AFRICA FASHION WEEK 2011 UPDATES

• This month has been an exciting one as we watch Africa Fashion International kick off with the Africa Fashion week events in Johannesburg between 15 – 19 Feb 2011. The show was impressive and a successful one, allowing emerging graduate designers to take part in a fast track show to give them the exposure that they need alongside established designers such as David Tlale, Abigail Betz, Klûk CGDT, Suzaan Heyns, Thula Sindi, Karabo Finger and more who took part in the show. During fashion week both in New York and London, African designers have been doing amazingly well showcasing their work alongside other designers. In New York Duro Olowu and Mimi Plange caught my eye each with their unigue and elegant designs.

• The well known Arise Magazine will host the ARISE MAGAZINE FASHION WEEK in Lagos Nigeria from 10 – 13 March 2011, at an exclusive venue. Africa’s Top 50 designers, selected by invitation only, by a panel of experts, will showcase their collections for 2011. Looking forward to the chosen 50 designers and what the they have in-store for us. Read more here http://www.arisemagazine.net/

• Africa fashion week New York (AFWNY) will take place on the 14 – 16 July 2011 at Broad Street Ballroom 41 Broad Street. New York, NY 10004. Adireé Fashion Agency (the fashion week event producers), partners and sponsors will host AFWNY in New York, NY. AFWNY is a luxury multi-day event that will include Runway shows, exhibition, and industry networking events with the sole purpose of raising awareness of the African/ African American fashion & entertainment professionals in New York and Tri -State area. Visit here for more Info (www.afwny.com)

• London will host its first ever Africa fashion week at the luxurious Gibson hall on the 5-6 August 2011 Designers will be given the opportunity to showcase their collections which is inspired by Africa. The Africa Fashion Week London aims to give new and emerging fashion designers an opportunity to showcase to the UK and international press, buyers and stockist of high street and independent stores.Visit here for more Info http://www.africafashionweeklondon.com/

• Following the Arise fashion week in Lagos, the successful collections by the very best of designers will also be invited to participate in the inaugural and annual ARISE Magazine Fashion Gala in New York on Wednesday, 14 September 2011 during New York Fashion Week. Read more here http://www.arisemagazine.net/

• FAFA which means Festival for African Fashion and Arts (FAFA) was set up in 2008 during the post-election violence which took place in Kenya. The motivation behind the creation of FAFA came from a desire to show creativity and solidarity in the face of adversity. Last year’s FAFA took place on the 30th Of October, we are patiently waiting for their set dates for this years event. Visit here for more Info http://www.fafakenya.org/

• Swahili fashion week is a platform for designers - both fashion and accessory – from Swahili speaking countries to showcase their creativity, market their art and network with their clientele. This is all aimed at promoting fashion as an income generating, job creating industry while emphasizing a “Made in East Africa” concept. Swahili Fashion Week is set to be an annual fashion extravaganza where by both new and veteran designers can showcase their work. Initiating a dynamic and promising platform for the fashion industry in the region, Swahili Fashion Week is geared towards being the most sought out after fashion platform in Eastern Africa for the international market. This years event will take place on the 3-5 November 2011 as stated on their Facebook page in Dar es Salaam. Visit here for more Info http://www.swahilifashionweek.com/