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What Happened In The African Fashion Industry This Week.

For us, this week was particularly exciting as we got to attend the 'Who is next' trade fair, but that wasn't the only exciting thing that happened this week.


Event




LAGO54 is representing seven Nigerian fashion brands at two major Paris fashion trade shows, Who’s Next (September 8-10) and Première Classe (September 28-30). These brands were selected by a prestigious panel, including industry leaders from L’Exception and ELLE magazine, as part of the LagosxParis initiative. This program, supported by the French Embassy in Nigeria, aims to connect African designers with the global market. The showcased collections reflect a blend of streetwear, casual, and sophisticated styles, highlighting the designers' rich cultural influences.



 



Event



Who's Next is an international fashion trade fair held twice a year in Paris, showcasing upcoming collections and giving visitors access to a wide range of clothing and accessory brands. The event features everything from emerging designers to established brands, along with parades and contests. At the latest edition, Clearly Invincible was present, covering the event and highlighting brands like Obida, WAF, Urban Fit Africa, and Eki Kere, among others, that brought African flair to the Parisian fashion scene.

 



Brand




Cladini Studio's Claireidera is preparing to launch a new fashion collection featuring the Valerie Dress. This special garment is detailed with 66 handcrafted petals and intricately adorned to evoke a sense of joyful whimsy. Perfect for those with a whimsical and lively spirit, the Valerie Dress exudes sophistication and allure. The collection will be released on September 14th, featuring a photoshoot by @andreoyakhilome and makeup by @tee_faceglam.


Brand


Nifa Studios is excited to unveil its latest collection, “Endless Summer,” which merges minimalist elegance with the glamour of the 1920s. Inspired by the legendary style of Steve Meisel and the timeless allure of “The Great Gatsby,” this campaign features a stunning array of black gowns, deep jewel tones like emerald and plum, and soft cream outfits that add a touch of lightness.



Runway



Maxhosa Africa is set to debut its “Maxhonassaince” collection at Paris Fashion Week on September 27. Inspired by renaissance art, the collection blends African heritage with luxury through jewel tones, florals, crowns, and the iconic Maxhosa patterns. This marks another major international showcase for the brand, continuing its mission to redefine African luxury under the creative direction of Laduma Ngxokolo.

Runway



The fashion industry in africa is growing rapidly but lacks sufficient investment, according to a UNESCO report released during Lagos Fashion Week. With the potential to triple its $15.5 billion annual exports, the industry is seen as a powerful driver of cultural diversity and youth empowerment. However, the report emphasizes the need for more infrastructure and support to fully capitalize on the continent’s rich fashion heritage and growing global demand.

 

Event




African fashion took center stage at Tranoï Tokyo 2024, where ten exceptional designers from across Africa and the diaspora showcased their unique blend of heritage, craftsmanship, and innovation. Through Afreximbank's CANEX initiative, these talented designers connected with influential buyers and industry stakeholders, highlighting Africa’s creative excellence and sustainable fashion on the global stage.

 

Runway




Excitement filled Cape Town as the Allfashion Sourcing Exhibition kicked off at the Cape Town International Convention Center. From September 10-12, this premier event brought together a global network of fashion and textile professionals, showcasing Africa’s vibrant creativity and innovative designs alongside international sourcing opportunities. Organized by Messe Frankfurt, the exhibition serves as a vital platform for promoting African textiles, footwear, and apparel, fostering regional and global connections, and driving sustainable job creation and investment in the sector.

 

Fashion week




From Andrea Iyamah’s elegant celebration of multifaceted women to KÍLÉNTÁR’s vibrant debut showcasing African craftsmanship, Nigerian designers made a powerful statement at New York Fashion Week 2024.

 

Award




The ‘Threads of Africa’ fashion competition has been unveiled, promising to spotlight African creativity and craftsmanship with a $5,000 prize for one standout designer. Hosted by Elevate Africa, this exciting event will feature entries in sustainable fashion, traditional influences, and futuristic design.


The panel of judges includes fashion visionaries such as Olori Atuwatse III, Busingye Matsiko-Andan, Banke Kuku, Sandrah Tubobereni, and Ugo Monye. Their diverse expertise will play a crucial role in selecting the winner, whose designs will shine on an international stage.

 

Feature




Eniafe Momodu’s insightful article for Rolling Stone's first Africa issue explores how fashion has played a crucial role in elevating Afrobeats on the global stage. Featuring interviews with top stylists and image makers, this piece sheds light on their significant, yet often overlooked, contributions to the music industry.

 

The good news just kept coming in this week, were you at the fashion week? how did that go for you?

 

Looking to realise your fashion vision or seeking expert guidance in navigating fashion entrepreneurship? Clearly Invincible will help you realise your fashion vision. Our fashion consulting agency offers specialised consultations and a range of fashion services tailored to empower fashion entrepreneurs. Whether you're looking to fulfil professional illustrations, collection planning, project/operational management, or curated business consultations, we're here to support your journey.



Join us in shaping the future of African fashion. Sign Up to become a part of the Clearly Invincible fashion community and for a complimentary consultation to aid your fashion entrepreneurship journey.




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