Ethiopia recently held its second annual Fashion Week, known as “The Hub of Africa Addis Fashion Week”. Despite Africa’s reputation for low living standards, the fashion industry in the continent is steadily growing. For the past five years, the Addis Fashion Week has showcased African fashion that can rival the top fashion capitals of the world.
This year’s event was organized in collaboration with Vogue Talents, bringing influential figures from Vogue to Ethiopia. Attendees had the opportunity to meet prominent individuals such as Sara Maino, Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Italy, Simonetta Gianfelici, fashion consultant and headhunter, Serena Tibaldi, fashion journalist for Repubblica, and Ingrid Tamborin, headhunter for Brave Modeling Management in Milan. These experts held a conference during the event on the topic of “How to become the next Vogue talent?”
The primary purpose of the Addis Fashion Week was to discover and showcase the fashion talents in Africa and their ambitions to make a mark in the international fashion market. The event featured renowned designers from across the continent, including Arnold Murithi from Kenya, Anne Mpinga for Kipusa Clothing, Ann McCreath for Kiko Romeo, Glory Jones for the accessory brand Kauli from Tanzania, Hirut Gugsa for Mela from Ethiopia, Lemlem for Lali Collection also from Ethiopia, and Samrawit Mersiehazen for Samra Luxury World Class Leather from Ethiopia.
In addition to highlighting established designers, the event also aimed to provide exposure for local talents and emerging fashion students. Designers such as Aida Tadesse, Makeda Zeleke, Estifanos Minchegirot, Nahom Tamiru, Natasha Simma, Okori Juliana, Yonael Merga, and Eleni Geday, along with students from Welkitey University, were given the opportunity to showcase their designs and make connections within the fashion industry.
Overall, the “Hub of Africa Addis Fashion Week” is playing an essential role in positioning African fashion on the global stage. It is an event that celebrates the creativity and talent within the continent and demonstrates that Africa has much to offer to the international fashion scene.
Useful links:
1. Vogue Talents
2. The Hub of Africa Addis Fashion Week
