Sunday 31st of May 2026

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Tag: Fashion Designer

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 

Fashion icon Connie Aluoch, Carole Kinoti, and Model Bidanya Barasa, Debra Sanaipei out to showcase designs during the Madaraka day fete

Posted on by Fashion Police

Four top models and fashion icons Debra Sanaipei, Bidanya Barasa, Connie Aluoch, and Carole Kinoti are preparing to showcase their self-designed outfits on June 1

The white dresses, embroidered with the Kenyan flag beads on the wrist, wraps, and waist, will be worn on Madaraka Day.

The designers, Carol Kinoti, Connie Aluoch, and models Bidanya Barasa and Debra Sanaipei described their style as unique and contemporary.

Their motivation is their love and compassion for being an African woman.

Speaking to Star Sasa, Carol, in Lad Flo-Cape, said the creativity of their dresses is highly inspired by the different physical aspects they have.

“I asked Connie what it takes for a Kenyan woman to wear best, then I remembered she is a typical example of an African woman and I decided to use her as my muse,” she said.

The dresses, described as Lad Occasional, Lad Red Carpet, Lad Skater, and Lad Flo-cape, symbolize peace, tranquillity, and patriotism.

Connie, in Lad Skater, attributed the success of her fashion career to a global approach and constant innovations. She is the brand ambassador, Lad Little Afro Dress, and a lecturer.

“I decided to be constantly innovative and I ventured into image consultancy, one-on-one image styling. I lecture fashion and give mentorship,” she said.

Bidanya, in Lad Occasional, and Debbie, in Lad Red Carpet, are legends in the modeling industry. They have now embarked on family business and real estate respectively.

Written By: Laura Shatuma
Photo Credit: Victor Imboto And Wilfred Nyangaresi

Content courtesy of The Star 

Whole: A Fun, Fresh Plus-size Kenyan Fashion Label Founded By Getrude Njeri

Posted on by Linda Wairegi

Whole is a fun, fresh plus-size Kenyan Fashion Label that will soon be the go-to destination for plus size women and plus size men in Kenya looking for beautiful fashion pieces.

NFH Contributing Writer Linda Wairegi sat down with the founder Getrude Njeri, to learn more about Whole clothing brand and her journey as a fashion designer.

 

LW: Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

GN: My name is Gertrude Njeri I am a multimedia journalist and a media marketer. I have worked as a writer, audiovisual producer and digital media strategist, and storyteller for different brands. I enjoy uncovering and narrating stories that relate to human experiences, their desires, convictions, interests, and challenges.

Fashion is an extension of who I am, and I believe it is also a great tool to tell one’s stories and express oneself fully. That’s why when I saw a gap for full-figured men and women to openly express themselves through fashion, I was inspired to start my clothing brand.

LW: When did you fall in love with fashion?

GN: I think I’ve just always loved fashion since I was young. Dressing up, styling, and seeing how little bits, pieces, and elements can come together to make something really beautiful!

LW: Who inspired you to start your fashion journey?

GN: Myself to be honest. haha. I am such a lover of clothing and style and when I visited stores, and shops that had really beautiful pieces but didn’t have them in my size, it was disheartening. Also knowing that other plus size men and women were going through this inspired me to serve them.

LW: What’s the name of your fashion label? And why?

GN: Whole.

I was looking for a name that had meaning behind it and that would be timeless. So the message behind it also greatly influenced the name.

For so long plus size men and women were made to feel inferior cause they did not fit into beauty standards. Whole seemed like a perfect fit cause it alluded to how wholesome and complete these full-figured beings are both inwards and outwards.

LW: When did you start your Whole?

GN: Whole has been a process, I can’t say it had a definite beginning. But the concept came to me when I was at my aunt’s place. (She is very religious and spiritual)

So as she and my mum were having banter and drinking tea, I was in the other room browsing through my phone, looking at style inspiration as I always do, then it came to me!

So I ran out to where my mum and my aunt were and I pitched the idea to them and they were like “YES! please do it!” And being in that anointed home, it just felt like God told me to do it there and then!

So from that day, it has just been a journey really. We are constantly launching and identifying new ways that work for us and our customers.

LW: Where can potential customers view and purchase your designs?

GN: We have the temporary shopping site now and the catalogue available here:
https://linktr.ee/WholeClothingBrand

So regarding the price points, we have custom-made pieces that are 10-20 % more than the ready-to-go pieces. However, the ready to go pieces range from Ksh 2,000-4,000.

LW: Why did you decide to come up with a plus-size clothing line?

GN: From a personal experience, I lacked trendy and unique clothing in my size and so many of my plus size girlies expressed the same sentiments. And generally, plus-size bodies are so divine and they too, deserve clothing that makes them feel beautiful and whole.

LW: What makes it different from other plus-size fashion labels/houses?

GN: Our Whole Assist feature is a whole new ball game!

We know that plus size men and women have their mass distributed differently; into different sizes shapes such as apple, hourglass, pear, square etc.

This platform is here to ensure that all the pieces you buy from us have the perfect fit! With the specific measurements you share, we tailor-make or adjust the clothing you purchase from us according to your size and shape.

Also Whole is more of a message than a clothing brand. We are here to literally change the perception of these beings as worthy frames of style and appeal through our pieces. Think of Whole as a revolution!

LW: Can you tell us more about your design process?

GN: So we mostly curate our designs and pieces. The idea was that so many trendy clothing that was in the market was unavailable in larger sizes. So we identify these unique pieces and recreate them, to flatter the full-figured body and make them available to plus-size men and women.

LW: Do you have an interest in making plus-size clothing for men?

GN: Yes most definitely! I have a whole design mood board for my plus-size men. And we plan to actualize this in the next collection.

LW: Have you faced any challenges?

GN: There are constant challenges, It has not been easy! Especially in the early stages. Just getting everything in place and getting that grounding was super hard. But we continue to grow and overcome!

LW: What’s your favourite ‘Whole’ Item? Why?

GN: This is so so hard for me to choose lol cause all of them are just amazing and have different elements in them that make them unique and beautiful.

LW: What’s your highlight so far, in your fashion journey?

GN: My highlight would definitely be the fact that Whole has so much potential, each time I am in my Whole workspace working, I see so many avenues for its growth and success.
And that is my constant highlight, to be honest!

LW: What’s your dream collaboration?

GN: There are excellent plus-size models that I’d love to work with! They are:
@Misslionhunter
@Styleissttyle
@jnaydaily

I’d also love to tap into brands that do not have a broad size range and give them that!

LW: Do you have an inspiring quote for aspiring fashion designers?

GN: Please just do it! Dream it, Idealise it, Fall in Love with It and do it! Do it scared, uncertain, and terrified but please do it! Everything else will follow, I promise.

LW: Is anything else, that you feel our readers should know about you or about Whole?

GN: Go purchase your first piece from Whole!
For your sisters, aunts, girlfriends, mum, best friends! There is something for everyone.
https://linktr.ee/WholeClothingBrand

Facebook Africa launches ‘Made by Africa, Loved by the World’ ahead of Africa Day – Celebrating Africa’s Growing Cultural Impact on the World

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

As part of its celebration around ‘Africa Day’ on 25th May, Facebook (www.Facebook.com) announced the launch of its global campaign titled: ‘Made by Africa, Loved by the World’ – a series of short films unveiling the stories of eight phenomenal creatives and small business owners from across the continent who are breaking ground across the world.

Available to view on a dedicated ‘Made by Africa, Loved by the World’ microsite and the official Facebook Africa page from 21st May 2021, the films provide a glimpse into the global successes of African creatives and businesses hailing from Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Gabon.

This includes fashion designer Laduma Ngxokolo from South Africa, whose clothing brand ‘Maxhosa’ has been worn by global names such as Beyonce and Alicia Keys, and most recently had his designs featured in the film ‘Coming to America 2’. Also featured are Sauti Sol, a collective Afro-pop music group hailing from Kenya who have gained international recognition with nominations and shows in Europe and the US, and Mark Angel, a Nigerian comedian who has amassed over 15 million global followers on Facebook. The series is aimed at showcasing, hero’ing, and honouring the people that are impacting Africa, as well as the world, through their music, arts, and crafts.

Included in the ‘Made by Africa, Loved by the World’ campaign are:

  • Mai Atafo (Nigeria) Fashion designer and bespoke tailor

  • Lafalaise Dion (Côte d’Ivoire) Fashion designer and visual artist

  • Jessica Allogo (Gabon) Founder of Les Petits Pots de l’Ogooué Garmout Food brand

  • Blinky Bill (Kenya) Musician, DJ, Rapper, and Producer

  • Sauti Sol (Kenya) International award-winning Afro-pop group

  • Lola Pedro (Nigeria) Founder of Pedro’s Premium Ogogoro drinks brand

  • Mark Angel (Nigeria) Digital comedian, scriptwriter, and video producer

  • Laduma Ngxokolo (South Africa)  Founder of fashion brand Maxhosa and creative artist

Nunu Ntshingila, Regional Director, Facebook Africa, said “At Facebook, we’re deeply invested in the creative industry in Africa, and nowhere is it more exciting to witness this vibrant creative scene than here on the continent. These people and businesses are changing the way Africa is seen, not just in Africa, but around the world, and are cementing our position as leaders in innovation and the creative industries.

We know that Africa is the future, and in honour of ‘Africa Day’ and the Africa Union’s 2021 celebration of African ‘Arts Culture And Heritage’, ‘Made by Africa, Loved by the World’ is our way of recognizing just some of these remarkable individuals who continue to inspire the world.”

As part of the ‘Made by Africa, Loved by the World’ campaign, Facebook will be creating dedicated ‘Africa Day’ Facebook profile frames available to Facebook users, and holding free virtual training for SMBs and Creators across Africa through its local training partners. Focused on providing other upcoming creatives and entrepreneurs with the digital know-how to take their ideas global, these will focus on creativity and Instagram including how to creatively engage with your audience through Instagram; Reels school, Interactivity in stories, and how to get creative with ads.

Media Contact:
Idea Engineers
PR agency for Facebook Africa
facebook@ideaengineers.co.za

Content courtesy of Africa News & Nairobi fashion hub 

Eliza Christoph Luxury, Ethical Fashion Brand Launched to Embody a Kenyan Sensibility With Color, Pattern, & Sustainability

Posted on by Fashion Tribe Influencer

Chic, urban, sophisticated, vibrant, and inspired Eliza Christoph enters the fashion zeitgeist on a mission.

Founded by Kenyan-born and NYC-based Liz Njoroge, the newly launched brand is an homage to her homeland and an upscale nod to its betterment. Poised to empower women in Kenya by creating jobs for skilled artisans and supporting their training, the brand offers more than sustainable, ethical luxury. Eliza Christoph offers principled, handcrafted clothing and accessories that wholeheartedly embrace the vibrant prints that are the spirit of Kenya.

For clothing and accessories made outside of Africa, the brand donates a portion of the profits to communities where their artisans live and work.

Classic in design, the timeless approach to each garment’s composition is as youthful as it is elegant. The pieces mix unique, vibrant prints with timeless and versatile silhouettes to create luxury staples that add effortless sophistication to any closet. The first collection consists of shirt dresses, skirts and silk scarves.

The dresses come in Dutch-wax-printed fabrics and uniquely designed and printed Italian cotton poplin. The skirts are made from the same cotton poplin, and the scarves are 100% Italian silk.

The double-faced Dutch wax fabric is printed in rich colors with a labor-intensive technique that applies wax resin before submerging the fabric in dye. For the cotton poplin prints, the brand created its own unique print designs inspired by historic African prints and Africa’s natural beauty. The bold prints blend the founder’s love for her home country and passion for modern and contemporary art.

The Eliza Christoph silk scarves bring art and luxury together in a delectable silk scarf. Uniquely designed, the scarf prints are hand-painted and digitally designed to depict the magnificent Kenyan sights and experiences. The scarves are made and printed in Italy on 100% silk and finished with hand-rolled edges for a refined look.

Produced on a non-seasonal calendar in limited runs, the clothing is hand-inspected for perfection. In keeping with their mission, Eliza Christoph will continue to give financial support to the African communities that inspire their collections.

About Eliza Christoph

New York-based Eliza Christoph is a sustainable and ethical luxury brand with the mission of creating the world’s most exquisite clothing and accessories while improving women’s livelihoods in Kenya and other African countries. Founders Liz Njoroge, Creative Director, and Christopher Ramsey, Chief Executive Officer, launched Eliza Christoph after years of travel, research, and development in Africa.

Founder and Creative Director Liz is inspired by her upbringing in Nairobi, Kenya, where women wear vibrant prints and sophisticated clothing for everyday life and celebrations. Having spent her childhood in Nairobi, Kenya, and later in New York City, U.S., Liz’s designs blend traditional African print inspirations with New York City modernism. She mixes unique, vibrant prints with timeless and versatile silhouettes to create luxury staples that add effortless sophistication to any closet.

Eliza Christoph’s fabric prints and scarf designs blend African scenes and nature with modern and contemporary art to create one-of-a-kind masterpieces. Each design is hand-painted or digitally designed in collaboration with our textile design team. For our print designs, Eliza Christoph selects only the best quality, sustainable materials from around the world.

Eliza Christoph employs highly skilled African artisans, who are paid a fair wage and receive benefits, to handcraft their luxury clothing. For clothing and accessories produced in Italy, a portion of the profits go back to the communities where our Artisans live and work. We carefully choose our supply chain partners for their ethical and environmentally sustainable practices.

Contact:

Jess Kennedy
Communications Manager, Eliza Christoph
jess@elizachristoph.com
1.929.416.2558
Website:https://www.elizachristoph.com
Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/eliza_christoph
Press Release Service by Newswire.com
Original Source: Eliza Christoph Luxury, Ethical Fashion Brand Launched to Embody a Kenyan Sensibility With Color, Pattern, & Sustainability

Content courtesy of News Wire & Nairobi fashion hub 

Rwandan fashion designer to represent East Africa at African Fashion International ( AFI )

Posted on by Fashion Police

Multi-disciplinary, textile and fashion designer Amza Niyonzima is among four African creatives expected to participate at the forthcoming African Fashion International (AFI) and pan-African network of creatives slated for May 25 in South Africa.

Niyonzima, whose clothing brand ‘Masa Mara’, made it to the AFI  line-up of runway collections and will represent East Africa alongside David Tlale representing the South, Said Mahrouf for the North and Ituen Basi from the West.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CLOUe2opM0c/?utm_source=ig_embed

In commemoration of Africa Day, which recognizes the founding of the African Union, AFI will host an intimate fine-dining, fashion, and music experience for guests and creatives who are steering the African renaissance.

The pan-African experience will fuse fine-dining with fashion, and will incorporate music and dance elements led by renowned producers and artists such as Ayo Solanke a Saxophonist, Vuyani Dance Co and Ndlovu Youth Choir.

The experience is hosted in collaboration with Aurum restaurant and pan-African chef Coco Reinarhz.

“The African Union’s Agenda 2063 aspires for, amongst others, cultural identity and heritage that contributes to Africa’s transformation. The notion of a renaissance, which refers to the European period of transformation that was driven by philosophy, literature and art, calls on us to rediscover and elevate the arts in order to transform Africa into a hub of creativity and innovation,” said Dr.Precious Moloi-Motsepe, AFI’s founder and CEO.

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

Since its founding, AFI pioneered pan-African co-operation within the fashion industry.

In 2019, AFI launched a campaign, African Fashion Unites, to bring continental creatives together in response to xenophobic attacks.

In a similar response to the pandemic that has harshly impacted small and emerging creative entrepreneurs, this showcase is a pathway to ensure their sustainability whilst celebrating the aspirations of African people and the African Union.

For audiences at home, the collections that will be shown on the runway will be available to shop online at www.houseofnala.africa and at AFI’s concept store House of Nala at the Leonardo in Sandton, South Africa, and streamed online on AFI Facebook page from 19h00 SA time.

About the designer

Niyonzima developed a love affair with fashion and art at a young age. Even as a young boy, he meticulously put his outfits together, and used his clothing to express his culture, personal taste, and his zest for life.

His fashion journey began when he started customizing his personal style, this sparked interest from friends.

He began creating and printing his own t-shirt designs, and also taught himself patterns and sewing. This propelled the designer to seriously consider the development of his own clothing line in 2013, which he proudly named Ma Casi, which means ‘strength’ or ‘power’ in Swahili/Lingala.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CCQRuG7puDq/?utm_source=ig_embed

According to the designer, the name ‘Ma Casi’ was inspired by African strength, which is exemplified by our formation of powerful empires, and our ability to conquer our struggles victoriously.

“Ma Casi’ honours our freedom to go anywhere and to be anywhere in the world by our will. December 2014 marked the inception of a new collection called The Brave Ones,” Niyonzima said.

This new collection captured Niyonzima’s ever-evolving nature, and represents a new direction for his brand aspirations: Masa Mara, which means ‘The Brave One’.

Masa Mara came from a Rwanda saying Amara Masa (Empty handed or something from nothing).

Content courtesy  of The New Times & Nairobi fashion hub 

Rosario Dawson, Thebe Magugu, and More Join Vogue’s Virtual Forces of Fashion Summit

Posted on by Fashion Police

On July 7 and 8, 2021, Vogue will host its fifth annual Forces of Fashion summit. The virtual series will feature candid conversations between industry leaders, including designer John Galliano, makeup artist Pat McGrath, stylist Zerina Akers, and Vogue’s Anna Wintour. And today comes the announcement of a new panel spotlighting five important new voices in fashion from across the globe.

Thebe Magugu, Priya Ahluwalia, Yueqi Qi, Abrima Erwiah, and Rosario Dawson will join Vogue.com editor Chioma Nnadi for a discussion about what it means to build a brand with impeccable authenticity. Each brings a strong point of view and an entirely fresh perspective. Magugu recently won the coveted LVMH prize for his South African–based clothing line of the same name. Ahluwalia has made waves with her eco-friendly menswear on the London fashion scene and beyond.

Qi’s eponymous, Shanghai-based label features otherworldly beading with a modern sensibility. (No surprise, as Qi, previously worked as an embroidery designer for Chanel.) Finally, Erwiah and Dawson’s brand, Studio One Eighty-Nine, showcases the beauty of African design while prioritizing artisanal craftsmanship and ethical business practices; the New York design duo was also recently nominated for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund 2021.

More details and tickets are available on the Forces of Fashion website. Check back for updates ahead of the event, which will take place on July 7 and 8.

Content courtesy of Vogue Magazine 

African Fashion Foundation Set To Host First-Ever Creative Industry Retreat In Africa

Posted on by Fashion Tribe Influencer

The African Fashion Foundation (AFF) presents the first-ever Creative Industry Retreat in Africa. The three-day event is scheduled for Wednesday, 19th May to Sunday, 23rd May 2021 and aimed at igniting and facilitating critical and valuable discussions around the industry ecosystem.

The three-day event will provide a unique platform for industry players and stakeholders to convene, collaborate and build solid partnerships needed to scale the fashion ecosystem in Africa. Ghana is set to be the convening point for this trailblazing three-day event. It will focus on the theme “Building a Sustainable Value Chain for Africa’s Creative Industry”. Discussions will focus on the need to forge real links in Africa’s creative industry, the strategic role of Development Finance Institutions within the sector and the need to drive the sustainability agenda.

 

This groundbreaking event seeks to foster industry collaboration and position the creative economy to become sustainable and resilient. It will host top creative industry players and professionals including Claudia Lumor – Glitz Africa, Adama Ndiaye – Adama Paris, Nisha Kanabar – Industrie Africa, Roberta Annan – African Fashion Foundation, Adeline Akufo-Addo Kufuor – The Lotte Accra; Viola Labi – Founder of Woven Worldwide, Jennifer Ronne – Victoria Grace Fashion; Fashion Icon & Broadcaster KOD, P. Y. Addo-Boateng – Mi Prime Entertainment, Emmanuel Uba Okoro – Emmy Kasbit, Nuel Bans – Debonair Afrik, Rebecca Donkor, Maame Adjei – Sweet Roots Media, Arieta Mujay Barg – Creative Strategist, Renown Fashion Writer Ekow Barnes, Writer & Humanitarian, Rozan Ahmed and Fredericka Brooksworth, Founder of Fashion Scholar.

The Retreat also seeks to reiterate AFF’s commitment towards sustainability and showcase its sustainability project, Recycle, Re-work, Re-use, a fashion sustainability project which was launched in March in collaboration with five young African fashion brands to address the issue of fashion waste and sustainable product life cycles. They include Omaliko Godson Ebuka- Maliko, Omafume Niemogha- Peperrow, Samuel Otteng, Baboa Tachie- Menson – Balm labs.

Content courtesy of Modern Ghana & Nairobi fashion hub 

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