The fifth annual Africa Fashion Week kicked off Sept. 4 and continued through Sept. 6, showcasing global industry leaders and designers for this season’s Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York City.
Founded by Adirée, a communications and branding firm that offers public relations and promotions services in New York for African and global business leaders, Africa Fashion Week launches a diverse roster of the continent’s top designers in New York as well as London, Paris, Tokyo, Berlin and Milan.
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The three days of events included a master class called, “Off the Runway,” hosted by the United Nations Foundation. It featured leaders in the global fashion industry including A.O Solomon, founder of Shadow of the Almighty Ministries; Bisila Bokoko, CEO and founder of Bisila Bokoko Embassy International and Bisila Bokoko Africa Literacy Project; designer David Tlale; Eunice Omole, media professional and executive producer of TV series “Africa’s Top 100 Entrepreneurs”; Gavin Rajah, UNICEF ambassador and a couture designer; celebrity stylist Kithe Brewster; Fashion entrepreneur Nana Poku, founder and CEO of 54 Kingdoms and CAMOG L.L.C; Zandile Blay, a journalist, lecturer and entrepreneur; and Zara Okpara, PR and media relations director of Jewel by Lisa.
On Sept. 5, there was a fashion presentation and pop-up shop highlighting innovative and cutting edge designers from Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa and other countries on the continent. On the final day, Sept. 6, the runway show commenced at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City. Official sponsors are Arik Air, Africa.com and Spice TV.
A portion of the proceeds from tickets sold during Africa Fashion Week will benefit the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation, an organization founded by Mutombo, a humanitarian and former NBA player.
Check out highlights of the events below: