Ever wondered how the world would react if we fully embraced our culture in fashion? Africa is known for its diverse culture and tradition and expressing these in our fashion (like in the old days, just more creative and sophisticated) is something that fills the imagination and creates an expectation in us.
Imagine seeing our culture reflected in our everyday outfits (corporate wear, casual wear, in the chic look for an appearance on a red carpet). Wouldn’t that be something? This and more were reflected in the Fashion Connect Africa (FCA) runway in December 2019.
Founded by International model and philanthropist, Victoria Michaels, the platform is designed to give global exposure and opportunities to African fashion creatives, regardless of where they are, in Africa or its diaspora. Their annual event creates a networking space that brings together decision-makers, business executives, socialites, diplomats, fashion stakeholders, art enthusiasts, music lovers, celebrities and members of the diaspora and international community, to foster mutually beneficial partnerships that will drive African fashion forward. Their vision is to promote African fashion creatives on the world stage, so they can achieve the global recognition they deserve.
The 2019 runway themed “Telling the Untold Story” took place at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel, Accra, Ghana. It was truly an event to remember as it was rated among the Top 100 events in Ghana for 2019. Pretty exciting for the team I must say.
Citations were recited for people and organizations that have contributed to the growth of fashion in Africa. These include Boss Models (a leading African modeling agency), Deola Sagoe (Founder, House of Deola, the leading Lady of African Haute couture fashion in Nigeria), the late Kofi Ansah, her excellency, Nana Kanadu Agyemang Rawlings (former first lady of Ghana), Lagos Fashion Week and a host of others.
The atmosphere at the event was fired up by several musical performances. These included Wiyaala with her fire dance, Irene Logan and her awesome performance of “CONGA” (also featuring Wiyaala), Then there was Chukwu the painter, Kwanpa and Manifest.
The global footprint of the African Print showcased designs from 10 emerging designers from Ghana, designers such as Larry Jay, Alleluia, House of Paon, Clatural, Nyonuvi, Swarovski, ANKV, Eugene d’Wise, Jay Ray Ghartey and Sena Bryte.
The African Fashion story showcased designers from around Africa. There was David Tlale from South Africa (also the headline designer), Emmy Kasbit from Nigeria, and from Ghana, there was Duaba Serwaa, VanVorsh, MOD, Atto Tetteh, A-Kinko, Beambold, and Chocolate Clothing.
The event was truly wonderful and I do look forward to many of the designs hitting stores. And oh how I look forward to the 2020 edition of the show with new designs from even more designers around Africa. I really think the organizers of the FCA are doing a splendid job, so much so that I wish I could be a designer myself. I’m sure I will make an awesome one. Kudos to you Victoria and your amazing team.
Did you watch the 2019 FCA or are you looking forward to the 2020 edition? Let us know in the comments section below.