The evolution of African fashion has largely been due to the recognition of the continent’s influence in the fashion industry which has peaked in recent years. Fin24 recently wrote a piece on how Africa’s fashion influence is increasing globally. One of the factors mentioned was, the refocus on modern African heritage, it should also be interesting to note that Wikipedia narrowly defines African fashion as: 'African clothing is the traditional clothing, often vibrantly coloured, worn by the people of Africa.' Quite the groundbreaking definition right? We clearly need to expand as much in terms of African fashion research, as much as we do with the craft itself. But going back to factors leading to growth in influence, one of the leading causes of rise in the continent’s fashion and textile industry, is the emergence of the African middle-class. Nigeria has pioneered this front.
In addition to above mentioned, the demand and preference for African
designers by Africans is increasing. African designers are receiving
international acclaim, David Tlale is one stand-out. Dr Precious
Moloi-Motsepe chairperson of AFI (which supports emerging designers
with, among other things, retail opportunities in major stores through
their incubation programmes) also adds: “Africans are no longer looking
solely to Europe and the US for fashion inspiration. They are proudly
defining their own styles and often choosing to wear local designers
instead of overseas labels.”
Platforms such as Mercedez Benz Fashion Weeks’, and African Fashion Week London (AFWL, a collaborative catwalk and exhibition, highlighting the industry’s established and emerged African designers) founded by Ronke Ademiluyi, which is the biggest event of its kind in Europe have played an integral role in the growth of the continent’s fashion industry.
The African pop-culture too has played a role of exposing these great African designs around the world. Most of our artists wear African designs at awards ceremonies for instance, such exposure has proven vital.
This content has a great story to tell, although our fashion industry is still young, it is one that is being shaped by Africans, for Africans.
We’re becoming more aware of ourselves and starting to embrace our roots in a hip and trendy way. This has led to the rise of our continent’s positioning in global market. We haven’t reached our destination yet, but it has proven to be quite the colourful journey. We are certainly looking forward to the Autumn/Winter 2015 collections from our designers around the continent.
Platforms such as Mercedez Benz Fashion Weeks’, and African Fashion Week London (AFWL, a collaborative catwalk and exhibition, highlighting the industry’s established and emerged African designers) founded by Ronke Ademiluyi, which is the biggest event of its kind in Europe have played an integral role in the growth of the continent’s fashion industry.
The African pop-culture too has played a role of exposing these great African designs around the world. Most of our artists wear African designs at awards ceremonies for instance, such exposure has proven vital.
This content has a great story to tell, although our fashion industry is still young, it is one that is being shaped by Africans, for Africans.
We’re becoming more aware of ourselves and starting to embrace our roots in a hip and trendy way. This has led to the rise of our continent’s positioning in global market. We haven’t reached our destination yet, but it has proven to be quite the colourful journey. We are certainly looking forward to the Autumn/Winter 2015 collections from our designers around the continent.
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