I will finally be able to honour the brand Oudy K. The EFIs Identity Building and Business Sharing Initiative showcases creativity and talent in fashion and beyond, in an effort to strengthen the cultural sectors including art, photography, cinema and music. 
history through meticulously designed clothes. The programme will allow me to develop my brand with solid foundations. MaXhosa's modernist knitwear has graced the catwalks of New York Group one consisting of Kente Gentlemen, Laurenceairline and Ohiri will receive targeted support, whilst the second group, made up of Atelier VO, Mata Studio, and Oudy K, will receive business development guidance and increased mentorship to guide the creatives in establishing their businesses and solidifying their unique vision through the creative medium of their choice., Atelier V.O is a brand created by VESTIAIRE ORIGINAL, both a concept store located in Cotonou, Benin, dedicated to lifestyle brands made in Africa, as well as an RTW designer label. South Africa 
tomorrow across the continents for a fair and sustainable future in harmony with people and the planet. futuristic shapes. As we believe Africa is shaping fashions future, here are 8 designers who show the vibrancy and creativity the continent is quickly becoming famous for. Lagos Fashion Week has shown some of the most exciting fashion talents from across the continent over the last 10 years. The studio has a vision is to democratise and preserve different forms of traditional know-hows threatened in West Africa and accelerate the transition to positive fashion industry in harmony with people and the planet.
blooms along the Osun River, which flows from Nigeria to the Gulf So there you have it! Operational in eight dynamic countries , dIvoire, Eritrea, Kenya, Mali, Uganda, Iran, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan this chapter of EFI works hand in hand with leaders from the private sector to generate trade and more importantly, social capital. Not bad going for the young designer, who makes all of her clothes from scratch in her home country. With a focus on upcycling, recycling and respecting the engagements made within their local cooperatives, the brand prides itself on sustainability and community engagement in its town of Abidjan, Cte dIvoire. The selected brands this season include 3 ready-to-wear brands, a jewellery brand, a concept store and a textile designer., The creatives will receive mentorship from a team of experts with extensive experience working in Africa, fashion and business development including EFI head & founder, Simone Cipriani, co-founder of United Arrows, Hirofumi Kurino and actress and humanitarian Dakore Egbuson-Akande. Ngxokolo's heritage; everything - from dyed fabrics, beadwork to Mvuembas achievement highlighted the potential of technology to transform the digital fashion show into a spellbinding spectacle. translated into trends and a medley of energy and history.
Studio 189 manufactures their collections in Accra and supports various community led projects in Africa and the USA. Ghanian born Akosua is the brains behind the fashion brand, Aaks, a line of handcrafted bags. Little did we know that there was a whole pandemic on the horizon, Obuobi recalls. We have bought collections we havent physically seen on many occasions. handmade textiles are created using watercolour and collage. Founder/Designer: Laurence CHAUVIN-BUTHAUD, Laurenceairline, of Bassam, Cte dIvoire, brings together a path between cultures, drawing contemporary and timeless silhouettes with deep African roots by highlighting both the designers care for the people and the environment. Founded by Maki Osakwe in 2010, Lagos-based womenswear label Maki Oh has enjoyed the ultimate celebrity endorsement in the shape of Michelle Obama who even invited the young designer to the White House. His hugely popular knitwear brand, MaXhosa by Laduma, which draws inspiration from the Xhosa rite of passage, could be described as a bolder African version of Italian label Missoni. Orange Culture, Spring / Summer 2019 (2018) by Adebayo Oke-LawalOriginal Source: Lagos Fashion Week, Meet the African designers shaping the future of fashion. A firm favourite of fashion royalty Naomi Campbell (who closed Backstage at Lagos Fashion Week 2017 (2017) by Loza MaleombhoOriginal Source: Lagos Fashion Week, 4. African Tzar Studios is a fashion wear that focuses on designs and styles that suit the modern African man. 2022 Demand Africa. I started the adventure without any formal training, mentorship, or experience working in the industry. Growing up in Nairobi, Katungulu Mwendwa spent much of her childhood observing her late grandmother, who sourced materials from local artisans for her curio shop. Ivorian Loza Malombho created her fashion label in 2009 because she was passionate about blending Ivorian heritage with modern fashion. art installations. Shah led a nomadic childhood, moving from Oman to North America to the UK (where she trained as a Jeweller and Silversmith), before completing jewellery apprenticeship programmes in Mumbai and Jaipur. of Guinea. Lisa Folawiyo - elevating Nigerian Ankara prints with ornate embellishments. As the creative scene across Africa booms, Lagos and Johannesburg are jostling to become the South Africa Nigerian born Ian is the creative director of the fashion mens wear, Tzar studios. Group one consisting of, Kente Gentlemen, Laurenceairline and Ohiri will receive targeted support, whilst the, ta Studio, and Oudy K, will receive business development guidance and, increased mentorship to guide the creatives in establishing their businesses and solidifying their unique vision through the, I feel happy, eager to start the EFI Designer Accelerator and grateful to the jury who understood the history of ATELIER V.O. Highlighting the programmes commitment to African youth, sustainability and diversity, participants selected to enter the two-year programme which will begin in July 2021 are Atelier V.O, Kente Gentlemen, Laurenceairline, Mata Studio, Ohiri and Oudy K., The new call to join the EFI Designer Accelerator supported by the European Union after two successful seasons of the programme, was directed to talent operating in Benin, Burkina Faso, Cte dIvoire, Eritrea, Kenya, Mali, and Uganda and for the first time includes both fashion designers as well as entrepreneurs making their mark on the continent in varied creative mediums. Oudy Keita is a successful Mali-based entrepreneur having both founded a concept store featuring garments, salon, restaurant, pool and co-working space in Bamako, whilst also launching an Afropolitan designer brand for men and women produced in the city. Comments, questions or feedback? The show was an unprecedented global hit, both on social media and in the mainstream press arguably one of the fashion moments of lockdown. Murargy knows how to dress a woman. Selly Raby Kane was born and raised in Senegal. managed to bring all production in-house, producing sustainable collections with their team of in-house tailors from Bassam whilst sourcing most of their fabrics from local markets from within the African continent, contributing to the local community and creating relationships of trust., ta Studio is a community of artisans developing natural dyes and sustainable textile designs using traditional Malian methods with modern approaches that have a positive impact on people and the planet. stitched in Johannesburg. I feel really excited to be part of this great new adventure with EFI ! You could say that art runs in Imane Ayissis blood. The programme includes support, workshops and 1-1 mentoring sessions delivered by the Accelerator dedicated team and industry experts. Laduma is passionate about pushing the Xhosa culture to the future. You can get your hands on the standout accessories in her Nairobi studio space or by-appointment boutique. artisans who share in my brands dedication to beauty, community, and heritage. Kenya The first word in Kente Gentlemen praises the Kente cloth, a landmark textile and cultural icon of Africa, originating from the Ashanti kingdom. His recently released Azania The eponymous brand from the 2019 LVMH Prize winner caught the Get advice and recommendations for your trip. Vogue Business asked movers and shakers across the West African fashion scene to share their views. Ive started to see a rise in designers wanting to incorporate 3D technology into their process. For this reason, I look forward to the EFI Designer Accelerator. Maki Oh - beautiful and poetic Nigerian womenswear. Demand Africa is the premiere destination showcasing world-class lifestyle, travel, and entertainment. The programme will support business planning, brand promotion and marketing, as well as collection planning and design. the SS20 collection, the sustainability-focused Khumalo explores She started her elegant leather handbag and accessories label in 2014, a range of carefully crafted, classic investment pieces in iconic silhouettes and bold statement colours. initiatives while shattering stereotypes with a made-in-Africa Percy Nii Okine: Hes a Ghanaian 3D visualiser, working with a variety of brands as well as emerging fashion designers. grandchildren and constructed wedding dresses for the community, and well-cut suits in stripes, shimmery satins and unashamedly bold Kenneth Ize, Spring / Summer 2018 (2017) by Kenneth IzeOriginal Source: Lagos Fashion Week, Kenneth Ize has become famous with his use of traditional Nigerian textile aso-oke to create his designs. Reni Folawiyo: The founder of Alra, a concept store in Lagos (designed by superstar architect Sir David Adjaye), seeks to redefine luxury fashion for Nigerians, stocking Western labels such as Stella McCartney and Dries Van Noten and African brands such as Maki Oh, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi, Kenneth Ize and Christie Brown. Kenya The creative director of Tiffany Amber, Folake Folarin Coker is a Nigerian fashion designer and stylist with an eye for creativity, sophistry and culture. Born in Brazil and raised in Cte d'Ivoire, Loza The future of fashion shows for African designers is limitless. Innovation and creativity are with us, and virtual shows are now a way [forward] when we go back to our normal lives. Covid-19 has helped start the conversation, I think, he observes. stereotypes and blur the lines between gender boundaries. Meet the movers and shakers shaping Nigeria's electrifying city. I feel happy, eager to start the EFI Designer Accelerator and grateful to the jury who understood the history of ATELIER V.O. and its. Her works have been considered afrofuturistic.
Please see our privacy policy for more information. Its also been super exciting to see designers like Hanifa and Christie Brown adopt technology/digital experiences for their fashion presentations this season. It was love though that brought her to Africa together with her husband she first relocated to his hometown of Juba, South Sudan, before taking on a fashion CEO role in Kenya. Besides Hanifa, other West African labels such as David Tlale, Christie Brown and Alldjo Studios have launched collections in recent weeks through virtual shows or via lookbooks on social platforms. a degree in sustainable development economics, strives to do everything in her power to ensure that their project is sustainable and respectful of the environment and people..
Learn how your comment data is processed. Watch, learn, laugh, connect, and explore online, in-home or on-the-go. Tokens of his childhood can be seen in his latest Realising the necessity to reverse current consumption trends and the negative impact of improper management of the fashion industry, in 2019, the brand decided to make a turning point. From kimonos to suits, to chemises and turbans, Bernie creates bold fashion statements using the traditional Burkina woven loincloth, Faso Dan Fani. Christie Brown - A Ghanaian superwoman with a passion for African storytelling. Sudan born Omer Asim launched his label, Omer Asim in 2011 and has since placed Africa in the centre stage. The Xhosa ethnic group primarily live in the Eastern Cape and has a fascinating tradition for colorful knitwear. Shes upbeat about virtual fashion shows and presentations. Having Beyonc wearing her designs for the first time in 2016 was one of our biggest moments. Handcrafted, the pieces are made in 18 k gold, and yet, they, Karidja & Khadija brand is doing an amazing job honoring the traditional Akan style with their earrings collection. Through the accelerator programme she will be developing a homeware collection using her textile designs made with natural dyes.. clashing co-ords - think: Andy Warhol-esque Coca Cola-print suits Minimalist structures with pared-back prints and edge. International luxury brands in Ghana, such as Versace Collection, have the capital to invest in software and can truly provide futuristic experiences to interact with clients.. isn't just a clothing line aimed at a millennial audience, but an Through the accelerator programme she will be developing a homeware collection using her textile designs made with natural dyes., I feel honoured and excited to be part of the EFI Designer Accelerator. The founder offers minimalist and sophisticated clothing that will highlight the wearer and serve as an extension of their personality. concept of old and new, bringing together Ivorian tribal aesthetics Orange Culture represents a movement that covers universal silhouettes with an African touch to a creative class of men. I will finally be able to honour the brand Oudy K. Ethical Fashion Initiative a flagship programme of the International Trade Centre, a joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization has been helping to bring African Fashion Design to the world stage since 2013, having previously mentored a number of African fashion brands and brought designers to events such as Vogues Fashion Night Out, Pitti Uomo and Altaroma. The first word in Kente Gentlemen praises the Kente cloth, a landmark textile and cultural icon of Africa, originating from the Ashanti kingdom. design to create a new aesthetic. Orange Culture, Spring / Summer 2020 (2019) by Adebayo Oke-LawalOriginal Source: Lagos Fashion Week, 5. It will provide me with the keys to give my best and to represent the cultural. I have always been intrigued by the innovative and expressive use of digital models like Kim Zulu and Noonoouri, and the possibilities that exist as we embrace technology even further to build more efficiency, right from the design experience to retail, she says. Ghanaian 3D visualiser Percy Nii Okine says virtual shows present a good alternative to physical events. All rights reserved, Top 14 African Fashion Designers You Need to Know. designer brand, Orange Culture, to challenger masculine Nigerian and sport-luxe silk tracksuits decorated in geometric patterns and Morayo wishes to develop a conscious brand according to a circular model by sourcing textiles exclusively made in Africa, and by working with local artisans while ensuring their well-being.. Maki Oh, founded by Maki Osakwe in 2010 fuses traditional African techniques with detailed contemporary construction. cut from intricate, regal prints. It will be an opportunity to learn from and collaborate with experts and a wider network of local. Week in February. Fringed being one of his trademarks, Kenneth Ize is a champion of African heritage and looks to modernising the traditional weaving process, Curated by Debola Adebowale for Lagos Fashion Week.
After careful consideration, six exceptionally talented West African creatives have been chosen to participate in the new Ethical Fashion Initiative (EFI) Designer Accelerator. African Now they are about to hit the global stage with the launch of Prime Obsession as an international contemporary brand with a minimalist design aesthetic watch this space. Attracting rave reviews from her debut at New York Fashion Week EFI creates and strengthens social enterprises in emerging economies to connect discerning international brands in fashion, interiors and fine foods with talented local designers, artisans and micro-producers. The studio has a vision is to democratise and preserve different forms of traditional know-hows threatened in West Africa and accelerate the transition to positive fashion industry in harmony with people and the planet. Every finished, tailored piece is fitted, cut, and sewn from fabrics made in Africa, with high respect paid to the rich textile heritage and local craftsmanship that has been cultivated on the continent since the 16th century. Diverse, After her graduation, she joined the Ecole de Cond in Lyon, later working for houses such as Chlo, Celine, and Givenchy. Self-taught Lagos-based designer Adebayo Oke-Lawal uses his At the intersection of fashion and art, Selly Raby Kanes style is both surreal and eclectic. Calling her brand Salyel, named after her grandmother, the designer and illustrator plays with her Senegalese heritage, eager to revisit her Fulanis origins. Raw materials and the decision to produce locally (made in Mali) set the brand apart and reflect the integration of the UNs SDGs into their production and ethos., I feel grateful and lucky to be able to join this programme. weavers, he takes a local handicraft and merges it with modern with western Nigerian aso oke (a traditional Nigerian fabric) Born in Auvergne to Guineas and Senegalese parents, Fatoumata Guirassy studied style at the Lyce des Mtiers de la Mode et des Arts in Riom. avant-garde headwear - is produced in-house with most garments Old African practices are Passionate about Kenya, the budding designer returned home as soon as she had completed her fashion degree in London to start her own contemporary fashion line. Christie Brown S/S19 Campaign (2019) by Aisha AyensuOriginal Source: Lagos Fashion Week. Merging traditional prints and bright colors, the brands creations appeal to urban and international clientele.