing,” said Hayes, a Northeast Side resident who has worked for companies including Express and Victoria’s Secret. “They basically built this from the ground up.”

Newman, of the West Side, knew one of the interns so he stopped by that first day to check out the finished product.

“The setup is amazing,” Newman said. “It’s really, really pretty and everything looks like what you’d see in a successful storefront.”

He also loved the designs.
The teens, themselves, took time to revel in their successes.
“I’m proud of myself and I’m proud of us,” Dowdy said, echoing the sentiments of several of his teammates.

He and others said that while it’s been amazing to see what they created with Industry Plant said he’s even more eager for what the future has in store for them, whether it’s launching brands, starting modeling careers, or deciding what to pursue in college.

“On the first day, I shook everyone’s hands and I didn’t know what to expect,” Dowdy said. “I watched everyone grow and come out of their comfort zones. The personalities came out … I can’t wait to see what we do with all this.”

To learn more about the collection and how to attend the pop-up store, visit www.industryplant.org.  

Content courtesy of Dispatch & Nairobi fashion hub 

 

Issa Rae Marries Longtime Beau Louis Diame in Custom Vera Wang Dress

Posted on by Fashion Police

Congratulations, Issa Rae! Earlier today, the actor, writer, and producer announced her marriage to her long-term boyfriend, businessman Louis Diame, in an Instagram post, including plenty of images of both the spectacular South of France setting and her dreamy custom Vera Wang Haute dress.

With the ceremony taking place at the legendary Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, known for its luxurious trappings, stunning sea views, and a guestbook that includes everyone from Queen Victoria to Elizabeth Taylor, Rae decided to pull out all the stops for her and her friends to celebrate.

Issa Rae is a married woman!

The Insecure star, 36, revealed that she married longtime beau Louis Diame on Sunday, July 25, sharing glamorous photos from her destination wedding on Instagram. She tagged the post’s location as Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, which is a commune in the South of France.

In the wedding photos, Rae smiles in her custom Vera Wang gown, as well as in romantic snapshots with her new husband, who wore a red Dolce & Gabbana suit.

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If the news comes as something of a surprise, you’re not alone. While Rae is known for her unguarded humor on her breakout web series The Mis-Adventures of Awkward Black Girl and more recently in her hit Emmy-nominated show Insecure, when it comes to her personal life, she is notably more private. (Indeed, there have only been a handful of red carpet appearances to indicate that she and Diame were even dating, let alone planning to tie the knot.)

In a 2018 interview with Vogue’s Abby Aguirre, she politely waved away any questions about her love life. “I don’t want any input,” she said. “As a writer, you put everything on the table. I’ll take input on kids if I’m going to have kids. How do I not kill the kids? Work? Give me the input. Any other aspect of my life? Give me the input. But who I’m fucking? No, I don’t need input. I’m good.”

So naturally, she opted to share the news her own, gently tongue-in-cheek way. Posting pictures of the “impromptu photoshoot” that happened on the big day, she noted that “the girls came to help me, but they all coincidentally had on the same dress! They were sooooo embarrassed.” (If you’re wondering who she’s referring to here, it’s her bridesmaids.)

As for the romantic shots of her and Diame, who wore a custom red velvet Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo, she simply described herself as having “taken a few flicks with Somebody’s Husband.” Classic Côte d’Azur glamour with a touch of her signature wry humor? From Issa Rae, we wouldn’t expect anything less.

Content courtesy of Vogue & Nairobi fashion hub 

Afreximbank and  Portugal’s ANJE to Promote the African Textile Industry

Posted on by Fashion Tribe Influencer

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and Portugal’s National Association of Young Entrepreneurs (ANJE), have announced a three-year partnership to support and promote Africa’s fashion apparel and textile manufacturing industry in Portugal and across Europe. This partnership is part of Afreximbank’s Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) program.

CANEX aims to facilitate investments in Africa’s creative and cultural economy through financing, capacity building, export and investment promotion, digital solutions, linkage, and partnership promotion, and policy advocacy, the two entities said in a joint press release.

Within the framework of this partnership, ANJE, through its fashion project called Portugal Fashion, will provide African designers with showcasing platforms, facilitate their access to international markets and strengthen their capacities through business mentoring and technical assistance in apparel production. In the long-term, Afreximbank and ANJE aim to attract more investment opportunities into the sector while developing the technical skills of African industry players, thereby improving Africa’s manufacturing and production capabilities.

The cultural and creative industries of Africa, with the right investments, can contribute to the structural transformation of the continent, thereby creating jobs and increasing exports and other development outcomes. The partnership between Afreximbank and ANJE aims to address the challenges faced by African designers, providing them with the opportunity to access international markets while building their capacity through brand incubation.

The program is designed to promote at least 40 African designers annually on Portugal Fashion’s runways. Designers will also benefit from networking opportunities with international industry experts, retailers, manufacturers, and other key stakeholders. The inaugural fashion showcase will take place in Porto, Portugal from October 13-16, 2021.

In addition to this event, Afreximbank and ANJE have structured a partnership to advise and support European and Portuguese companies seeking to invest in Africa, where ANJE will act as a one-stop-shop for investors looking into Africa and seeking advisory services and support from both Afreximbank and ANJE.

Prof Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank, said: “We believe that the vast creative talent pool on the continent is an opportunity to accelerate Africa’s economic transformation. Through CANEX the bank is providing tangible support for the development of an ecosystem to monetize the creative sector and increase its contribution to Africa’s economy under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).”

Manuel Mota, vice president of ANJE, said: “The creative industries in Africa have immense potential to become key drivers for economic growth and I believe this initiative will have a positive and sustainable impact. It is a privilege for ANJE to host and work together with Afreximbank on this important milestone.”

Content courtesy of Fabire 2 Fashion & Nairobi fashion hub 

Prudent Gabriel Turning passion into a Fashion Empire

Posted on by Fashion Police

She is fast becoming the choicest of celebrities, and an emblem of African fashion in a world of numerous fashion and beauty stylists, with a dynamic market where only the strong can thrive and expand.

Also, the business of designing and styling is becoming even more prominent and ubiquitous. In this competitive and ever-growing industry is where she has taken advantage of her love for fashion, as she is creatively aggrandizing her brand and fashion entrepreneurship to top-echelon.

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Multiple award-winning fashion designer and the CEO, creative head of Prudential Styling and Prudential Fashion Academy, a fashion empire located in Lagos, Prudent Gabriel, has been in the fashion designing and styling industry for a while now. Her journey has not been a smooth ride but she has remained relevantly consistent for the past three years.

According to the Lagos-based fashion Designer and styling expert who quit her job as a waitress to pursue fashion, “fashion and modeling is something I had always wanted to do most. I was working as a waitress and I making tired of the job because there was no satisfaction. I could not create time for myself and my passion, and at the end of the day, I just had to resign and moved on to my passion full-time.”

Starting out was a very daunting task, being a low-profile design with a small shop in the industrial city of Lagos, Prudent had gone through many challenges. It was difficult to convince clients of her dexterity because no one was willing to be a lab rat for a neophyte in the business.

The Nigerian fashion market was highly competitive and mostly embraced accomplished designers, so it was an arduous undertaking for novices to break in. Another challenge for her was creating unique designs that no one else has ever styled. “Also, working with difficult customers is also very pressurizing because you’re trying to prove your worth. I keep designing even when I don’t have people ordering for them, I make sure always have clothes up there, I post about them, ask my friends to share and that’s how I kept pushing till the brand got this big.” Prudent said.

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Today, her list of clients at Prudential Styling is endless, but, she mentions Tim Godfrey and Xtreme Crew, Debbie Rise of Big Brother Naija Season 2, Naomi Mac of Nigerian Idol, and Queen B of Ultimate Love as some of her celebrity clients. With Prudential Fashion Academy, she has produced over 150 fashion designers and has received multiple awards for her service and excellence in the fashion industry.

Prudent’s role models in the industry are Matopeda, YomiCasual, Valdrin Sahiti, and Veekee James who make bespoke outfits. She advises other young designers who draw inspiration from her works to be ready to work very hard and give it they’re all. Keep positive people around themselves and make sure their circle consists of people that are helping them grow, people that encourage them every day.

With her passion and goal-driven momentum, Prudent Gabriel has grown from her small shop into a highly valuable fashion empire.

The fashion world has only been better since the presence of her brand, with more hopes for the future.

Content courtesy of Vanguard & Nairobi fashion hub  

Fashionomics Africa, Google Train African Fashion Entrepreneurs in Digital Marketing Strategies

Posted on by Fashion Police

The African Development Bank’s Fashionomics Africa initiative and Google held a 2-hour virtual masterclass on using digital tools and social media for African fashion entrepreneurs.

The online session, on 2 July, aimed to equip African fashion entrepreneurs with tools to plan and execute a digital marketing strategy; how to use social media and e-mail effectively; and creating a digital presence using Google digital tools. Building a brand and engaging with customers and potential customers is one of the key challenges faced by African entrepreneurs, particularly the youth and women.

“We are very excited to collaborate with the African Development Bank to support fashion entrepreneurs in Africa, especially during the pandemic,” said Khadija Abdul Juma, a marketing specialist at Grow with Google, an initiative supporting African entrepreneurs and small businesses across Africa. Women Will Africa, an initiative that supports women to take advantage of the Internet, also participated.

Since the onset of the pandemic, e-commerce has grown considerably, with total global retail sales estimated to exceed $5.8 trillion this year

“To be competitive in our changing world, African creatives need to be well-armed with greater digital skills and tools. Technology and digital tools must be at the heart of their businesses if they want to amplify their voices and join the global fashion sphere,” said Bintou Sadio Diallo, cultural and creative industries expert at the African Development Bank.

Fashionomics Africa intends to attract foreign direct investment in the African textile, apparel, and accessories industry and support the growth of micro, small and medium-sized businesses – with an emphasis on women and youth. Through the Fashionomics Africa program, the African Development Bank works with public and private sector partners to develop local, regional, and international textile and fashion value chains, taking advantage of the opportunities arising from the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement.

For more information about Fashionomics Africa and to sign up for the next masterclass, click here. To (re)watch the session, click here.

Content Courtesy of Fashionomics Africa

VDJ 2021 Fashion: Lindeka Duma wins Young Designer Award

Posted on by Fashion Tribe Influencer

Pietermaritzburg School of Fashion student, Lindeka Duma won the Vodacom Durban July Young Designer Award. Here are the top three looks.

Fashion design student Lindeka Duma from the Pietermaritzburg School of Fashion won the Vodacom Durban July (VDJ) Young Designer Award, announced on 2 July.

Due to the pandemic, the annual VDJ event took place behind closed doors at Hollywood bets Grayville Racecourse in Durban.

Pietermaritzburg School Of Fashion Takes Top Two Spots

The Young Designer Award was presented by Durban Fashion Fair under the theme was Birds of a Feather. The judging panel included industry experts Leigh Schubert, Greg Wallis, Nonku Mthembu Lara Klawikowski, and Derrick Mhlongo.

On 22 June, the top ten finalists for the Young Designer Award were announced and the top three finalists a week later. The Pietermaritzburg School of Fashion secured three spots in the top 10 and two in the top three with Lindeka Duma coming in the first place and her classmate Vincent Orishidere as the first runner up. Zandile Mahlasela from Lindiwe Kuzwayo Academy of Fashion was the second runner-up.

Lindeka Duma’s Winning Outfit

Lindeka Duma designed a black guinea fowl-inspired bodysuit made from Shweshwe fabric, with layers of handmade plaited rope that form a colorful bodice and a matching bold hat.

The first runner-up, Orishdere designed a vibrant burnt orange and beige streetwear outfit while the second runner-up, Mahlasela put together a blue ice dress with triangular feathers. See the three looks below.

 

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 “The standard was exceptionally high this year, and in having to decide on the top ten and top three, it was very difficult as there were so many great entries that showed good research and thought processes,” said Wallis according to IOL.

“But sadly couldn’t find a way into the next round,” he added

Duma has won R10 000 from the Gold Circle, a two night local hotel holiday from Bold Travel, a year of hair by Claire from Hair Inc, R5 000 gift voucher from Gateway Theatre of Shopping, a Samsung Galaxy S9, R3 000 Kryolan hamper and more.

“Congrats to my self for winning on Vdj2021 young designers, I am over the moon  I still not believe that I am not dreaming!!!” wrote Duma on Instagram.

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Content courtesy of The South African & Nairobi fashion hub 

Creative DNA x Fashion Scout present WAUZINE ‘Matatu’ Cross Cultural Collaborations

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

The first issue of WAUZINE titled ‘Neighbourhood’ came out in December 2020, and it explores Nairobi’s cultural landscape. In this issue, Sunny, with photographer and artistic luminary Maganga Mwagogo, showcase the striking and beautiful work of the designers through models Shekinah Imani, Adhel Bol and Ronnie Nyongesa, against the contrasting architectures of two socially significant parts of Nairobi—Kariokor and Kilimani. The issue is accompanied by a captivating piece by the amazing Awuor Onyango that speaks on the relationship between Kenya’s colonial past and its contemporary artistic output.

The second issue of WAUZINE titled ‘Joy and Rebellion’ is out now, and it explores Nairobi’s CBD through a fashion story by the talented photographer Sarah Waiswa. From Uhuru Park to the streets of Nairobi’s city centre, Sarah showcases the bold and diverse work of the designers through models Janet Muthoni, Chuony and Alex Kirimi.

This issue is accompanied by a fun piece by Abigail Arunga, who writes about the life and heart of Nairobi’s city centre. Issue 002 is also a reflection of the many Nairobians who go against the law to have a good time (enjoyment) and as Sunny puts it in his letter from the editor, “…this issue joins thousands of other funny stories and love letters by defiant Nairobians to their city as part of their overarching super narrative of joy, mischief and rebellion.”

WAUZINE issue 003 titled ‘Matatu’ will be out in February just before the London Fashion Week. In issue 003, Sunny and photographer Edwin Maina showcase the bold and beautiful work of the designers alongside Nairobi’s iconic matatu art. The issue is also accompanied by an insightful piece by Wanjeri Gakuru telling the story of the matatu culture, reflecting on the designs featured of the matatus, and their specific cultural resonance.

The WAUZINE short film was co-directed by our very own Sunny Dolat and Noel Kasyoka. The 5-minute fashion film is an audiovisual accompaniment to the magazine, and features the models and the beautiful work of the designers, moving in, and as part of, the hustle and bustle of the Nairobi city centre.

Photoshoot Creative team

Creative Director: Sunny Dolat
Producer: Njeri Gitungo
Production Assistant: Jane Pauline
Photographer: Edwin Maina
Styling Assistant: Bryan Emry
Make-up Artist: Sinitta Akello
Hair: Richard Kinyua,
Model: Juliet Kiruhi, Steven Juma, Silvia Tonui

Project Manager Kenya
@sunnydolat @zi.ggie @janeywaithera @photoman254 @bryan.emry @sinittaakello @rickykish @kiruhij @stevenjuma_ @eastafricaarts

Designers part of Creative DNA:
@endasportswear  @epicajewellery @favolosobynanu @genteel_ke @ohanaswimwear  @sevaria.ke  @styletech_by_teshie  @suitedbygordon  @thenisisifactory @vintaracollections @we.are.nbo

Larry Casual Returns with a Bold, Timeless & Sophisticated collection

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

While the wedding guest numbers may have been taken down, in a bid to observe S.O. Ps, your attire shouldn’t be a letdown as well.

And with the new fashion collection that has been released by Larry Casual, your wedding
fashion just went a notch higher.
The bespoke luxury men’s designer has just released a new 20-piece collection, that he says was birthed last year during the lengthy lockdown.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CQNU44dK_Dh/?utm_source=ig_embed

“Because we were stuck home for a really long time, I began looking at things differently and realized that we needed to experience and create something new with the men’s fashion when it came to weddings. And that is how this collection was born,” Martyn Larry, the designer explains.
He adds that this collection was made for the man/groom who is seeking to make a statement with their fashion, not afraid to go bold, and also very expressive.

“I need the man who wears any of the pieces from this collection to feel bold, bright, and truly Africa, which is something that we endeavored to emphasize with this collection.

The Larry Casual man is unapologetic, stylish, and fashion-forward. And that is what this collection is aimed to achieve!” he adds.

South Africa Team to wear the Locally Designed Kit to Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games for First Time in History

Posted on by Fashion Tribe Influencer

South African Olympic and Paralympic athletes, will for the first time ever, be kitted out in locally designed athletic apparel at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The proudly South African kit was unveiled at a fashion show in collaboration with Mr. Price Sport, The City of Durban, and the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) on Thursday.

Team South Africa’s kit will comprise the opening ceremony ensemble, which incorporates a proudly South African look paired with vellies leather field shoes provided by Durban-brand, VeldskoenTM, the official off-field shoe of the country’s athletes.

Four young Durban designers worked together with Mr. Price Sport to develop the garments. The designers are a product of the Durban Fashion Fair development program which provides skills development and mentorship to emerging designers.

SASCOC President, Barry Hendricksm said it was wonderful for Team SA to be able to showcase the young designers’ talents.

“We are thankful for the opportunity to put their work on the global map. Our Team SA athletes will wear the kit with pride,” he said.

SASCOC Acting CEO, Ravi Govender said of the Olympic collaboration: “The combination of the homegrown brand Mr. Price Sport and Veldskoen with our young and upcoming designers dressing Team SA tells our story like it should be told.

The designers’ brief was to create a look that would be so memorable and outstanding, that all eyes would be on the country’s athletes and to create an authentic kit that competing countries would want to wear.

Durban Institute of Technology graduate and founder of a clothing label, ZuluM, Mbali Zulu, shared her experience as one of the designers.

“I have always loved to watch the Olympics so getting this amazing opportunity to design the opening outfit was a dream come true,

Nompumelelo Mjadu earned her Fashion Diploma after graduating from the Lindiwe Fashion Skills Academy in 2019. She has been the director of her own label Jado Mjadu since 2015.

“I knew our combined skills would result in remarkable work. This has motivated me to work even harder – being part of such a big project shows I’m going in the right direction,” Mjadu said.

Multimedia Fine Arts graduate, Sandile Sikhakhane is a young Durban artist with his own brand, sAnd!Le_da_creActive.

“At school, I was constantly drawing. I’ve always been a creative person. My first thought when I found out, ‘It’s my time to showcase my creations.’ Knowing that I’ll be part of the Olympics in my own way.”

Sipho Lushaba graduated from the Lindiwe Fashion Skills Academy in 2019 with a fashion design diploma and is now the director of his own label, SVL Designs.

“I thought that maybe it’s a prank, so I was in disbelief. When it was confirmed, I was overjoyed to have the opportunity to work with the team, and to tick one item off my bucket dream list.”

eThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda congratulated the designers on their Olympic designs.

“It is not every day that emerging designers get an opportunity to be featured in designing clothes that will enjoy international appeal,” Kaunda said.

This is the first time that the South African Olympic and Paralympic team apparel is designed locally.

“This is a progressive stride for local fashion and the textile industry, and it is in line with our Buy and Invest Local campaign.  It is encouraging to see our program is recognized. This is proof that we are headed in the right direction in terms of Durban becoming Africa’s fashion capital.”

Mr. Price Sport’s Head of Marketing, Dylan Cherry said: “We agreed with SASCOC that our team needed a strong graphic icon visible on camera. As our athletes are captured on various media platforms, our proudly South African protea will be recognized across the world.”

For the games as the official technical apparel sponsor of Team South Africa – Mr. Price Sport will supply both the technical apparel required for the multiple sporting events, as well as the tracksuits worn on the podium after each event.

Content courtesy of The South African 

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