TIMMIE RENNER
PSA............Africa Fashion Week London is here! It’s taking place on the 9th of August @ Freemasons Hall, London. I’m here to spill the tea on what is happening this year but before that here’s some info about AFWL.
AFWL was founded in 2011 by Ronke Ademiluyi, a Nigerian fashion expert and entrepreneur. With the aim of highlighting emerging designers from Africa or designers inspired by African culture. It is one of Europe’s largest fashion events that ‘promotes and nurtures’ talent. Since it’s conception AFWL has become so popular in attracting designers, retailers and industry professionals, that it is has been recognised and placed in the annual calendar for fashion. At the core of AFWL, it’s not just about showcasing talent but it’s about supporting designers to build sustainable businesses that change African Society.
Now for the tea on the designers and what to look forward to. This year at AFWAL we have APHIA SAKYI, a fashion brand in Ghana, all about jewellery. APHIA SAKYI draws inspiration from nature, African prints and bead designs, bringing vintage and the modern era together. This brand has been worn by celebs such as Tiffany Haddish and Ciara.
Onyx by Valentina is a female clothing brand that uses art as inspiration to design the pieces making them ‘timeless and extraordinary'.
Muhire fuses European and African design aesthetics to create their fashion line. The brand thrives and celebrates the cross breeding of the past and future bringing a new edge to African inspired fashion.
O’Saunders is a brand created in 2010 by Olabisi Saunders a fashion graduate. The aim is to provide ‘uniquely crafted garments and accessories’ that gives an air of luxury and confidence yet, has the functionality for women of different sizes and colour. It encompasses that ideology of the modern day woman.
George Amua is a brand all about bags, bags and more bags. Initially it started of with shoes, bags and shirts. His aim was to create trendy and affordable items. As the years have gone on, he has chosen to specialise in bags designed for every walk of life.
Other things to look forward to on the day are the business talks to inspire some of you designers coming along this year. Some confirmed speakers are Florence Kollie Raja (Founder of Ethical Era & Woke woman), Teleica Kirkland (Creative Director @ Costume Institute of the African Diaspora), Simone Cipriani (Creator of Ethical Fashion initiative) and many more.
There will be Market Souk, transporting you to the vibrant, colourful market life of Africa, where designers will be showcasing their work.
Five different Fashion shows will be occurring highlighting sustainability, eco fashion and diversity from places such as Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, South Africa and many more.
If you're a foodie there's a food village will be showcasing brands and catering companies with food from all over Africa for you to try...mmm yum!