Sunday 10th of May 2026

Nairobi, Kenya

Tag: Fashion House

African Fashion Spaces Introduces The Mother City To A New Era Of Fashion.

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

African Fashion Space entertained Capetonians at a fashion display on September 16.
In addition to magnificent surroundings, African Fashion Spaces Cape Town showed a blend of high fashion and culture as Sinchui and Fuata Moyo displayed their exquisite designs.

“The 16th September 2023 was an exciting prelude to what’s yet to happen over the next couple weeks as we rollout the few exhibition collaborations we have with some of the most exciting designers, brands, and platforms associated,” said Jay Kayembe, creative director and co-found of African Fashion Spaces (AFS).

It’s not a typical fashion show; it’s more like strolling through an outstanding art exhibition showcasing Africa’s incredible ability and creativity via its many varied cultural lenses. It’s never been about maintaining the status quo.
Both Sinchui and Fuata Moyo presented their collections in front of a crowd of fashion aficionados, designers, trendsetters, clients, partners, friends, and family while the stars twinkled above Table Mountain.

Sinchui opened the presentation by showcasing their “Everything in the Divine Time” collection, which was hip-hop-inspired.
Like Pharrell did when he turned his music into fashion, the urban cool ensembles with trendy jackets took the stage and revived the golden age of hip-hop.
The collection “ROOTS/ROUTES” by Fuata Moyo was all about commemorating South African ancestry.

Each piece of clothing served as a brushstroke, creating a clear picture of the harmony between our past and our present.
The exhibit demonstrated that we can be both proud of our past and enthusiastic about the future.

The day-night exhibition had the atmosphere of a New York Rooftop mixer but was held in Cape Town, South Africa, where Table Mountain served as a backdrop for the starry nighttime event. Fashion aficionados, designers, trendsetters, clients, partners, and friends and family of the two fashion collectives Sinchui & Fuata Moyo attended the fashion exhibition.
Everyone was anticipating two amazing fashion presentations that would completely change how the fashion world is presented today. It was like a gigantic fashion party.

Mixing street style and old-school hip-hop in the showcase (Show 1)
The first brand was Sinchui, which is renowned for its daring street flair and a hint of hip-hop nostalgia. Cool urban clothes were showcased on the runway, fusing current fashion trends with the essence of street style. In a similar way to how Pharrell incorporated his music into fashion, the models strutted down the rooftop runway while in a groove, reviving the golden age of hip-hop.
The music perfectly complemented the collection, making it an unreal experience.

The runway’s rooftop and mountain backdrop came to life with the music, heightening the excitement of the entire experience. Each ensemble seems to overflow with joy.

Show 2 of the Fuata Moyo Showcase: Celebrating Our History and Dreams
Fuata Moyo presented a compilation titled “ROOTS/ROUTES” after that. It seemed as though we were staring into a history that was still present. ‘ROOTS’ was all about paying homage to our roots and honoring our family, home, and origins, but ‘ROUTES’ was about forging ahead and chasing huge dreams.

The runway resembled a wonderful scene from a Harry Potter novel from Wakanda, yet it was set in Cape Town and told stories of African culture and aspirations.
Each piece of clothing served as a brushstroke, illuminating the harmony between our past and our voyage into the future.
The exhibit demonstrated that we can be both proud of our past and enthusiastic about the future.

Content courtesy of IOL, Urban Lifestyle SA & NFH

 

Thebe Magugu, A South African Fashion Designer, Is Honored During The 11th Annual First Ladies Luncheon

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

Thebe Magugu is one of South Africa’s top emerging stars in the field of fashion design.
The Johannesburg-based, 30-year-old designer made history in 2019 when he became the first South African to ever win the renowned LVMH Young Fashion Designer Prize.

This week in New York City, Fashion 4 Development honored him for his first visit to the country. He received the Franca Sozzani Award for 2023 at the First Ladies Luncheon, which was held in conjunction with the 78th General Assembly of the United Nations.

The “Mother & Child” series, which consists of eight costumes dedicated to celebrating South African tribes and traditions, is the name of the collection he displayed during the luncheon held at 583 Park Avenue.
The design of each outfit features a mother carrying her kid while dressed in the traditional attire of a different South African ethnic group.
The Venda Mother & Child Dress honors the Southern African Bantu people who are primarily found close to the South African-Zimbabwean border and the Swati Mother & Child Dress is a Bohemian-style moss crepe dress with a shirt collar, plunging neckline, and balloon sleeves.

The Zulu Mother & Child Dress, which is a rich maroon color, and the Tsonga Mother & Child Dress, which is red and blue, are also included in the collection.

According to him, South Africa has eight important tribes, and he wanted to honor them all. “I reinterpreted each culture by considering how mothers and children relate to one another. Depending on the culture, each outfit depicts a Madonna or mother figure cradling a kid.
It’s wonderful to see South African’ culture represented.
Coming from South Africa, a nation defined by indigenous customs, colonialism, apartheid, and its post-apartheid age, the fashion we see leaving the country, especially to Magugu, is being influenced by the country’s past, present, and future.

Being there is incredibly validating, he added. The Franca Sozzani Award feels very appropriate for me because I created my business with the intention of sharing history, cultures, and tales that may otherwise be lost to time.
I make capsules to preserve that for each one. Aside from being attractive, the fashion industry is also informative and educational.

Magugu’s ethical, eco-friendly clothing line is renowned for its recycled materials and storytelling as well as for its ethics. African Studies, the name of his spring/summer 2019 collection, was a commentary on the effects of colonialism on African culture.
It featured fabrics from Africa, such as kente and shweshwe, and patterns inspired by old African postcards.

Additionally, the designer has recently worked with community organizations to support African voices in the fashion business and train aspiring fashion designers as a way of giving back.

“When I started my brand in 2016, it was to pay homage, create an encyclopedia to the people and cultures that I don’t want to be forgotten,” the man added. These histories don’t lead to anything.
Fashion serves as a communication tool to inspire and transform, which is what makes it so brilliant.
The lunch was given in honor of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the one-year anniversary of her funeral in collaboration with the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust.

The VIP luncheon honored honorees like Hugo Boss CEO Daniel Grieder, artist Vuslat Sabanchi, Martina Cheung, president of S&P Global Market Intelligence, and Jean Shafiroff, who received the International Philanthropy Award from New York Assembly member Rebecca Seawright, who dubbed her “New York’s First Lady of Philanthropy.”
The event had a green carpet to honor sustainability in fashion.

As the goodwill ambassador for F4D, Naila Chowdhury, director of social impact and innovation at UC San Diego, was announced. The luncheon has previously recognized Victoria Beckham, Naomi Campbell, Donna Karan, Iman, and other influential figures in fashion.

Evie Evangelou, the founder of Fashion 4 Development, and Princess Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein served as the event’s co-hosts.
The Queen’s preferred bread-and-butter pudding recipe, created by her personal chef Anton Mosimann, was presented this year. With a reputation for dressing Jay-Z and Missy Elliott, costume designer June Ambrose, Twin Peaks actress Amy Shiels, Laine Siklos, Marcelo Carvalho de Andrade, Dr. Ines Hernandez, Chaz Dean, Sofie Mahlkvist, Janna Bullock, Daniel Stock, Park Magazine publisher Christopher Pape, and artist Bonnie Lautenberg, the widow of the late Senator Frank Lautenberg were among the notable attendees.
Magugu remarked, “I think that Franca Sozzani was such a trailblazer, look at all the things she has done. The All Black issue of Vogue Italy from 2008 included over 100 pages of black models on the cover.

He recalled that at the time, representation was practically nonexistent. I am privileged to be compared to her as a changemaker. She influenced fashion in a variety of ways, particularly when it came to diversity.

The lunch was held in conjunction with The 3rd Annual Sustainable Goals Banquet on Monday evening, which honored Lazarus Chakwera, the president of Malawi, Joseph Hernandez, the founder of Bluewater Biotech, Jasmina Bojic, the founder of UNAFF, the United Nations Association Film Festival, Dr. Ramon Tallaj, the founder and chairman of SOMOS Community Care, and Ingmar Rentzhog, the CEO and founder of WDHT.
An emotional address by Italian model Bianca Balti served as part of the event’s tribute to the late Franca Sozzani, Editor in Chief of Italian Vogue.

The prize, according to Dr. Tallaj, serves as a reminder of the significance of solving urgent social concerns of our time. He remarked this during the event. “We have the power to weave together threads of compassion, innovation, sustainable development, and equitable healthcare for all,” he declared.

In 2016, Magugu launched the high-end South African fashion label bearing his name.
The vibrant ready-to-wear collections are constructed from recycled materials and frequently feature motifs that are inspired by the history of Africa, but with a modern twist to make them relevant.
When the designer’s debut line, Geology, was highlighted in Vogue Italia in 2017, it was definitely a significant break.

Sara Sozzani Maino, the founder of Vogue Talents, the creative director of the Sozzani Foundation, and a creative advisor to Conde Nast, gave Magugu the Franca Sozzani Award.

Sozzani remarked at the occasion that Magugu “has a great vision for his creativity,” “empowers women, and brings the cultural traditions of Africa to the world.”
Magugu asserted live on stage that “People only need to feel seen once.”
The designer revealed that he was raised in a rural village and that his early exposure to the world of fashion came from watching MTV programs and music videos.

“I was rejected by a prestigious fashion school at a young age, and I studied fashion in South Africa,” he explained. “In hindsight, it was a blessing in disguise because being close to the visual cues to symbols I grew up with made me privy to such beautiful inspiration.”

Content courtesy of Forbes Africa & NFH

 

 

Meet The 15 African Fashion Brands Represented At SS24 London Fashion Week

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

One of the biggest fashion events in the world continues to be New York Fashion Week.
The twice-yearly exposition (held in February and September) serves as a big platform for showcasing the top international and American designers as well as a hot conduit into the American market. African designers have occasionally surfaced during NYFW, showcasing their collections on the runway.

Nigerian Maki Oh made her debut in 2012, while in 2014, South African and Nigerian industry icons David Tlale and Deola Sagoe both made their debuts. However, the watershed event in the late aughts is to thank for these designer debuts.
A group of African fashion designers attacked New York City in 2009.

African businesses Stoned Cherrie (South Africa), Xuly Bet (Mali), Momo Couture (Nigeria), and Tiffany Amber (Nigeria) were welcomed in the Bryant Park tents as part of the African Fashion Collective for the first time in NYFW’s history.
The “Obama Effect” was referred to by the general public in the fashion industry after Barack Obama became America’s first Black president a month earlier.

Through their presentations, these designers refuted stereotypical perceptions of Africa and highlighted the ingenuity and craftsmanship the region had to offer. There will never be another NYFW.
Since then, African designers have made progress. Nigeria’s Head of State Tia Adeola had been on the February program for NYFW’s Fall 2023 season.

Both brands are returning this September, the latter in the lineup for the eighth outing of The Black in Fashion Council Discovery Showroom.

1. Abigail Ajobi
Abigail Ajobi, the self-named brand’s creative director and fashion designer, is of Nigerian heritage.
The brand is a high-end streetwear company that uses exclusive and scarce materials to make its exquisite products. Additionally, by offering convertible styles that may be worn in different ways, it supports sustainability.

several methods. Abigail Ajobi has been in business since 2020. She has presented her designs at London Fashion Week and Lagos Fashion Week events and she has been featured in a number of periodicals. The collection’s profits are given to charities of the brand’s choosing.

The distinct and fashionable forms of Nollywood Y2k fashion served as the inspiration for Abigail Ajobi’s SS24 collection Anti-Muse.

2. Sukeina
Omar Salam chose to create Sukeina in 2012 after spending two years working at Christain Lacroix and working for French fashion designer Madame Sonia Rykiel in Paris.
The Senegalese designer with roots in New York, who studied fashion design at Parsons School of Design, has created a sartorial extravaganza with his womenswear line.

His distinctive designs for the brand include sculptural gowns, elaborate weaving, and dramatic forms.
Tribal elements from the continent have also affected his collections. His Fall 2022 collection incorporated the vibrant patterns of Bantu clothing, which can be seen in Eastern, Central, and Southern Africa.
2020 saw the launch of Sukeina, an origami dress, flapper-style mesh, and sheer looks collection.

3. Kílèntár
Klèntár is a Nigerian contemporary womenswear brand with a whimsical and feminine look that was founded by Michelle Adepoju in 2019.
Adepoju had at first begun by purchasing clothing to sell online.
She would purchase clothing items from her neighborhood thrift shop or charity shop, such as crop tops and blouses, and tastefully adorn them.

African sartorial features like cowries, indigo dyeing (adire), and hand weaving are also infused into the brand’s aesthetic. One of the newest labels in the NYFW lineup of African designers, Klèntár will exhibit alongside Korlekie, Onalaja, Fumi the Label, and Tia Adeola under the auspices of The Black in Fashion Council Discovery Showroom.

4. Dumebi
Barbara Biosah, a British-Nigerian fashion designer, founded the upscale womenswear line Dumebi, which specializes in handcrafted couture apparel, shoes, and accessories. Barbara’s designs are influenced by African and European Renaissance art with a British modern twist and a Parisian flair because of her British and Nigerian roots.
The brand wants to bring back custom-made clothing crafted with high-quality materials and creative ideas while cutting back on excessive mass production.

5. Korlekie
Beatrice Korlekie Newman, who graduated with a BA in fashion design from De Montfort University in Leicester, started Korlekie in 2013 from her Peckham, London, bedroom.
For the ladies in her local church, the British-Ghanaian designer created one-of-a-kind pieces in African textiles. Rita Ora, Anna Freil, Ellie Goulding, and Alesha Dixon are just a few of the A-listers who have worn the brand’s fashionable, upscale knitwear and crochet.
Further drawing inspiration from Ghanaian traditional craft, Korlekie combines luxurious materials with sensuality for the contemporary woman.

6. Feben
Feben’s collection is influenced by the nomadism of her personal identity as well as her Ethiopian ancestry, North Korean, and Swedish upbringing.
Vemmenby collaborated with Beyoncé to design and style costumes for the Brown Skin Girl music video after completing her MA in fashion at Central Saint Martins as an Isabella Blow scholar.
The visual codes of Black life from all over the world are explored via a surrealistic lens in Feben’s works.

7. Onalaja 
Onalaja is one of a number of contemporary Nigerian businesses that prioritize luxury and wearability in their design aesthetic. Kanyinsola Onalaja, a Nigerian-born fashion designer who founded her company in 2014, obtained her BA in Fashion Design from London’s Istituto Marangoni.

After that, she traveled to Rome to study 3D pattern cutting at the Academia di Costume E Moda. Onalaja creates expertly designed clothing for women with contrasting textures and patterns utilizing high-end materials. Particularly the coral red and the elaborate embroidery that represents the designer’s Bini origin, these patterns are masterpieces.

The bodycon dresses from this brand are also size-inclusive, fitting a variety of body types.
This is why the company’s Zusi dress, which celebrates the feminine body in all its variety, has been a success. Indiyah Polack, a former Love Island contestant, and Kandi are two celebs who have been seen sporting it.

8. Labrum London
Foday Dumbuya, the creative director and founder of Labrum, found inspiration while growing up and learning in London, Cyprus, and Sierra Leone.
A contemporary menswear company’s mission is to “tell the untold stories of West Africa to help bridge the gap between Western and West African culture.”
The distinctive features of British tailoring are combined with West African inspirations to create Labrum’s unique sense of style.
In honor of his Sierra Leonean heritage, his SS24 collection, NOMOLI ODYSSEY, was shown at the Four Seasons hotel in Trinity Square.
A number of Labrum’s creations featured depictions of the Nomoli figure, a native of Sierra Leone and a symbol of fertility and harvest.

9. Fumi the Label
Fumi the Label is a ready-to-wear womenswear line created by Toronto-based designer Fumi Egbon that emphasizes comfort, grace, and sophistication. The brand, which debuted in 2016, specializes in vibrant colors, breathable clothing, and the possibility of wardrobe-building styling.
One example is the Naomi dress, which may be combined with thigh-high boots, denim, or jeans. The brand will reach a new milestone when it exhibits at NYFW.

10. Tolu Coker
After graduating from Central Saint Martins, British-Nigerian Multi-Disciplinary Artist Tolu Coker created her own brand in 2018.
Her work, which is heavily influenced by identity politics and social environments, uses fashion as a platform to promote social change.
Her 2019 collection honored the lives of women who had survived being raped as a result of war atrocities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The earnings from a portion of her collection were donated to the charity “Choose Love” in 2020, which assists minority populations, refugees, and immigrants both locally and internationally.

Irapada, the SS24 collection by Tolu Coker, is inspired by her Yoruba heritage.
Through the prism of her own family’s relationship to both religion and fashion, she used her works to explore how Yoruba spirituality is seen.

11. Victor Anate
Despite the fact that Nigerian designer Victor Anate won’t present his edgy womenswear line Vicnate at NYFW, he has contributed his talent as a co-collaborator by creating Naomi Campbell’s debut collection for Pretty Little Thing.
The renowned supermodel tapped Anate and Brooklyn-based Edvin Thompson of Theophilio, both of Jamaican descent, to create her line for the fast-fashion behemoth.
It launched as a runway show on September 5 to kick off NYFW, showcasing a 70-piece collection of outerwear, mesh dresses, sharp pantsuits, and more. Now that the project is finished, it joins Anate’s impressively expanding and exciting portfolio.

12. Tia Adeola
The Tia Adeola line was previously presented at NYFW. The brand’s launch, the Autumn/Winter 2020 collection, brought models down the catwalk wearing its recognizable sheer and ruffles. They were seductive, extremely provocative, and were modeled after Renaissance-era dress regulations.

Tia Adeola, a 2019 Parsons School of Design alumna who was born in New York and raised in London, has established herself as an intriguing new designer and amassed a cult following that includes Gigi Hadid, Flo Milli, SZA, and others.

13. Studio 189
OkayAfrica attended Studio 189’s debut spring runway show in 2019, which featured a number of notable guests like Quincy Brown, Fantasia, Justin Skye, Naturi Naughton, and Ayo Tometi (formerly Opal Tometi).
We also learned how the brand’s design principles combine cutting-edge tailoring with ancient West African crafts like indigo dyeing, hand-batik, and weaving.

The sustainable brand, which was established in 2013 by Abrima Erwiah and the actress Rosario Dawson, is propelled by an artisanal pulse and collaborates with regional artisans in a way that highlights their abilities and gives them employment opportunities. Studio 189 is more than simply a brand; it currently conducts business in Accra and the United States. Additionally, it is a social enterprise that finances numerous initiatives started by locals both in the U.S. and on the continent.

14. Head of State
Head of State wasn’t yet a fully developed brand in 2016 when Taofeek Abijako founded it.
His goal was to earn money to build a water infrastructure in his area while still a senior in secondary school in Nigeria.
Fast forward to 2017, when his brand’s spring/summer 2018 collection made him the youngest debutant at NYFW. He wasn’t even 20.

Taofeek, who is now based in Brooklyn, New York (his parents had won the lotto in 2010), utilizes the Head of State as a bridge to connect cultures in Nigeria and the United States.
The brand has focused on striking a balance between the two through their clothing.
Traditional Nigerian design features like silhouettes and embroidery are executed with a contemporary twist.

15. Oshobor
Oshobor was founded in 2020 and is the creation of Peter Oshobor. It combines slow fashion, traditional craft, and cultural tales.
The brand expanded into the 2022 Green Access program, Lagos Fashion Week’s platform for talent identification.
It further highlighted the brand’s zero-waste philosophy by showcasing a small number of exquisite outfits made from waste yarn and offcuts.

Oshobor will visit New York for their Carnaval Couture NYFW event thanks to a collaboration with Upscale Magazine and Art Meso, the art and fashion exhibition that highlights up-and-coming designers and creatives from all around the world.

Content courtesy of Culture Custodian, Okay Africa & NFH

Fée Uhssi Presents: The African Fashion & Textiles Experience

Posted on by Ann Mumbi

A Series Of Workshops Exploring The Rich And Diverse History Of African Fashion.
By Tara Robinson.
The African Fashion & Textiles Experience will be presented by Wandsworth-based artist Fée Uhssi as a part of Wandsworth Council’s Black History 365. A six-monthly series of informative and engaging creative workshops examining African art and textile history will begin in September 2023.

French-Nigerian fashion and textile designer Fée Uhssi also practices art color therapy. Her workshops were developed, hosted, and delivered by Fée as a passion project.
They will delve into African history, artistic methods, the significance of textiles in Afro-Caribbean and African cultures, as well as the development of traditional to contemporary African attire.
They will also look at how modern European fashions were influenced by African textiles and clothing, as well as how fashion and history interact.

Workshops
The first session, which will focus exclusively on fashion history and include an African fashion creation workshop in honor of Fashion Week, will be held on Saturday, September 23.
In honor of National Black History Month, the second session will examine the unique evolution of African textiles over time.
The third session will be devoted to the symbolism found in African textiles as well as the entwined history of textiles and communication stretching from ancient Africa to the Americas and the Caribbean.
Fée will be teaching the traditional African wrapping methods as well as Furoshiki, the traditional Japanese gift-wrapping technique, in the fourth session.

In the fifth workshop, Fée will lead a discussion on color therapy and its African roots, leading attendees on a journey to understand the significance of color and acquire fresh color styling advice.
The last session will be devoted to fashion photography, recognizing the historical contributions of African and Black photographers to the fashion business.

With the encouragement of a small payment, all workshops are free.
You can purchase tickets by visiting the Eventbrite website HERE

Content courtesy Time and Leisure & NFH

Demi Moore at Milan Fashion Week Dons Tight-fitting Two-piece Set With Star-studded Fendi Front Row

Posted on by Fashion Police

The actress sat with A-listers Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Christina Ricci, and Gwendoline Christie.
At Milan Fashion Week, Demi Moore dazzled in an all-Fendi ensemble.

The 60-year-old actress sat in the first row during the premium fashion house’s Spring Summer 2024 show wearing a matching ribbed coral outfit, a tight midi skirt, and a high-neck top.

Moore wore a floor-length, billowing blue-gray coat, black heels with gold accents, and a matching black handbag to complete the look, which was styled by Brad Goreski.
Moore wore her long, dark hair down in a chic middle part, and she accessorized with little, glowy makeup. She accessorized with wire-rimmed glasses, a gold cuff bracelet, and long, delicate drop earrings.

She also donned light green gloves while cheering and blowing kisses at the event on Wednesday, according to a video posted by Vogue on Instagram.
The actress from Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle was seated in the front row of the Fendi show alongside a star-studded group.

Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, and Amber Valletta, in addition to Christina Ricci, Gwendoline Christie, Naomi Watts, Cara Delevingne, and Suki Waterhouse, were present with her.
In pictures obtained by Daily Mail, Moore can be seen grinning, posing for pictures, and chatting with Christie, 44, at the concert. Moore then posed for a picture behind the scenes with Valletta, Ricci, Christie, and Kim Jones, the artistic director of Fendi.

Moore spoke with PEOPLE about her relationship with fashion last year.
She added at the time, “I do like fashion, and I have relationships with designers who I respect and admire. “However, I still feel like a young child who gets to dress up, and who I am at heart is a dirty 12-year-old boy who really likes to just be comfortable and wear baggy clothes,” the speaker said.

The celebrity revealed that her go-to pandemic outfit was a pair of overalls.
Moore told PEOPLE that when she is in Idaho, she typically wears overalls all day, every day. “That’s as much me as sitting front row at Fashion Week in a chic designer outfit or a stunning red carpet gown.”

Tallulah, 29, Rumer, 35, and Scout, 32, are Moore’s “biggest teachers,” and she looks to them for fashion advice, she added.
She stated of her girls, “It is a mutual interchange of style inspiration. “I find people to be most inspiring when they are just being themselves.”

“I saw my youngest daughter out wearing this vintage Japanese silk robe, and I looked at it and said, ‘Is that from my storage?'” she added. And she responded, “Yes, I freed it.” Since they will ultimately receive everything, why not allow them to participate?

In the same interview, the G.I. Jane actor also said she wants to remove the “idea that women become less desirable as we get older” and claimed that accepting her age had been “liberating.”
When questioned about her 60th birthday plans, she responded, “Not being defined by a number and instead being defined by my experience.”

“When you reach 59, you start to consider the fact that you will soon turn 60. It feels really freeing,” Moore said. “When I think of my grandma at 60, she seemed to be somewhat content with her advanced age. However, I feel more present and alive than ever in so many ways.

Content courtesy of PEOPLE & NFH

Plumbridge Based Fashion Designer Madge to Showcase Collection at One World Festival

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

This weekend’s One World Festival, which will take place in and around Derry’s Guildhall, will include a fashion collection that was created and manufactured in Tyrone but was inspired by the brilliant colors of Africa.
Madge Kelly was raised in Nairobi, Kenya, but since 2018, she and her husband have made Ligford, which is near Plumbridge, their home.

During the 2020 lockdown limitations, she fell in love with sewing and has since created a collection that includes tote bags, waist jackets, circle skirts, scrunchies, and aprons.
She continues, “I learned the art of sewing when I lost my cherished mother during the 2020 lockdown. “I trained myself to sew as a coping mechanism for my sadness, and I started producing masks for my loved ones.

I eventually began producing headbands, tote bags, and scrunchies in my home studio.
“The vibrant colors of African patterns and the way they highlight the energy of the continent and the diversity of its inhabitants inspired me.

“I wanted to honor cultural diversity through my handmade designs,” the designer said.
Madge gave her collection the Swahili name RAFIKI, which translates to “friend,” and at first began to share her possessions with family and friends.

She now feels confident enough to present her work to a larger audience thanks to their favorable response.
This weekend, I will display some of the ideas I have been working on at the Guildhall, she added. “My motivation is to introduce and raise awareness of the African spirit in our community by encouraging them to wear clothing with African motifs.

In order to foster a spirit of inclusiveness and diversity, I hope that by sharing my collection, people will fall in love with the colors and appreciate African culture. Future plans include training in fashion design and learning about the industry. My ultimate objective is to present my African print creations on the catwalks of Paris and London during Fashion Week.

Derry City and Strabane District Council will host the North West Multicultural Festival – One World, which will begin at noon on Saturday, September 23, and will take place in and around the Guildhall. It will highlight the rich tapestry of international cultures that are present in the area.

The comprehensive program is a colorful celebration of worldwide music, song, dance, and cuisine and includes performances, workshops, arts and crafts, storytelling, enlightening exhibitions, and engaging dialogues.
A performance space will be created in Guildhall Square along with food stalls and arts and crafts including Beijing Mask Making and Thai Fan Making.

The space will feature dance and music performances from a wide range of genres including Hip Hop, Indian, and Ghana from midday until 4.30 pm.
Inside the Guildhall, the Main Hall will feature the World of Workshops initiative where people can try India Saree tying, Polish and Latvian crafts, and Chinese Dragon making.

The Whittaker Suite will have dance performances from Africa, India, and Asia while the Guildhall foyer will feature a variety of exhibitions of traditional clothing from throughout the world.
The Main Hall will host a Mukesh Chugh picture show.
The lovely Obon Fest lanterns and an exhibition of Indian culture will be on show next door in Harbour House, and visitors can stop by a variety of discussion events regarding the experiences that individuals from all over the world have had when relocating to the city and region.

Visit www.derrystrabane.com/oneworldfestival to obtain the complete One World Festival schedule.
The Good Relations Program of the Council has provided funding for this festival.

Content courtesy of Derry Strabane & NFH

The Joy Of African Fashion ‘Made With Love’ Is Introduced To The NYFW Runway By Rosario Dawson And Abrimah Erwiah

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

You have a front-row ticket to see the designs at Studio 189 thanks to Rosario Dawson and Abrimah Erwiah.
Dawson and Erwiah co-founded and run the sustainable fashion company, which uses African craftspeople. The pioneers organized a festive runway during New York Fashion Week to present what Studio 189 has in store for the Spring/Summer 2024 collection.
But as the co-founders revealed to reporters after the performance, the show incorporated music, dancing, poetry, and the charms of African culture in addition to sending garments down a runway.

The Ahsoka actress described the show’s opening with poet V (formerly known as Eve Ensler) as being “really powerful” when talking to a gathering of reporters, which included PEOPLE.
She responds, “No, I want a billion, and I want to dance with you. When we are always in pain, I want us to demonstrate what we are missing. when we fail to address suffering and choose to ignore it. But we may use that anguish to our advantage. When V requested that everyone in the room “up” and dance during Studio 189’s performance, Dawson replied, “And look at the joy that we have in us.

The Haunted Mansion performers stated that they watched footage from the Congo before deciding what they wanted to convey on stage.
We also want to be able to bring Africa here, said Erwiah, adding that this is a very essential factor.

Dawson said that each Studio 189 product is always “made with love.”
According to the co-founder, their business always finds a way to honor the culture.
“There is a lot of dancing as soon as you enter our factory. No matter what the people are going through,” Erwiah added. The same was true throughout the presentation as models danced down the runway at Gallery at Spring Studios in New York.

“We want the spirit of joy, of dancing, of love to come across,” Erwiah said, describing the “big energy and big movements and all of that in the hands.”
It’s amazing what we can do with our hands, Dawson added, in agreement with her Studio 189 business partner. Therefore, we merely wanted to honor that, together with that creativity’s potential. We literally hold the power in our hands.

There were a lot of recognizable faces at the NYFW event.
At the performance, Jonathan Scott and Zooey Deschanel were spotted donning identical purple Studio 189 outfits. The recently engaged couple held hands throughout the performance and grinned.

“We said that fashion can be a social change,” Erwiah added. “I can see how what we did has had an effect.”
Africa-made Studio 189 has taken home the prestigious CFDA Lexus Fashion Initiative for Sustainability award.

Additionally, the company has teamed with businesses including EDUN (LVMH), Yoox Net-a-Porter, and the United Nations ITC Ethical Fashion Initiative to encourage education and skill development while also fostering job growth.

They operate online as well as in Accra, Ghana, and New York.

Content courtesy of People & NFH

The Top 10 Worst Dressed Celebrities At the MTV Video Music Awards VMAs 2023 Red Carpet

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

The MTV Video Music Awards 2023, was another important night for the music business. A-profile celebrities including Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, Olivia Rodrigo, Doja Cat, Sam Smith, Beyoncé, and many others are included on this year’s list of nominations. Also scheduled to play at the awards ceremony are Fall Out Boy, Stray Kids, Karol G, Maneskin, and others. Of course, the red carpet is where most of the excitement for many VMAs viewers occurs before the show even starts.

Every year, the VMAs feature a plethora of fashion failures and hits, and 2023 is no exception. While some attendees are killing the night, others are falling flat with the audience.

The MTV Video Music Awards arrived at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, just as fashion fatigue was starting to set in on Day Five of New York Fashion Week.
The red carpet at the VMAs is known for being the wildest and most daring, with a few stylish moments sandwiched in amongst all the mayhem.

These included Saweetie and Lil Nas X wearing just-off-the-runway Palomo Spain and Area, respectively; Dove Cameron in a black slinky Coach dress; Shakira in a golden Versace; Annita in a major Schiaparelli; Karol G in Ashi Studio; Selena Gomez in Oscar de la Renta; and Olivia Rodrigo in Ludovic de Saint Sernin.

They can’t all be winners, though, and as is typical with the VMAs, some looks went awry. Chase Stokes wins points for being the dashing number-one fan of his girlfriend Kelsea Ballerini, but his red long suit jacket number left us wanting more. NSYNC showed up looking like various shades of blueberry sherbet in their coordinating suits.
Emily Ratajkowski, Yung Miami, Rita Ora, and Doja Cat also found themselves on the worst-dressed list.

Shakira was the night’s big honoree, taking home the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. Ice Spice won Best New Artist, while it was a big night for her seatmate, Swift, who won Video of the Year, song of the Year, and Best Pop Video, among others, bringing home a total of nine wins. And of course, the reunion of NSYNC was one of the most talked about moments of the night. But best dressed, they were not.

1. Nicki Minaj
2. Justina Valentine
3. Bebe Rexha
4. Selena Gomez
5. Saweetie
6. Ice Spice
7. GloRilla
8. Shenseea
9. Doechii
10. Tinashè
11. Hugo Gloss
12. Amelia Dimoldenberg
13. Bebe Rexha
14. Ts Madison
15. NLE Choppa
16. The Warning
17. Offset
18. Jimbo
19. Pretty Vee
20. Young Prince
21. Ashanti
22. Kelsea Ballerini
23. French Montana
24. Kaliii
25. Stray Kids
26. Rita Ora
27. Sasha Colby
28. Anitta
29. Cardi B
30. Reneé Rapp
31. Tomorrow X Together
32. Megan Thee Stallion
33. Shakira
34. Coco Jones
35. Sabrina Carpenter
36. Olivia Rodrigo
37. Karol G
38. Kathy Hilton
39. Måneskin
40. Tayshia Adams
41. Madelyn Cline
42. Demi Lovato

The 2023 VMAs red carpet has arrived to satisfy your urge to critique celebrity clothes, just in case New York Fashion Week wasn’t enough for you.
There isn’t really a better way to spend Fashion Month than sitting in front of your computer browsing through the “lewks,” as this red carpet is infamous for producing some of the best (and, ahem, worst) red carpet looks of the year.

Olivia Rodrigo and Doja Cat were early arrivals to the VMAs red carpet, strutting their stuff over two and a half hours before showtime (we love prompt stars! ), and taking fans by surprise with their outfit selections. Do you consider them winners as well? Make up your own mind by scrolling through every piece of 2023 VMAs apparel.

Content courtesy of NFH Digital Team

 

 

African Fashion: Ghana Must Go Bags Are Used by a Nigerian Fashion Designer to Produce Memorable Garments.

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

One thing is certain: this bag is well-liked among Africans. Some refer to it as a “Ghana Must Go” bag, while others refer to it as a “Mashangaan bag,” and others who disagree with the first two refer to it as a “Khonz’ekhaya. In Kenya, the bag is commonly known as Osuofia Bag ”

Strong plastic bags, or ukhonz’ekhanya as they are known in Zulu, are frequently used by Africans who travel great distances. When returning to their homelands after spending time in the city, where they work to support their families, they frequently use this bag to transport heavy luggage.

The exhibition “Anyi N’aga – We Are Going” was curated by Nigerian multidisciplinary artist Chioma Obiegbu in partnership with bnnà bomà. She provides more information about the bag that is popular on our continent.

“In West Africa, the blue and white or occasionally red, black, and white checkered bags known as Ghana Must Go earned not only appeal but also a connection to migration during the 1980s in Nigeria when millions of undocumented Ghanaians were evicted from that country.

The bags got their moniker because many of them used them to bundle and send their possessions back to Ghana, according to Obiegbu.

Obiegbu uses fashion to convey the stories of West African immigration while collaborating with a large group of brilliant African creatives.

“The movement of individuals across nearby boundaries and distant continents has recently been a reoccurring issue, especially with the advent of globalization.

“Many people migrate in search of better economic opportunities, employment, educational opportunities, and marriage opportunities—bringing their possessions, cultures, and beliefs with them,” she said.

“Anyi N’aga – We Are Going explores migration and heritage as they relate to the aforementioned points through the lens of fashion, while artistically drawing on the symbolism of the Ghana Must Go bags as they have been associated with travel and migration.”

South African designer Wanda Lephoto uses the bags’ prints in some of his works, while Obiegbu uses the actual bags to create fashion items.

He incorporated the Ghana Must Go prints, for instance, in his “PEOPLE” Spring/Summer ’24 collection. He incorporated the Ghana Must Go prints in a line he named “Me Fie” for this collection.

In the Ghanaian language of Akan, “Me Fie” means “My Place of Origin. The late Virgil Abloh’s 3% design philosophy, which held that you might create something new by altering a procedure, a product, or a perspective by 3%, was the inspiration for the collection, according to Lephoto.

Content courtesy of  IOL & NFH

ESSENCE Fashion House: The Ecosystem Of African Fashion

Posted on by Fashion Tribe Influencer

African designers and industry professionals discuss the influence of Africa on fashion globally.

Journalist Nana Agyemang, who is also the CEO of EveryStylishGirl, put together a diverse panel of African designers, industry professionals, and business owners for an ESSENCE Fashion House conversation.
Amira Rasool, the CEO of the wholesale marketplace The Folklore, Barkue Tubman, the Chief of Staff and Diasporic Engagement at Essence Ventures, and Kwaku Bediako, the creator and creative director of the fashion label Chocolate, were all part of the Ecosystem of African Fashion.

They each emphasized the interconnectivity of Africa with the international fashion business during their conversation.

“I feel like it’s so important that we connect,” Tubman said. “That’s part of my responsibility at ESSENCE Ventures, and just really in my life. I think that’s why this all works for me.” “For everything, with each other.
I believe we are aware of our effect on the fashion industry, and connecting the disconnected is what Essence Ventures wants to continue doing.
We’re going to accomplish it via a number of pillars, including economic inclusion, fashion, entertainment, and diaspora. Because I believe that Africa is luxurious, I am a major fan of African luxury.

Bediako emphasized how important it is to link African traditions with those of other continents as well as with those of other civilizations within Africa.
During the discussion, Caroline Wanga, the moderator of We’ve Been Here Before 50 Years of Hip-Hop Fashion, was actually sporting a bespoke Chocolate.
Bright colors and a variety of textures were used throughout the composition.
Rasool is commemorating The Folklore’s fifth anniversary, while Bediako is also marking Chocolate’s tenth anniversary.

Rasool is essential in helping different products gain exposure by securing placements with stores like Nordstrom, Saks, and Bloomingdale’s.

No insult intended, but working with the brands is the most challenging aspect of running our firm, Rasool added. “Because you are creative, your business is sensitive. It’s also the most satisfying aspect, and my journey to South Africa is what actually gave me the idea to found The Folklore.
While I was an undergrad, I had never been there before, and I instantly fell in love with the community.
I’ve worked in the fashion business for some time. I used to work in the media and was familiar with all of the European and American brands, but I was completely ignorant of the South African names at the time.

Content Courtesy of ESSENCE Fashion House & NFH

Africa Fashion Week London: Meet the Designers

Posted on by Ann Mumbi

Africa Fashion Week London is still one of the most reliable fashion weeks in the world after 13 years! Following a stellar performance at Africa Fashion Week Brasil, AFWL is back to add a little samba spice to the proceedings.
Due to significant building renovations, this year’s event will relocate from its traditional home at Freemasons’ Hall to a venue in Central London.

Additionally, the show is somewhat altering our format. On Day 1 (Friday, October 27), they will serve as the venue for the UK Africa Trade Expo. People will be able to attend eminent panel discussions and workshops, shop at the exhibitor stands, and attend.

On Day 2 (Saturday, October 28), exhibitor browsing resumes before our renowned (and fantastic!) catwalk showcases of the best in African creativity and design continue.

Day 3 (Sunday, October 29) concludes with the Black History & Lifestyle Awards x AFWL VIP Gala event after additional shopping is done.
While AFWL2023, final preparations are being done, a more comprehensive itinerary will be issued.
However, the following designers and exhibitors will be on exhibition this year, along with some of the innovations that will be on display:

1. OJ Clothings
OJ Clothings, a menswear company based in Lagos’ Lekki neighborhood, adds something to a man’s silhouette.
OJ Samuel, the developer of the company, believes his designs are artistic, unique, original, and inventive since they push the boundaries of conventional and modern.

2. ÌK-PEN
K-PEN is a high-end women’s fashion label with headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria. Ikpen Yvonne Akwitti created the company in 2006 with the aim of achieving perfection and workmanship.
The firm specializes in contemporary African-inspired design and offers bespoke and prêt-à-porter services. It uses ethnic accents and interesting silhouettes to create traditional bridal gowns, everyday staples, resort wear, and dazzling dresses.

3. Elpis Megalio
The pinnacle of bespoke and ready-to-wear fashion, Elpis Megalio is designed for the contemporary woman seeking uniqueness and expression.
Olufunke Afolabi, the creative director, is inspired by the confluence of art and wanderlust and courageously explores the brilliant world of colors, pushing design boundaries with unmatched craftsmanship.
Elpis Megalio is a proponent of giving women the tools they need to embrace their individuality and exude confidence. Their carefully chosen items are made with the intention of making every woman feel truly beautiful when dressed in clothes made just for her.

4. Piilz and Poizn
Piillz & Poizn, known for their avant-garde women’s clothing that features distinctive, high-fashion pieces intended to make a dramatic statement, are back on the AFWL runway. Piillz & Poizn has swiftly established a reputation as one of the most daring and cutting-edge fashion brands available thanks to its reckless approach to fashion.
Ifeoma Kate Umenyiora established the brand in 2018 to showcase her love of pushing the limits of fashion.
Piillz and Poizn is known for its immaculate attention to detail, opulent fabrics, and cutting-edge, avant-garde designs. Piilz and Poizn’s aesthetic is based on the notion that clothing should be lively, adventurous, and entertaining.

A focus on shape and structure is one of the defining characteristics of Piillz and Poizn’s design ethos.
The clothing line Piilz n Poizn is designed with delicate draping, thoughtful cut-outs, and sculptural designs that highlight the body’s inherent curves.
Piillz and Poizn’s clothing line has a distinct, high-end vibe that is unequaled by other fashion labels because of this attention to detail.

About Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL)

Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL), which was established in 2011 by Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, is the biggest fashion event in Europe for showcasing and supporting African and African-inspired design talent.

With a collaborative catwalk, exhibition, and business development program, AFWL has been in the forefront of raising awareness of Africa’s developing fashion industry on the global market and showcasing the continent’s up-and-coming designers and apparel sector.
Since 2011, AFWL has created at least 10 events, including the Mayor of London’s Black History Month festivities, and staged 10 catwalk shows while also providing expertise to at least 10 more events.

A highlight on the yearly fashion calendar, we have also shown over 800 young designers and exhibitors from Africa, Europe, and America to close to 70,000 visitors, including buyers, retailers, key industry figures, and the media.
Designers benefit from AFWL’s contacts, expertise, and understanding within the fashion industry.

AFWL is dedicated to building a platform for African and African-inspired designers that not only presents them to an international market but also supports them in creating a sustainable business that is globally recognized and fosters social change in Africa. The core team of AFWL is made up of experienced fashion industry experts and business professionals.

Content courtesy of Business Day & NFH

Kenyan Fashion: The Independent Zine Honoring Kenyan Designers’ Pulsating Energy

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

Genuineness does not always entail being responsible or eco-minded, Contrary to popular belief, WAUZINE004, a dynamic digital platform that champions the nexus of fashion, culture, and identity, is on a mission to disprove this.
The pulsating energy of African (note, Kenyan) designers has something significant about the current state of consumer taste, namely the influence of innovative offerings and off-beat aestheticism that brings forth proposals with an avant-garde, distinctive, and vibrant edge.
These designers delve deeply into the fascinating narratives of Kenya’s heritage while blending its relationship with the environments we live in.

The fourth issue of WAUZINE, with the Swahili title KUTOKA NAIROBI (from Nairobi), portrays Nairobi as a city known for its dynamic soul, seamlessly fusing with its rich traditional heritage, transforming into a creative canvas for a plethora of stories that arouse nostalgia and a genuine sense of cultural belonging.

Strong, imposing design: a stunning celebration of both concentration and toil that goes beyond a printed shirt or a suntanned top. It not only represents voices that are both inventive and socially conscious, echoing the pulse of a promising fashion system, but it also perfectly combines tradition, sustainability, and the feverish quest for artistic flare on a worldwide scale.

The fourth edition of the zine, Office describes the work of three Kenyan designers.

Theresia Kyalo
Theresia Kyalo began her career as a lawyer before dipping her toes into the development of distinctive contemporary jewelry. She drew significant influence from antique African jewelry while introducing her aestheticism to the modern day through simple, geometric shapes. Hardy brass is the designer’s material of choice since she wants to keep her line accessible.
A shining moment for the designer came in 2020 when Beyoncé included him on her list of Black creatives. He worked in both digital art and movies.

Yvette Anyango
Designer of Alegohono Yvette Anyango says, “Being featured on the 4th issue of Wauzine has been such an eye-opener for the brand.
It has sparked the urgently required awareness, development, and interest in what African fashion has to offer.
The designer’s collection features a variety of outfits that can be incorporated into a daily wardrobe: neutrals are dominant, and the brand’s guiding principles and ultimate embodiment are drawn from architectural design and include native art and photography.
These straightforward guidelines serve as a design manual for creating clothing with practicality.

Mvoo Wanje
“The history of Kenya is a rich tapestry of customs and civilizations, with an intriguing fusion of African, Western, and Arabic influences. Kenyan culture defies easy categorization; rather, when it comes to artistic endeavors, we have a powerful voice that merits consideration.
Designer Mvoo Wanje of Bonkerz NRB, who established the company in 2011, grew up in the 1990s with little to no media from the continent.
He freely acknowledges the mix of allusions that permeate his clothing “I can say hip hop as a sound and culture heavily influence how I see and create.”

Inspired by the beauty of color and the childlike things in life, the designer cares to share a perspective of Africa that isn’t about the struggle; rather, he’s keen to bring forth energy that translates into utility-heavy pieces that veer towards the functional and the practical with a zingy spirit.

Content courtesy of  Fashion Scouts, Office Magazine & NFH

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