fbpx

Friday 19th of April 2024

Nairobi, Kenya

Tag: Fashion Week

Milan Fashion Week’s Fall/winter 2024–2025 Collection Fights Discrimination And Shines A Light On Black Designers

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

In a world where fashion serves as a mirror to society’s evolving norms and values, Milan Fashion Week’s fall-winter 2024-25 collection has emerged as a beacon of progress and inclusivity. The prestigious event, long revered for its influence in setting global fashion trends, took a bold step forward this season by casting a spotlight on black designers, who have historically been underrepresented in the industry. This initiative is not just a nod to diversity but a comprehensive effort to combat discrimination, signaling a seismic shift in the fashion landscape.

A Platform for Underrepresented Talent

Milan Fashion Week has always been a stage for the world’s most renowned designers to showcase their artistry. However, this year’s focus on black designers marks a pivotal moment in the event’s history. By providing a platform for these talented individuals, the week not only celebrated the richness of their cultural heritage but also underscored the importance of diversity and representation in fashion. This move is a clear acknowledgment of the unique perspectives and creativity that black designers bring to the table, enriching the industry with their diverse narratives and aesthetics.

Combatting Discrimination Through Collaboration

The initiative to spotlight black designers was accompanied by a significant partnership between the Italian Fashion Council, a governmental anti-discrimination office, and a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting African fashion. This collaboration is a testament to the power of unity in driving social change. By signing an agreement to trace, identify, and fight against discriminatory practices, these organizations have laid down a comprehensive strategy aimed at fostering an environment of equality and respect within the fashion industry.

A Step Towards Inclusivity

The fall-winter 2024-25 collection at Milan Fashion Week serves as a critical step towards inclusivity in fashion. It goes beyond mere representation; it is about acknowledging and addressing the systemic barriers that have hindered black designers and other marginalized groups from receiving the recognition they deserve. This initiative sends a powerful message that fashion is for everyone, irrespective of their race and that the industry is committed to breaking down the walls of discrimination.

The Impact on the Industry

The spotlight on black designers at Milan Fashion Week is expected to have a ripple effect across the global fashion industry. It challenges other fashion weeks and designers to reflect on their practices and consider how they can contribute to a more inclusive and equitable industry. Moreover, it encourages consumers to support and celebrate diversity, not just in fashion but in all aspects of life.

Looking Forward

While the initiative at Milan Fashion Week is a significant milestone, it is just the beginning of a long journey towards full inclusivity in fashion. The success of this initiative should serve as a catalyst for continued efforts to ensure that all designers, regardless of their background, have equal opportunities to showcase their work and influence global fashion trends. The fashion world is watching, and the message is clear: the time for change is now.

In conclusion, Milan Fashion Week’s fall-winter 2024-25 collection has not just set the stage for the latest fashion trends but has also paved the way for a more inclusive and equitable industry. By shining the spotlight on black designers and launching an initiative to combat discrimination, the event has underscored the essential role of diversity in driving creativity and innovation in fashion. This landmark moment is a powerful reminder that fashion, at its best, is an expression of all of humanity’s rich tapestry, and everyone deserves a place on the runway.

Content courtesy of NFH Digital Team 

What To Anticipate During Women’s Fashion Week A/W 2024

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

Looking forward, Women’s Fashion Week A/W 2024 promises a month of creative director debuts, huge runway shows, and lots of new names to check out with visits in New York, London, Milan, and Paris.
Suddenly, Women’s Fashion Week A/W 2024 appears on the horizon, promising a packed month-long schedule of catwalk shows, presentations, and events in New York, London, Milan, and Paris. Menswear Fashion Week and Haute Couture Week are also concluding for another season.
This season is sure to be exciting, as numerous companies will be making their much-awaited debuts as creative directors.

Irish fashion designer Seán McGirr will debut his first runway collection at Alexander McQueen (the British company will remain based in Paris following Sarah Burton’s last presentation in the city in September).

Chemena Kamali will also be returning to her career-starting home at Chloé. She most recently served as the womenswear design director at Saint Laurent. Matteo Tamburini will take over at Tod’s in Milan, while Walter Chiapponi, his predecessor, will take up residence at Blumarine.
Here is what to anticipate from Women’s Fashion Week A/W 2024, according to Wallpaper.

New York Fashion Week A/W 2024 (9 – 14 February 2024)
What to expect from New York Fashion Week A/W 2024 (9–14 February 2024) and Women’s Fashion Week A/W 2024
Peter Do will kick off fashion month with his highly anticipated Helmut Lang sophomore collection. The designer started working for the company last year, and in his September runway show, he referenced American stereotypes and the house founder’s simple design principles. In addition, a partnership with American poet and writer Ocean Vuong was shown, with her writing appearing on clothing and the catwalk. As Do becomes used to the job during his second season, expect these codes to change.

3.1 Phillip Lim, Collina Strada, Tommy Hilfiger, and Willy Chavarria, one of New York’s most promising talents and a member of last year’s Wallpaper* USA 300, are among the other participants on day one (expect a high-octane occurrence at the final). Ludovic de Saint Sernin will be returning from Paris this season, while the remainder of the week will include designs from New York Fashion Week mainstays Proenza Schouler, Eckhaus Latta, Area, Tory Burch, Coach, Michael Kors, and Gabriela Hearst.

Thom Browne, who returns to New York Fashion Week on February 14, will wrap up the week. This is a fitting decision given that the American designer is now the head of the CFDA, the organization that oversees the event.

London Fashion Week (16 – 20 February 2024)
The two most anticipated shows of London Fashion Week are still JW Anderson (18 February) and Burberry (19 February evening), with the latter including Daniel Lee’s third runway presentation for the brand. The legacy brand will make its presence in the city known with the announcement of a high-profile acquisition of London’s Harrods department store earlier this month.

In addition, Dunhill will be included in the calendar for the first time since 2020, marking the entrance of new creative director Simon Holloway with a small salon-style display (the event also falls on the house’s 130th anniversary, having been established in London in 1893).

Now in its 40th year, London Fashion Week is always brought to life by the city’s up-and-coming designers, who are back this season in full force. Anticipate a second runway show from Aaron Esh, which will take place on one of the upper floors of Tate Modern’s Blavatnik Building.
Aaron Esh made a strong debut last season. Other highlights include new collections from Robyn Lynch, Conner Ives, KNWLS, Tolu Coker, and Conner Ives, as well as the Central Saint Martins MA fashion show, which will showcase a new wave of young talent.

The week’s highlights come from the city’s more well-known, yet equally fascinating, names, such as Molly Goddard, Simone Rocha, Roksanda, Erdem, and Ahluwalia.

Milan Fashion Week (20 – 26 February 2024)
Expect fresh ideas for both Tod’s and Blumarine, even if there might not be the big-name debuts that characterized the previous season—namely, Sabato De Sarno at Gucci, who will present his second womenswear collection from the house this time around.

Former Bottega Veneta designer Matteo Tamburini will assume the helm at the former, while Walter Chiapponi, who succeeded Nicola Brognano last year, will showcase a fresh collection for the brand at the latter. As a result, anticipate a departure from the Y2K style that characterized Brognano’s administration.
Feben, a London-based designer who is considered one of Wallpaper’s designers to watch in 2024, will make her Milan Fashion Week debut with Dolce & Gabbana’s help.

Highlights elsewhere will undoubtedly include Ferragamo (following Maximilian Davis’s sleek collection from last season, which continued his evolution of the brand), Tom Ford (Peter Hawkings’ sophomore outing), Emporio Armani, Giorgio Armani, Max Mara, Dolce & Gabbana, and Bottega Veneta.
All eyes will be on OMA’s striking menswear set, which clashes the great outdoors with a corporate office.
Marni wraps out the week with a return to Milan following exhibitions in New York, Tokyo, and Paris.

Paris Fashion Week (26 February – 5 March 2024)
The month comes to an end with Paris Fashion Week, a nine-day event that features some of the most anticipated runway shows of the season.
Dior, Saint Laurent, Loewe, Balenciaga, Hermès, Miu Miu, and Chanel are just a few of the designers who are expected to deliver visually stunning runway shows that will undoubtedly dominate social media.
Seán McGirr, an Irish designer who succeeded Sarah Burton as Alexander McQueen’s creative director in September, will also showcase his latest vision for the brand.

On the evening of March 2, he will present his debut collection for the British House, making it undoubtedly one of the events of the week to speak about.

In the meantime, Louis Vuitton will take up the last place for the week on March 5 at 6.30 p.m.
Anticipate a high-profile event. Nicolas Ghesquière started working at the renowned French house 10 years ago, and over the last several weeks, he has been sharing highlights from that time on Instagram.
Will it be a greatest-hits event for him in A/W 2024?

Content courtesy of Wallpaper & 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

African Fashion Show: The Focus Is Back On Fashion Presentations, The Upcoming Season Will Look Like This.

Posted on by Nairobi Fashion Hub

Two years ago, when everything came to a halt, it still seems like yesterday. We couldn’t even go out and get refreshments or go to activities since we were confined to our homes.

Although it was difficult, we had to do it for the sake of our own and others around us. We never anticipated this day would come so quickly, yet two years later, we are able to leave the house without a mask.

Due to spending so much time inside starting in March 2020, the majority of people were forced to pack away their fashionable attire in favor of something more comfortable.

It’s time to dust off those fashionable outfits and display your innovative sense of fashion now that events are open.

As a result, prepare ready for some of the country’s hottest fashion shows, which will take place between September and October.

Durban Fashion Fair 
The Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Center will play host to the 10th annual Durban Fashion Fair from September 21–23 as part of eThekwini Metro. Along with the well-known designers, this year’s exhibition will feature student designers who are a part of its mentorship program showcasing their creations on the runway.

Before showcasing their collections to a larger audience of fashion buyers, the media, critics, and the general public at the fashion fair, the student designers are required to critique each other’s work as part of their weekly assignments under the guidance of Fezile Mdletshe, managing director and founder of the Fezile Fashion Skills Academy.

Mxolisi Kaunda, the mayor councilor of Ethekwini, is pleased with the program’s continued growth.

Our goal was to identify new talent and offer the required mentoring to promote self-employment by honing designers’ abilities so they might in turn produce jobs for others.

Free State Fashion Week
After an absence of two years, the Free State Fashion Week is returned. This year, the fashion spectacular will be held at the Naval Hill Planetarium in Bloemfontein thanks to a partnership with All Black Soiree, a high-end lifestyle event founded in 2021.

“As All Black Soiree, we are thrilled and honored that Candy Smith has given us the chance to collaborate with such an incredible company as Free State Fashion Week. one that breaks down historical entrance barriers in an effort to economically, creatively, and socially emancipate young people. According to Rapelang Khati, chief operating officer of All Black Soiree, “We look forward to a long-lasting cooperation that will give rise to various prospects.”

In order to prepare the public for the fashion show, which will take place from September 28 to October 1, the fashion week will organize a Women’s Day Breakfast on August 9.
In order to prepare the public for the fashion show, which will take place from September 28 to October 1, the fashion week will organize a Women’s Day Breakfast on August 9.
According to Candy Smith, CEO of the Free Condition Fashion Week, “The Women’s Day Breakfast will focus on the most important aspect of being a woman and how each and every woman in our midst has weathered the past two difficult years and how they have encountered humanity in its vulnerable state.”

Award-winning TV and radio personality Lerato Kganyago, “Ask A Man” host on Metro FM, “Young Famous & African” star Naked DJ, and world-famous medium and life coach Taz Singh are just a few of the people that are anticipated to attend the event.
Additionally, designers will present collections based on the “Be Human” concept at the fashion show, which was motivated by surviving a global pandemic and moving on after it.

“This year, I want to inspire our fashion business owners to “Be Human,” take a deep breath, and pause for a moment. That is the exact goal of the theme for 2022. Everyone in the world has experienced a great deal in both their personal and professional lives.

We must stop for a moment to breathe, then begin again with renewed vigor. It’s time to recover from the pandemic’s losses and reclaim our rightful positions while still managing to “Be Human.” This year’s designs from various designers will undoubtedly reflect this, according to Smith.

South African Fashion Week

The start of October is typically when South African Fashion Week holds its fashion shows, however, this has not yet been confirmed. The entries for the Scouting Menswear Competition are being processed right now.

The SA Fashion Week Scouting Menswear Competition seeks for the nation’s top up-and-coming menswear designers to showcase them to the media, buyers, and people who helped them break into the retail industry. On July 20, 2022, the competition’s semi-finalists will be revealed.

Content courtesy of IOL & NFH

Naomi Campbell Celebrates Nigerian Fashion At A Runway Show In Dubai

Posted on by Fashion Police

DUBAI: British supermodel Naomi Campbell hit the runway in Dubai on Saturday as part of Arise Fashion Week, which celebrated the best of Nigerian fashion and music.

The event took place at Armani Hotel Dubai, against the backdrop of the glittering Burj Khalifa, Fashion labels such as Hudayya, Banke Kuku, and Odio Mimonet, showcased their latest collections, while singer Akon and rapper D’Banj performed for the crowd, Campbell modeled a series of vibrant looks, including a deep blue jumpsuit, patterned tunic, and floral printed suit.

Lagos is usually the home for Arise Fashion Week but there was a slight difference this year. As part of Nigeria’s Day at the ongoing Dubai Expo 2020, the show was transported to the tourist’s playground, alongside a bevy of Nigerian designers and their muses, who showcased their latest collections in front of the socially-distanced audience.

Set on Friday at the center of Dubai downtown in Armani Hotels, where the iconic Burj Khalifa is standing tall, the show started at 9 pm and ended at 11:30 pm. In the space of 2-hours and 30 minutes, guests were treated to a spectacular display of fashion created by some of Nigeria’s most celebrated designers, which includes Lisa Folawiyo, Ituen Basi, Keneth Ize, Huddaya, Odio Mimonet, Lanre Da Silva, Tzar Studios, Onalaja, Banke Kuku, Tj Who, and others.

Opening the one-night show was none other than Naomi Campbell who stomped the catwalk wearing a stunning design by Abuja-based label, Huddaya. As the original supermodel that she is, Naomi wowed the audience as she sashayed down the runway in a royal blue number.

The look comprised of a robe dress and pants which the British supermodel teamed with a pair of peep-toe heel sandals. Her long, straight hair also made a remarkable addition to the entire look as it continued to swing left and right.

She also walked for Banke Kuku wearing a beautiful lounge dress from the brand, as well as Keneth Ize’s patterned dress, There was also an exciting music performance by Wizkid who charged the audience to Afropop and Afrobeat music.

Speaking about the show, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, who represented the Nigerian president, said by hosting AFW in Dubai, the organizers were showcasing Nigerian fashion to the world.

“I’m very glad to be here to witness another landmark achievement for the country: the first ARISE Fashion Week in Dubai. A city described as the Jewel of the Middle East where the best of Nigeria’s fashion and entertainment have come out in full force to celebrate our great country on this day that marks Nigeria’s Day at the Dubai Expo 2020,” Adebayo said in a statement.

Content courtesy of NFH Digital Team 

Africa Fashion Week Nigeria Returns For A Spectacular Show

Posted on by Fashion Police

As the world continues to unlock its social doors after a year’s hiatus owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers of the annual Africa Fashion Week Nigeria (AFWN) will be collaborating with the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) to return this year with a most spectacular event.

Focused on promoting indigenous emerging and established brands to international buyers, the AFWN is also reputed for bringing together the most promising, talented, and recognized fashion designers and brands from across Nigeria and Africa to showcase the latest trends and products to a large and diverse audience of consumers, industry enthusiasts, and the press.

This year’s event is billed to hold on Saturday the 4th and Sunday the 5th of December at the Ojaja Hall, Ife Grand Resort, Ile Ife, Nigeria, will have the Chairman of the Adire Oodua Textile Hub, His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II Ooni of Ife, launch first of its kind Adire Mobile Boutique – Adire on wheels.

The event will also be featuring exciting runway shows, fashion talks, Adire Oodua workshops, and exhibitions.

The theme for this year; “The Impact of Indigenous Fabrics and Tourism to the Nigerian Economy”, Ademiluyi explained, is pivotal to the essence of the brand, in its continuous effort to revive the decline of local textile industries in Nigeria, hence the collaboration this year with NTDC Tour Nigeria.

Founded by Princess Ronke Ademiluyi, with the aim of promoting homegrown brands, while preserving African culture, AFWN over the years has become not only a top-rated platform for fashion design, ready-to-wear, accessories, styling, and other new designs in the country but also a world-renowned platform for promoting brands, displaying originality and broadcasting fashion trends.

Content Courtesy of This Day Live and Nairobi Fashion Hub 

Nigerian Born Fashion Designer Joy Ijeoma Meribe Opens Milan Fashion Week 2021

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

Designer Joy Ijeoma Meribe opened Milan Fashion Week on Wednesday with her debut runway collection, a concrete success for a movement to promote diversity in Italian fashion just a year after launching

MILAN — Nigeria-born designer Joy Ijeoma Meribe opened Milan Fashion Week on Wednesday with her debut runway collection, a concrete success for a movement to promote diversity in Italian fashion just a year after launching.

The Italian National Fashion Chamber tapped Meribe to open six days of womenswear previews for Spring-Summer 2022 after her inaugural collection for the “We Are Made in Italy” initiative last year found commercial success.

“Beyond whatever video, proclamation, or manifesto that we make, the real test is whether clients buy your products. Joy passed that exam,’’ said Italian-Haitian designer Stella Jean, who helped launch the initiative in the summer of 2020, asking the question, “Do Black Lives Matter in Italian Fashion?” inspired by the U.S. movement and following racists gaffes by major Italian fashion houses.

“It wouldn’t have been so quick if there wasn’t an acceleration from the United States,’’ said Jean, who basked in the early success in the front row alongside Italy-based U.S.-born designer Edward Buchanan and Afro Fashion Week Milano founder Michelle Ngonmo.

Meribe broke down in tears after the show as she thanked the fashion chamber and the movement’s founders for getting her to the runway.

The collection featured tiered and ruffled skirts and jackets with built-in capes that were both regal, as seen in an off-shoulder dress sweeping the ground, and hip, including a mini day-dresses and shoulder-baring tunic. Textiles were an explosion of bright yellow against sky blue, with tropic prints featuring thatched cottages against flourishing banana trees, which Meribe said was meant to celebrate a return to more normality.

“We have passed from a dark moment, and I wanted to create something full of hope and light, the joy of restarting,’’ she said backstage.

The initiative that launched Meribe opened its second edition this fashion week, an all-female group of designers working in Italy with roots in Togo, Morocco, Haiti, Cuba, and India, following last year’s “Fab Five” inaugural class of all African-born designers.

“There is a movement happening,’’ said Buchanan, the American designer behind the Sansovino 6 label. “Of course everything takes time, but it takes somehow an industry to get used to the idea that these are talents like any other.”

To point, they have created a database of more than 3,000 fashion professionals with diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds living in Italy, including designers, merchandisers, photographers, and stylists, with the aim of putting to rest the notion that diverse talents weren’t available in Italy.

But even while marking progress on diversity being made in the industry, organizers said that a racist incident at a four-star hotel in Milan aimed at this year’s “Fab Five” underlined the work still ahead.

Ngonmo said that she was checking into the hotel with the five women when the desk clerks rudely dismissed routine requests by paying guests, indicating that they didn’t belong there. She posted the incident on social media and later spoke with management, who apologized and fired the two workers responsible.

“They dehumanized us, taking away our humanity and treating us like animals. It is really, really bad,’’ Ngonmo said.

Jean said the incident “is the proof that everything we are doing today, more than ever, needs to be done. It is a necessity.”

Content courtesy of abc News & Nairobi fashion hub 

 

10 Designers Who Made The Cut For CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund 2021

Posted on by Fashion Police

Not only is the council back for a new season but it returns for an even better cause: providing funds to all 10 finalists.

CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund is now back on its feet after a year in hiatus because of the struggles brought by the pandemic. Not only is the council back for a new season but it returns for an even better cause. Unlike before when CFDA and Vogue provide funding to the chosen winners (grand finalist and two runners-up), the council is now giving funds to all its 10 finalists.

The 10 lucky designers to receive funding and mentorship from the industry heads are Batsheva Hay of Batsheva; Mike Eckhaus and Zoe Latta of Eckhaus Latta; Anifa Mvuemba of Hanifa; Rebecca Henry and Akua Shabaka of House of Aama; Kenneth Nicholson; Jameel Mohammed of Khiry; LaQuan Smith; Abrima Erwiah of Studio 189; Edvin Thompson of Theophilio; and Willy Chavarria.

1. Batsheva Hay of Batsheva

The lawyer-turned-designer draws inspiration from the traditions of feminine dressing. Think Victorian, Amish, and Hasidic styles. Her dresses consist of flowy silhouettes with prints, ruffles, and collars.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CMKmN7PLz2j/?utm_source=ig_embed

2. Mike Eckhause and Zoe Latte of Eckhause Latta

Known for deconstruction and unpredicted materials, the work of the design duo has been worn by the likes of musician Dua Lipa and model Alek Wek. Their latest collection features pieces in knit, quilts, and leather.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CNDS_KYn-PN/?utm_source=ig_embed

3. Anifa Mvuemba of Hanifa

One of Teen Vogue’s Generation Next designers in 2019, Anifa has emerged as one of the most promising designers to date. She likes to present her pieces as effortlessly beautiful, bold, and functional.

4. Rebecca Henry and Akua Shabaka of House of Aama

Rebecca Henry and Akua Shabaka, mother-and-daughter design tandem, use their platform and designs to rejoice in their community and heritage. One of their most notable collections celebrates Southern Creol spirituality and their African roots.

5. Kenneth Nicholson

Kenneth started his label back in 2016. The Los Angeles-based designer likes to take risks on menswear. His work has been featured in magazines like Blue and Frontpage and has been worn by the equally adventurous Jaden Smith.

6. Jameel Mohammed of Khiry

Khiry is a luxury jewelry label founded in 2016. Jameel Mohammed, Khiry designer, has also been a part of Forbes 30 under 30, with his works worn by Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat, Regina King, Michelle Obama, and Alicia Keys.

7. LaQuan Smith

Oozing with sensuality, LaQuan’s designs celebrate all body forms. Because of this philosophy of inclusivity, LaQuan pieces have been worn by big names in the fashion industry including Jennifer Lopez, the Kardashian-Jenner clan, Nicole Scherzinger, and Paris Hilton.

8. Abrima Erwiah of Studio 189

Studio 189 highlights “African and African-inspired fashion” through various regional prints and handcrafted textiles.

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

9. Edvin Thompson of Theophilio

The Jamaican designer produces contemporary clothing that draws the line between avant-garde and ready-to-wear pieces. A lot of his pieces incorporate black, red, yellow, and green colors, echoing the colors of Jamaica.

10. Willy Chavarria

The Mexican-American designer who launched his brand back in 2015 is also being funded by CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund. Willy, who has collaborated with Bench last 2019, is known for his menswear pieces that are loose-fitting, structured, and contemporary.

Content courtesy of Manila Bulletin & Nairobi fashion hub 

South African Fashion Week Kicks Off

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

South African Fashion Week (SAFW) begins its three-day schedule of shows today, with 28 designers, including LVMH prize finalist Lukhanyo Mdingi and finalists of SAFW’s 2021 new talent search competition, showcasing their collections digitally.

According to Lucilla Booyzen, director of SAFW, the trans-seasonal collections on the schedule were shot at the beginning of April at South Africa’s Mall of Africa and viewers will be able to purchase tickets on the SAFW website to view the collections via streaming platform Quicket.

While the digital format remains a necessity due to continued government restrictions to curb the spread of Covid-19 in South Africa, Booyzen also said broadcasting the shows digitally has the benefit of increasing the platform’s reach beyond South Africa.

This year’s main focus for SAFW is slow fashion, Booyzen told BoF. In practice, this focus takes different forms for different designers, with upcycling and working with natural fabrics like cotton, mohair, and wool being commonly utilised slow fashion tools among those showing at SAFW.

”South African Fashion Week’s goal of facilitating a slow fashion culture steeped in ecological sustainability by 2025 is supported by the majority of designers who are aligned with the platform,” Booyzen said.

This edition of SAFW also features a tribute to Wandi Nzimande, the co-founder of popular streetwear and lifestyle brand Loxion Kulca, who died earlier this year. The Loxion Kulca collection to be shown on the SAFW schedule was designed by House of Ole founder, Ole Ledimo.

Content courtesy of Business Of Fashion & Nairobi fashion hub 

Kenyan Designers and Film Looku Debut at London Fashion Week Virtual Premiere

Posted on by Fashion Tribe Influencer

A film called Looku celebrating the work of 11 emerging Kenyan brands and designers, including Favoloso By Nanu, Genteel, Nisisi Factory, Sevaria, Enda and We Are NBO, premiered virtually on Saturday 20 February.

Brought about by the British Council’s Creative DNA programme and emerging creative consultancy Fashion Scout, Looku was co-directed by Sunny Dolat and Noel Kasyoka, who sought to recreate the creative vibrancy of Nairobi’s street style scene.

“Whenever we see images of Kenya and Nairobi, often, it’s the landscapes and wildlife that are often prioritised, over the incredible and dynamic people who live there,” said Dolat, a stylist, creative director and co-founder of The Nest Collective in the Kenyan capital who leads the creative direction of Creative DNA x Fashion Scout digital publication Wauzine. “Looku and Wauzine are a celebration of Nairobi, Nairobisms and Nairobians in their glory and flair, a love letter from us to us.”

The screening of Looku was accompanied by three panel talks on timely topics like fostering creativity during crisis, reimagining fashion’s capital cities (moderated by Helen Jennings, Wauzine features editor and co-founder of Nataal Media), and the value of more conscious design practices.

Fashion Scout 

Fashion Scout is a leading international consultancy and platform for nurturing, empowering and showcasing the future of fashion. Fashion Scout’s showcase events in London, Paris, Kyiv and other fashion weeks have presented a whole generation of designers to international media, buyers and influencers.

With 20 years of experience in the industry, our consultancy creates and delivers bespoke mentoring and development programmes for designers and organisations around the world  enabling designers to adapt and build sustainable businesses in these challenging times – and providing them with the opportunity to showcase their work to the international market.

Mettā Nairobi

Metta is Nest Groups’ physical and digital entrepreneurs’ network, where they bring together founders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, academics and investors
to collaborate. Nest Group is committed to creating collaborative environments that help corporates, start-ups, and our investors scale and succeed.

HEVA Fund

HEVA Fund is an East African fund that invests in the transformative social and economic potential of the creative economy sector in the East African region.

Since 2013, HEVA Fund has generated insights, rolled out investments, and innovated financial models specifically for the growth of the creative economy in east Africa.

HEVA Fund have invested in more than 40 creative businesses and directly supported over 8,000 creative practitioners in the fashion, digital content and television, live music and gaming value-chains. From Nairobi, Kampala, Kigali, Arusha, Lamu to Dar es salaam, the creative sector is where the creation of new products and new cultural experiences is happening.

They want to be at the forefront of helping producers of cultural goods and services to build high-value, profitable businesses where new ideas will come to life, and where the highest potential for great profits, great jobs, and happy people will be found.

Content courtesy of  Fashion Scout, Mettā Nairobi, HEVA Fund & Nairobi fashion hub