Sunday 25th of October 2026

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Tag: Fashion House

Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) 2021

Posted on by Nairobi Fashion Hub

The largest annual African fashion event in Europe, Africa Fashion Week London, is back for Season 10!  Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) is Europe’s largest fashion event promoting and nurturing African and African-inspired design talent

With a collaborative catwalk, exhibition, and business development program, AFWL has led the way in highlighting Africa’s emerging designers and apparel industry and has been at the forefront of bringing awareness of Africa’s burgeoning fashion industry to the international market.  AFWL has hosted 9 catwalk events and contributed expertise to at least 10 more events produced by 3rd parties such as The Mayor of London’s Black History Month celebrations

We have also showcased over 900 emerging designers & exhibitors, from Africa, Europe, and America, to almost 75,000 visitors including buyers, retailers, influential industry professionals, and the media, and is now a highlight on the annual fashion calendar.

AFWL brings value to designers through, contacts, experience, and knowledge within the fashion community. With a core team made up of experienced fashion industry experts and business professionals, AFWL is committed to creating a platform for African and African inspired designers that not only showcases them to an international market but also supports them in building a sustainable business that is globally recognized and promotes social change in Africa.

About Africa Fashion Week London

AFWL has hosted seven catwalk events since its inception in 2011 and contributed expertise to more than 12 events produced by 3rd parties such as The Mayor of London’s Black History Month celebrations and the annual Africa Centre Summer Festival. We have also showcased over 900 emerging designers & exhibitors, from Africa, Europe, and America, to almost 80,000 visitors including buyers, retailers, influential industry professionals, and the media, and is now a highlight on the annual fashion calendar.

Content courtesy of Move Me Back and Nairobi Fashion Hub 

Birimian Unveils the First Cohort of the IFM-Birimian Accelerator x Africa, the Accelerator Program Launched with Institut Français de la Mode

Posted on by Fashion Police

Birimian, the first operational investment company dedicated to African luxury and premium heritage brands, has selected the finalists of its first call for applications (see list below). These finalists will join the acceleration program IFM-Birimian Accelerator x Africa, in partnership with Institut Français de la Mode (IFM). The designers selected will also be highlighted at the Première Classe event organized by WSN as part of Paris Fashion Week on October 1–4, giving the brands valuable exposure to the European fashion scene.

Launched in June 2021, IFM-Birimian Accelerator x Africa is an innovative acceleration program for emerging African heritage brands in the fashion, accessories, and jewelry sectors. Every year for ten months, the program, funded by Birimian, intends to support ten young designers selected by a committee of experts from the international creative scene. The brands participating in the program will also receive investment and/or consulting and support services from Birimian.

The accelerator program provides essential tools to develop emerging brands:

  • Defining a brand platform
  • Strengthening the creative process
  • Targeting the relevant audience
  • Establishing a consistent marketing strategy
  • Financial management
  • Planning and structuring of collections
  • Distribution strategy
  • Communication policy, and more.

This program is a unique opportunity for designers and emerging brands, both on the continent and in the diaspora, to get strategic, operational, and financial support for ten months, thus allowing them to make their activities more professional and organized. It is a program focused on training the young African creative guard and promoting creative entrepreneurship.

The talent identification process took two months and involved scouting, active engagement with brands, and selection of candidates from three segments: ready-to-wear (general public and premium) for 80% of the brands, ready-to-wear fashion (premium and luxury), and accessories for 20%. 85% of them are “made in Africa.” Their collective customer base reflects Birimian’s ambitions with a strong openness to the international market (40%) and significant potential for influence beyond the borders of the continent. 80% of them boast a revenue of over $US50,000, one of the main selection criteria.

The first group, characterized by a geographic diversity representative of the continent’s main economic hubs, illustrates the richness of the brands’ creative worlds. It includes the following finalists:

Laureen Kouassi-Olsson, CEO of Birimian, commented, “The class of designers invited to join the IFM-Birimian Accelerator x Africa program embody the new creative African guard: reinvented tradition, undeniable creative talent, Afropolitan, urban, and digitally focused on the world, proudly showcasing their heritage through collections whose originality no longer needs to be proven.

However, it remains fragile, hence the need to strengthen their basics and provide them with operational, strategic, creative, and financial support. This is the entire purpose of this program, which is fully aligned with our investment strategy. The network of experts it draws on and the unique access to the ecosystem of the French and European creative scene will inevitably create value. We cannot wait to warmly welcome them to Paris alongside Institut Français de la Mode.

“The 10 brands selected for this first intake of the IFM-Birimian Accelerator x Africa are full of creative talent and ambition for their development. The designers and entrepreneurs will work on all the components of their brand with the objective of not only boosting their reputation but also developing sustainable businesses in an international ecosystem while preserving their African heritage.

The right balance will be struck by working together towards creative, inclusive and sustainable entrepreneurship”, concludes Thomas Delattre, Director of the Fashion Entrepreneurship Center at Institut Français de la Mode.

About Birimian
The first operational investment platform dedicated to African luxury and premium heritage brands, Birimian supports designers on the continent in their growth and international development over the long term. Birimian’s main objective is to accelerate the international emergence of African creators by positioning itself as their major partner in four main sectors: fashion, accessories, beauty & cosmetics, and gourmet.
Birimian is aimed at brands that carry the continent’s culture, tradition, history, and cultural heritage, magnificent in its diversity, in their DNA and identity, brands that adapt to modern and contemporary codes.

About IFM
Institut Français de la Mode is a higher education institution, a training center for apprentices, a provider of executive education, as well as a center of expertise for the textiles, fashion, and luxury industries. It offers 16 educational programs at vocational, Bachelor, Master, Executive MBA, and doctorate levels, which prepare students for all the professions in the fashion industry in the fields of management, design, and craftsmanship.
Based in the heart of Paris on a new 9,000 m² campus, Institut Français de la Mode welcomes more than 1,000 students of some fifty nationalities – managers, designers, technicians, entrepreneurs – encouraging meetings, collaborations, and cultural effervescence.

Institut Français de la Mode is a member of HESAM Université, of the Conférence des Grandes Ecoles and of the International Foundation of Fashion Technology Institutes (IFFTI). It is supported by the French Ministry of Economy. It is recognized by the French Ministry of Higher Education.

Content courtesy of IFM-Birimian Accelerator x Africa 

 

 

Oakland Clothing Designer Sources Textiles from Africa

Posted on by Fashion Tribe Influencer

How an Oakland clothing designer Ade Dehye is challenging fashion industry norms, sourcing directly from Africa with his 100% Black-owned and operated brand, “Tunde” Ahmad is merging textiles from Ghana with urban streetwear designs.

East Oakland’s Akintunde “Tunde” Ahmad had long wanted to visit the African continent and reconnect with his ancestry. When he arrived at the University of Ghana in Accra in 2016, taking a semester off from Yale to study abroad, he was captivated by everything about the bustling city.

“I was fortunate to be able to go for an entire semester and have a deeper and longer connection out there, learning African history from an African perspective, rather than Eurocentric or American perspective,” he said. “I was able to dispel a lot of myths and stereotypes that are negative, overwhelmingly, and put into our heads about the continent.”

One of the most stunning revelations to Ahmad was how prosperous Ghana’s fashion industry is but not in the fast-fashion, the mass-produced way we’re accustomed to in America. In Accra, you’ll see a lot of people in completely custom outfits, rather than something you’d find at a chain store.

The reason: It’s extremely easy to access affordable tailors, along with endless unique fabrics, from bògòlanfini (traditionally dyed with fermented mud) to woven kente (a handwoven cloth with strips of silk and cotton).

“Even every dorm on campus had a tailor,” he said. Ahmad started getting garments made and visiting different fabric markets. “The tailors get your measurements and can make different custom pieces.”

These experiences laid the groundwork for what is now Ahmad’s successful clothing brand in Oakland, called Ade Dehye, which uses custom West African textiles sourced directly from Ghana to create urban streetwear designs. It’s all operated under an ethical business model that aims to respect, rather than exploit, African culture and workers.

“It was a very natural progression,” he said. “I never really had a huge interest in fashion. But once you actually get to try stuff and see how it looks on yourself, that is how I caught the fashion bug.”

Now, his 100% Black-owned and operated brand works with a dozen tailors in Accra to create around 250-300 pieces at a time. Ade Dehye is known for its fusion of intricate prints stylized as streetwear, bomber jackets, lined trench coats, and two-piece outfits that you can mix and match. The pieces are then shipped to Oakland and sold online or through pop-ups. The timeframe from Ahmad selecting the fabrics and designs to receiving the garments can take anywhere between 10 weeks to five months.

“There needs to be more investment in Ghana, in the continent as a whole,” Ahmad said. “And not just in the clothing industry, but in industrializing the country as a whole, and getting West Africa more up to speed and competitive with the rest of the world in every sector.”

Although Ahmad wasn’t always interested in fashion, he was familiar with West African textiles. His mom often wears clothing made out of West African prints, so Ahmad was exposed early on to textiles like Kente cloth, Ankara, and mud cloths. “I was no stranger to these fabrics. But I’d never been able to get stuff tailor-made to me,” he said.

Ahmad’s path to fashion wasn’t always clear, but he always had a goal to make a difference. When he graduated from Oakland Tech High School in 2014 he was praised on national television for his achievement as a senior who was accepted into some of the most elite Ivy League universities. Ahmad received his bachelor’s in sociology from Yale in 2018, and his master’s in journalism and documentary film from Columbia Journalism School in 2019.

“I got a lot of attention for [my college acceptances], and I always wanted to return the favor to come full circle and actually get into education,” he said of his goal to return home and pay it forward like he watched his mom do as being an educator with the Oakland Unified School District for three decades.

While he wanted to make his way home eventually, he decided to stay in New York to work as a journalist and filmmaker in Harlem after graduating from Columbia. But when COVID-19 hit, he and his partner, Elena, traveled back home to Oakland for what was supposed to be no more than a 10-day shelter in place. They ultimately canceled their return flight to New York and stayed in the Bay Area.

When he came home, he got the opportunity to teach at OUSD’s African American Male Achievement program, designed to improve academic and life outcomes for male students. At the same time, he took part in the prestigious Ida B. Wells fellowship in investigative reporting. While Ahmad was forging a budding journalism career, he never stopped thinking about the time he spent in Ghana. He started dreaming up creating a 100 percent Black-owned brand solely sourced and produced out of Ghana.

Having no fashion knowledge other than what he learned during his time abroad as a college student, he reached out to the people in the fashion industry he had met during his stay back in 2016. One of them was local Ghana fashion designer Awurama Mankatah, owner of the Threaded Tribes clothing brand.

So far, Ahmad has self-funded the entire project, and money generated from pieces sold is reinvested into the brand.

Because tailors in Ghana specialize in making a limited number of custom-made pieces at a time, one of the biggest challenges was recruiting them to be involved. He leaned on Mankatah for guidance on finding the right tailors, as well as learning how long certain handmade fabrics take to make, and the different types of stitching and patterns. The roughly dozen tailors that work for Mankatah also work for Ahmad, and the entire manufacturing operates out of Accra.

For the most part, Ahmad has worked remotely to bring his vision to life, but he was able to travel to Ghana this past February.

From the beginning, Ahmad wanted to ensure his brand helped the African workers he partnered with financially and didn’t become an exploitative source as is the case in so many industries operating on the continent. Cacao is one of the most obvious examples of how Western countries take advantage of West Africa’s natural resources with little benefit to locals. While Ghana is currently one of the largest exporters of cacao, Western Europe and the United States have the highest number of chocolate manufacturers reaping profits.

“You see all of these folks from other places coming in and running things, and you understand this is a raw resource grab,” he said.

Ahmad knew he was taking a risk with his ethical vision for how to run Ade Adehye given how much easier and more lucrative it would be to run the brand out of China’s mass production infrastructure. “I purposefully chose not to do that,” he said.

So far, Ahmad has hosted two pop-ups, one in Alameda in May and one in downtown Oakland in August. During the Oakland pop-up inside Dish Boutique on 23rd Street, friends and visitors got the chance to mingle with Ahmad, ask questions about the pieces, and walk away with shopping bags filled with unique garments priced at $80-$250, which Ahmad says is a reasonable price for the handwoven items given the labor-intensive hours that go into making the garments.

Ahmad’s ultimate goal is to help other Black entrepreneurs follow the blueprint that he created with the help of other people in the fashion industry like Mankatah of Threaded Tribes to show how it is possible to run an ethically and sustainable company that’s successful.

For now, he’s getting ready to travel to Ghana for the second time to start working on what new pieces he will add to the Ade Dehye collection. In the end, he is keeping accessibility and his hometown in mind as he rolls out designs.

“I want to see my folks wearing my stuff. I come from East Oakland, I come from Oakland public schools, folks aren’t going to be paying $800, $900 for a trenchcoat,” he said. “I want the pieces to be accessible to my folks. It’s more about brand integrity, having morals and values that I’m trying to stick to.”

Content courtesy of The Oakland Side & Nairobi fashion hub

 

Met Gala 2021 The Best Dressed on the Red Carpet

Posted on by Fashion Police

Last night saw the long-awaited return of the Met Gala, an event that is often dubbed ‘the Oscars of fashion, and which always sees celebrities and designers pull out all the stops to create truly memorable red-carpet moments. After 18 months of cancelled events as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, last night’s gala was even more special than usual as the biggest supermodels, actresses, sports stars and influencers made their way up those very famous steps for the first time in a while.

This year’s exhibition, and therefore the accompanying theme, was ‘In America: A Lexicon of Fashion’ or ‘American Independence’ which celebrates the Costume Institute’s 75th anniversary and explores a modern vocabulary of American fashion. When it came to the gala outfits, we saw both obvious and subtle nods to American fashion, culture, and history, while plenty of American designers were represented at the event.

It was a truly exciting night for fashion and there were plenty of memorable red-carpet moments.

One of America’s greatest exports is the image of the rugged cowboy, so it’s honestly surprising that the beige carpet at the Met Gala 2021 wasn’t full of spurs, wide-brimmed hats, and sturdy boots. Despite that, plenty of stars lived up to the “In America” theme by embracing Western wear in some way. From Leon Bridges who went traditional in a fringed Bode jacket to Jennifer Lopez who channeled a couture adventurer in an earthy brown Ralph Lauren gown, the looks that embraced the West were also the ones that felt riskiest and most alive.

Ben Platt, in Christian Cowan and Lupita N’yongo, in Versace, both embraced denim, while Shawn Mendes opted for a shirtless look in leather pants by Michael Kors. Kacey Musgraves was more abstract in an equestrian-inspired high-waisted skirt and boots by Ralph Lauren, while Kim Petras honored her childhood as a horse girl by wearing a spectacular printed Collina Strada gown complete with a horse’s head hanging from her neck.

Iman in Harris Reed

It takes a lot to steal attention on the Met Gala red carpet, but Iman managed to do exactly this in a striking look by Harris Reed. The model wore a completely handmade crinoline and gold leaf gown, jacquard bustier, and flares, with an enormous statement hat which Reed created in collaboration with Vivienne Lake. The stylist described the moment as their “biggest dream come true to date”.

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Zoe Kravitz in Saint Laurent

Post-pandemic, naked dressing is definitely back on the menu. This was proven by a number of stars last night, including Zoë Kravitz, who looked absolutely breathtaking in a completely sheer, beaded Saint Laurent gown, with sparkling Jessica McCormack diamonds.

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Paloma Elesser in Zac Posen

Model Paloma Elesser was the picture of old Hollywood glamour in a deep red satin gown by American designer Zac Posen, which featured a dramatic feathered train.

Kendall Jenner in Givenchy

Supermodel Kendall Jenner is no stranger to the Met Gala, and she is also no stranger to a sheer dress, but last night’s custom Givenchy ensemble may have been her best effort to date. The gown – which was embellished with crystals and featured a fishtail train and a jewelled neckpiece – was inspired by the house’s most famous muse, Audrey Hepburn, and a dress she wore in My Fair Lady.

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Lupita Nyong’o in Versace

While there was plenty of amazing fashion to be seen last night, the Met Gala theme of ‘American Independence’ was not always obvious with every single look. However, Lupita Nyong’o ticked all the right boxes with her denim Versace ballgown, which definitely nodded to all things USA.

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Rihanna in Balenciaga

It was a big night for Balenciaga with the house responsible for dressing some of the biggest stars in the world. This included Rihanna, always the queen of the Met Gala red carpet, who this year wore a black voluminous gown and beanie from the house’s latest couture collection, which she paired with lots and lots of Bulgari diamonds.

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Gemma Chan in Prabal Gurung

British actress Gemma Chan pulled out all the stops with her embellished Prabal Gurung mini dress, which featured a dramatic mint-green train. The dress was a tribute to Anna May Wong, the first Chinese-American film star of Hollywood’s golden era. “A trailblazer, fashion icon, and woman ahead of her time – she paved the way for those who came after and continues to inspire,” Chan wrote.

Michaela Coel in Balenciaga

It was Michaela Coel’s first time at the Met Gala, and she certainly did not disappoint. The actress, writer, and director arrived in a full Balenciaga look, where she was covered in sequins. The jumpsuit was made in a bright electric blue colour, which was presumably a nod to the American flag.

Kaia Gerber in Oscar de la Renta

Another star that nodded to old Hollywood glamour was Kaia Gerber who looked timeless and beautiful in a strapless black ball gown by Oscar de la Renta. The custom black faille gown featured ivy vines, which were made of black thread-work embroidery and lined the top of the corset bodice.

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Normani in Valentino

Normani had a picture-perfect moment in a Valentino couture gown for the 2021 Met Gala. The dress featured an enormous skirt, a dramatic train, and huge sleeves, all of which made for big, head-turning fashion, which is what this event is all about.

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Content courtesy of Harpers Bazaar, Met Gala & Nairobi fashion hub 

Everything We Know About the 2021 Met Gala

Posted on by Fashion Police

The 2021 Met Gala is tonight, September 13th, with live red carpet coverage starting at 5:30 p.m. EST. Typically held annually on the first Monday in May, the Met Gala aka fashion’s biggest night of the year returns this year as a smaller, more intimate affair than in years past.

(The soirée was canceled last year, and postponed to this September, due to COVID-19.) While it may look a little different this year, there will still be a red carpet filled with fabulous fashions and celebrity sightings.

So, ahead of the big bash, here are all the details we know about the event thus far including what the theme is, who’s hosting it, what the Costume Institute exhibit will entail, and what we can expect to see on the step and repeat.

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What is the Met Gala?

The Met Ball, or Met Gala, is the fashion world equivalent of the Oscars. It’s an evening when designers, models, and Hollywood stars convene in the year’s most over-the-top looks to celebrate and fundraise at a new exhibit from the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. Typically, everyone dresses to the theme, and according to the feel, of the exhibit; past themes have included camp, religion, punk, and more.

When and where is it?

The 2021 Met gala will be held as an intimate gala on September 13, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

What’s this year’s theme?

The 2021 Met gala is focused on celebrating all things American fashion. Andrew Bolton, the Wendy Yu Curator in Charge of the Costume Institute, felt it was time to reexamine American identity and fashion, especially as it has changed over the last several years due to both political and social justice movements.

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“I’ve been really impressed by American designers’ responses to the social and political climate, particularly around issues of body inclusivity and gender fluidity, and I’m just finding their work very, very self-reflective,” he told Vogue.

“I really do believe that American fashion is undergoing a renaissance. I think young designers, in particular, are at the vanguard of discussions about diversity and inclusion, as well as sustainability and transparency, much more so than their European counterparts, maybe with the exception of the English designers.”

What will the exhibit look like?

The Costume Institute will actually present a two-part 2021 exhibit, “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion” and “In America: An Anthology of Fashion.”

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Part one of the exhibition, “A Lexicon of Fashion,” will open on September 18 at the Anna Wintour Costume Center at the Met, marking the Costume Institute’s 75th anniversary. The exhibit will be organized to resemble a home, with intersecting walls and rooms that will establish what Bolton calls “a new vocabulary that’s more relevant and more reflective of the times in which we’re living.” Pieces from Christopher John Rogers, Sterling Ruby, Conner Ives, Prabal Gurung, and Andre Walker will be featured in part one of the exhibition.

Part two, “An Anthology of Fashion,” will open on May 5, 2022, in the period rooms of the museum’s American Wing. Bolton and the museum’s curatorial team will work with American film directors to create cinematic scenes within each room that depict a different history of American fashion. (A second Met gala will also take place on May 2, 2022, to mark the opening of “An Anthology of Fashion.”)

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Who will be this year’s hosts?

Every year, the Met Gala has a number of cochairs who help host the event. For the 2021 Met gala, Timothée Chalamet, Billie Eilish, Amanda Gorman, and Naomi Osaka will co-chair the affair, while Tom Ford, Instagram’s Adam Mosseri, and Anna Wintour will serve as the honorary chairs.

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Will there be a red carpet?

Yes! While it’s a more intimate affair this year, to follow COVID-19 safety protocols, there will still be a step and repeat happening on the iconic Met steps. Get ready to take in all of the bold, outré ensembles.

Is there a formal dress code?

Yes. American Independence is the official dress code listed on the invitation for the 2021 Met gala. Expect this to be translated in more ways than one, though—from flashy star-spangled outfits to classic gowns made by American designers. With the Met Gala, the number one rule is to always expect the unexpected.

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Who’s invited to the Met Gala this year?

Part of the fun of the Met gala is not knowing who will show up! Designers typically invite the buzziest celebrities of the moment as their guests, so you can expect some big Hollywood names on the carpet.

Can I watch the Met Gala?

Yes: Vogue will be broadcasting the only official Livestream from the event, providing unprecedented access to the splashy event. Beginning at 5:30 P.M. EST, the Livestream can be viewed here on the night of, and it will even be hosted by two special guests: Actor and recording artist Keke Palmer, and actor, writer, and director Ilana Glazer. Together, they will provide unprecedented access to the Met Gala’s famous red carpet, interviewing high-profile guests as they arrive in grand style.

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Are there Covid safety protocols in place?

The health and safety of guests and staff are a top priority. All attendees must provide proof of full vaccination, provide a negative rapid PCR test the day before, and wear proper face coverings when indoors except when eating or drinking.

Content courtesy of Vogue Magazine & Nairobi fashion hub  

Kenyan Genge Musician Nonini Launches Footwear Line In US, Shoe Designed in Italy

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

Kenyan rapper Hubert Nakitare better known as Nonini has launched a footwear line under his Mgenge2RU in the US. The artiste confirmed the info through his social media platforms. The shoe edition was created by Italian master-crafts, AliveShoes, who have many of their shoe editions appearing in international magazines like Vogue.

According to Nonini, he has invested over Ksh 2million in the shoe line and hopes the merchandise gets global recognition. “The shoes going for Ksh24, 000 are real international quality wear. They have been produced and endorsed by one of the best Italian shoe companies,” said the rapper.

His latest design is a unique and limited edition shoe wear in which he has collaborated with Italian master-crafts AliveShoes, through its founder and CEO, Luca Botticelli, AliveShoes, certified Nonini’s designer shoes for distribution and sale to the public this week.

The announcement comes days after Nonini and his team met the Floyd Mayweather African team in Las Vegas to discuss collaborative ideas they can work on touching on the apparel business.

“The US is a lucrative market because as you know, their economy is thriving and that is why my products are doing well here,” he expounded on his choice of launching in the US. Besides seeking performance opportunities, the rapper relocated to the United States of America four months ago, where he has been consulting on how to expand and monetize his ‘Mgenge2Ru’ brand.

“I am still working on my music with two major collaborations; one with Redsan and the other with Tanzanian rapper Chege, coming out soon. But I have discovered that all creatives in the world including US rapper Kanye West are trying to make it through brands.

“Fashion can take you places including those international fashion platforms like the New York Fashion week and so I have my eyes on the prize. This is where all my focus is now,” the celebrated hip-hop star who was part of the Kenyan hip-hop revolution in the 2000s said.

Popular for his big songs such as ‘Furahiday’, ‘Mtoto Mzuri’, ‘Keroro’ and ‘Nimetoka Mbali’, Nonini started working on his fashion design Mgenge2Ru when he was still at Calif Records.

He recalls how he would visit Gikomba market to buy clothes that he would then brand and sell to his fans. This is how the popular Calif Records T-shirts came up.

“It is only that Mgenge2Ru apparel is exploding now otherwise what people are seeing now is a result of constant work dating back many years. The time I have put in this cannot be measured.

“In the last two years, I have put in about Sh2 million into the work and that tells you that since I have no partner this is a real investment that has gone into it. I am trying to create merchandise that is self-sustainable and one that earns itself a good international identity. This is a game-changer,” he said.

Nonini’s music career is also thriving.

“Last Saturday I performed in Oakland in California among other shows and it is during my interactions with fans that I am learning what they want in terms of fashion,” Nonini said.

Nonini is not the only Kenyan making it big in the US when it comes to fashion designs.

Zedekiah Lukoye, aka Zeddie Loky, the founder and CEO of California-based Blkkburd Genes has been making waves in the US with his designs showcasing Kenya’s exquisite features, recently, he hit international headlines after rapper Jay-Z was spotted wearing his designer T-shirt showing Lamu’s Riyadh Mosque.

Each pair of kicks comes with collector edition packaging, You can buy your own pair here.

Mgenge 2Ru Kicks 
Mgenge2ru Jeshi Ed
Mgenge2RU Ladies 
Mgenge2ru Kids 
Mgenge2ru Kids 

Content courtesy of Mgenge 2ru Brand & 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 

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 

 

Africa’s Top Fashion Influencers

Posted on by Fashion Tribe Influencer

PARIS – With a steadily expanding middle class, Africa holds plenty of untapped potential for luxury brands. But who are the influencers who are moving the needle on the continent and beyond?

These days, global brands like Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Hermès are competing with a growing number of homegrown labels, as designers like Rich Mnisi, Kenneth Ize, Hanifa, and Thebe Magugu tap into rising demand for African-made fashion.

To succeed, Western brands must harness the power of local influencers, ranging from stars of Nigerian cinema, dubbed Nollywood, to television presenters, singers, and influencers, technology company Heuritech said in a webinar titled “Discover the African Fashion Scene.”

“The narration of African fashion cannot be done without African creatives,” said Amélie Rotsen, fashion analyst at Heuritech, which offers brands fashion trend forecasting using artificial intelligence to translate pictures shared on social media into market insights.

“People are now really quick to call out a brand for cultural appropriation, so stop any narrative based on Western imagery, and try to really call those creatives to create stories that will highlight their culture, the way they know-how,” she added.

Total private wealth held in Africa is expected to rise by 30 percent over the next 10 years, reaching $2.6 trillion by 2030, according to the “Africa Wealth Report 2021” published by AfrAsia Bank. South Africa is home to the largest luxury market in Africa by revenue, followed by Kenya and Morocco.

The bank expects Ethiopia, Mauritius, Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda to be the strongest-performing wealth markets in Africa over the next decade, with growth rates exceeding 60 percent. Solid growth is also forecast in Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, and Zambia.

“To enter the African market, it is very important for international brands to really understand the specificity of the markets and have teams directly in the field. This is especially true for influencer communication,” said Jenna McFeely, fashion curator and trend analyst at Heuritech.

“Picking the right brand ambassador requires foreign brands to do exhaustive research on the market, along with the influential figures of a particular country or field. And lastly, it’s important to consider the weight of the diaspora,” she added.

“As a result of colonization, people of African descent are present throughout the world with their heart and their wallet lying between the Western world and their roots, and this will to consume Black[-owned brands] has been reinforced,” she said, noting the power of U.S. beauty influencers like Jackie Aina and Nyma Tang.

Among the top African influencers, she listed was Nigerian actresses Adesua Etomi and Genevieve Nnaji, who have 4.3 million and 8.2 million followers on Instagram.

Nigeria has also produced major music stars such as Burna Boy and Wizkid, who posted a message on Instagram last week saying his concert at the O2 Arena in London, scheduled for Nov. 28, sold out in 12 minutes.

“While the link between film, music, and fashion does not need to be proven anymore, these artists’ global audience and edgy style make them ideal representatives for African and international designers who are hoping to attract aspirational or entry-level consumers,” McFeely said.

Popular TV personalities include Bonang Matheba, known for her catchphrase “Champagne, darling!”, who has launched several fashion lines and her own sparkling wine brand, House of BNG, in addition to starring in the reality TV show “Being Bonang.”

Citing Nigerian public relations firm Redrick, McFeely recommended that brands targeting luxury consumers rely on high-net-worth individuals like the Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who inspired Maria Grazia Chiuri’s first collection for Dior with her essay “We Should All Be Feminists.”

“There’s also the influencer market with entrepreneur women and travel enthusiasts like Boity Thulo, who showcases the lavish side of Africa, which is aspirational, to say the least,” McFeely added.

“And finally, there’s the promise of Afro cyber influencers who might be a new fun outlet, given the success encountered by Lil Miquela, who is another virtual influencer,” she said, citing the example of digital model Ivaany.

In parallel, WWD asked data research and insights company Launchmetrics to compile data on the top five African influencers ranked by media impact value or MIV. Based on a proprietary algorithm, the measure estimates the value of coverage across social networks and in the media.

1. Mihlali Ndamase (@mihlalii_n): 1.4 million followers on Instagram, 59 percent of the engaged audience from South Africa

The makeup artist and content creator, also known as Mihlali N, bills herself as the biggest beauty YouTuber in South Africa with 345,000 subscribers.

She recently generated $143,000 in MIV for a post with Fashion Nova, $112,000 for a post with Revlon, and $80,000 for a post with Dior makeup.

Featured on Forbes Africa’s “30 Under 30” list this year, Ndamase has expanded into luxury and lifestyle content, via paid partnerships with the likes of Radisson Hotels and Protea Hotels by Marriott.

2. Temiloluwa Otedola (@temiotedola): 1.2 million followers on Instagram, 54 percent of the engaged audience from Nigeria

The daughter of Femi Otedola, a Nigerian billionaire active in sectors including energy, and younger sister of music star DJ Cuppy, Temi Otedola established her presence with the launch in 2014 of a blog covering areas spanning fashion, travel, and a book club.

Her Instagram post about Etro’s Forte Dei Marmi pop-up in June generated $113,000 in MIV, while a post with Farfetch in 2020 was worth $68,000, reflecting the progression in her follower count.

Otedola made her acting debut last year as the female lead in Nigerian director Kunle Afolayan’s film “Citation,” the story of a university student who accuses a professor of sexual harassment, which is available to stream on Netflix.

3. Kefilwe Mabote (@kefilwe_mabote): 1.2 million followers on Instagram, 56 percent of the engaged audience from South Africa

Born in the township of Soweto in Johannesburg, Mabote last year published her autobiography “Kefilwe Mabote: Influencer De Luxe – From Soweto to Milan,” which doubles as a guide to becoming an influencer.

Known for her glamorous style, she generated $49,000 in MIV for a post with Ugg in May, but can generally be seen in high-end designer clothing by the likes of Burberry, Tom Ford, and Versace. She even has a dedicated website, kefiscloset.com, to sell her castoffs.

Mabote’s personal life made headlines last year when her then-boyfriend, businessman Edwin Sodi, was caught up in a corruption scandal. She subsequently lost a defamation lawsuit against the weekly tabloid Sunday World.

4. Lesego Legobane (@thickleeyonce): 765,000 followers on Instagram, 66 percent of the engaged audience from South Africa

Photographer, plus-size model and body positivity activist Legobane known professionally as Thickleeyonce also has her own online clothing store, Leebex.

A recent post with Fashion Nova Curve generated $39,000 in MIV; another with Bombay Sapphire was worth $63,000, and a third for Beyoncé’s Ivy Park collection with Adidas generated $50,000.

Legobane revealed last year that she had been selected as an influencer for Rihanna’s Savage x Fenty lingerie line, but last week called out the brand on Twitter for not offering any pay. The tweet was subsequently taken down, but she posted a separate message that read: “Pay Influencers. Creating Content Is Work.”

5. Sarah Langa (@sarahlanga), 579,000 followers on Instagram, 61 percent of the engaged audience from South Africa

A close friend of fellow influencer Kefilwe Mabote’s, Langa landed her first paid gig with South African department store chain Woolworths in 2015. She has frequently countered criticism from haters by highlighting her academic achievements, which she lists on her Instagram biography.

Langa works with a variety of brands including hairstyling appliances company GHD and mobile phone maker Samsung. She generated $31,000 in MIV for a recent post with fast-fashion e-tailer PrettyLittleThing; $26,000 with Nespresso, and $16,000 with Patrón Tequila.

One of her most recent Instagram posts shows her unboxing an Hermès Birkin handbag in a promotion for luxury goods sourcing service Aquarius Luxury Concierge.

Content courtesy of WWD & 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 

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.

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