Following an international call for applications, the five winners of AFUP 2023 were announced at a launch cocktail party held at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann. These young talents represent several regions of Africa and its diasporas. Their bold creations and expertise won over a prestigious jury. Next steps: a week of training in Paris, culminating in a grand fashion show on July 7 at the Musée du Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac.
On April 28, the jury members reviewed each candidate's application. The selected designers were then presented on Thursday, June 1, at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, during a launch cocktail party attended by Vincent Sénécat, director of Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, and Her Excellency Anna Bossman, Ghana's ambassador to France.
From left to right: Thierry Vannier, Director of Customer Development and Operational Marketing; Alix Morabito, Director of Women's Purchasing and Special Projects; Valérie Ka, co-founder of Share Africa and international model; Her Excellency Anna Bossman, Ambassador of Ghana to France; Touré Bintou, First Counselor at the Representation of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire to the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, Vincent Sénécat, Director of Galeries Lafayette Haussmann.
The five winners selected are from the African continent and its diasporas
:
- Aristide Loua, Ivorian designer ;
- Shamyra Moodley, South African designer;
- Yonael Marga, Ethiopian designer ;
- Jafaru Larry, Ghanaian designer ;
- Taju Ibrahim, Nigerian designer .
A week before the fashion show, several major fashion houses will open their doors to the winners. They will benefit from masterclasses and visit iconic Parisian haute couture locations such as the Galeries Lafayette Haussmann department store . In addition, HEC Paris will offer them training in management and international business , and BALENCIAGA will support them as part of a four-month mentoring program.
They will then have the opportunity to present their pieces to the general public in the gardens of the Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac on the evening of Friday, July 7. This exceptional fashion show, designed by visual artist Junior Fritz Jacquet, will alternate between fashion and entertainment in the presence of distinguished guests.
The announcement of the grand prize winner, who will receive the "Designer Africa Fashion Up 2023" award, will close this segment before giving way to a gala dinner. "Creative leadership is one of Balenciaga's missions, so promoting creativity and supporting talent around the world is important to us. The partnership with Share Africa – Africa Fashion Up gives Balenciaga the opportunity to support designers based in Africa and the African diaspora in developing their brands. This commitment illustrates our brand's values by enabling diversity and inclusion within the fashion industry and society as a whole," said Cédric Charbit, CEO of BALENCIAGA.
Press contact:
Cannelle Raberahina – cr@35nord.com +33 6 77 37 66 64
Candice Mailhé – cmailhe@shareafrica.live for any further information about the 2023 edition
