African Fashion news and archive

Nigerian designer embraces 'clashes' and 'chaos' at Lagos Fashion Week

Models strutted down the runway, their beaded and sequined dresses evoking the traditional facial scarring still done in some parts of Nigeria. Others donned outfits paying homage to adire, a traditional Yoruba indigo fabric long prized for its craftsmanship. Kanyinsola Onalaja's show kicked off Lagos Fashion Week in style, in what has been a...

Fashion

From waste to runway: Kenyan designers transform used clothes into art

In a dusty alley in the heart of Kenya's largest open-air market, fashion models strut down a makeshift runway in bold, upcycled outfits made from waste collected at dumpsites and market cast-offs -- proof that even trash can dazzle. Every year, thousands of tonnes of used clothes from Europe, the United States, and beyond make their way to...

Fashion

Nigerian designer pushes 'Afro-lux' onto the global fashion scene

Its modern architecture complemented by latticework inspired by local Yoruba textiles, Alara, west Africa's first fashion and design "concept store", is an imposing sight in Lagos, Nigeria's bustling economic capital. Founder Reni Folawiyo is now 10 years into forging what she calls "Afro-lux", Alara serving as a homebase for designs that "play...

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Fashion

In S.Africa, Madiba shirts keep Mandela's legacy alive

Johannesburg - In his workshop stocked with piles of fabric and sewing machines, Sonwabile Ndamase is proud that the Madiba shirts he designed for Nelson Mandela 30 years ago endure as a legacy of South Africa's first democratically elected leader. Worn untucked and without a jacket, the loose Madiba shirts remain a favourite among South African...

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Fashion |Interview

IFM to support Benin's emerging designers through incubator programme

In collaboration with the Institut Français de la Mode (IFM), the Sèmè City programme, initiated by the Beninese government to promote innovation and local creative industries, is launching the FLY incubator. Over a twelve-month period, fashion professionals will support and mentor emerging designers from Benin and other African countries. Over...

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Culture

Bisa Butler’s Manhattan show unites fashion and art with contemporary relevance

The opening of Bisa Butler’s solo show took place on Saturday May 6 at Jeffrey Deitch’s downtown Manhattan gallery and it was more reflective of a fashion week happening than a traditional art opening. Youth, individualism and pride were on show not only in the work but in the attendees who spilled out through the open doors onto Wooster Street’...

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Culture

Chanel's le19M to host three-month long exhibition in Dakar, Senegal

After Chanel showed its Métiers d’Art collection in Senegal’s capital city in December, the Maison’s craftsmanship hub, le19M, is launching a three-month international programme in Dakar. In a statement le19M said the entire country of Senegal is replete with artisanal expertise, a heritage to which le19M is particularly sensitive. In...

Fashion

This fashion week in pictures

Sandton (South Africa) - Designer Mzukisi Mbane (middle), founder of Imprint, cheers with his models before his show as part of the African Fashion International (AFI) fashion week in Sandton on November 19, 2022. Detail of the Kimono exhibit at Musée du Quai Branly in Paris. November 22. (Photo: Léo Delafontaine via Claudine Colin...

Fashion

South Africa's Precious Moloi-Motsepe, champion of African fashion

South African Precious Moloi-Motsepe, one of the richest women in Africa, is a staunch promoter of fashion designers from the young, vibrant and culturally diverse continent. Style has coursed through her veins since she was a young girl growing up in Soweto township, and for her the time is ripe for "African designers to shine" on the...

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Culture

First ever 'Africa Fashion' exhibition opens in London

Britain's most extensive exhibition of African fashion is set to open in London, showcasing designers past and present, as well as the continent's diverse heritage and cultures. "Africa Fashion", at the Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum from Saturday, is also the country's first exhibition dedicated to the medium. Project curator Elisabeth Murray...

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Fashion

8 by Yoox launches Tales of Africa project

Yoox-owned label 8 by Yoox has revealed its new project, Tales by Africa, dedicated to artisanal and African culture and will include capsules created by six designers from the African continent. Set to become available from the beginning of May, the collections include ready-to-wear pieces, bags, accessories and footwear. Each of the designers...

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Business

Folklore Group raises 1.7 million dollars to launch wholesale platform for African brands

The Folklore Group announced it has raised 1.7 million dollars in a pre-seed funding round that will help it launch a conglomerate of B2B and consumer platforms for African and diasporic brands. The funding round was led by Slauson & Co. and had additional participation from Fearless Fund, Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) player...