South African designer Rich Mnisi won the prestigious "Best of Africa" award at the 2024 edition of Africa Fashion Up. He received this distinction at the end of the fashion show held on Wednesday, June 26, at the Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac Museum. The three other talented winners were also recognized for their creations, highlighting the richness and diversity of African fashion.

This fourth edition of Africa Fashion Up benefited from the support of prestigious partners such as BALENCIAGA, Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann, and HEC Paris, as well as the collaboration of influential media outlets including France Médias Monde, Trace, and Brune Magazine.

Rich Mnisi, founder of the eponymous brand based in Johannesburg, won over the Africa Fashion Up jury with his colorful designs that take a modern and avant-garde approach, celebrating his cultural heritage and origins.

Alongside him, Mohamed Youss, creator of the Anuri brand, was recognized for his long-standing commitment by receiving the "Eco-Responsible Designer"award .Gugu Peteni, head of Gugubygugu, was also honored by winning the "Young Designer" award . Kadiata Diallo was also recognized for her creations for her Niuku brand.

Seven talented designers from Tanzania, Morocco, Nigeria, Madagascar, Ivory Coast, Togo, and Ghana, who had been recognized in previous editions, returned to the runway on Wednesday, June 26. They presented their collections to an enthusiastic audience, once again demonstrating the richness and diversity of African design. Among them were Anjali Borkhataria(EKANTIK), Mina Binebine(Mina Binebine), Femi Ajose (Cute-Saint), Eric Raisina(Eric Raisina), Ibrahim Fernandez(Ibrahim Fernandez), Nyny Rike(Nyny Rike), and Kwaku Bediako (Chocolate). Their creations can be discovered at Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann, at the Salon Opéra, from June 27 to July 1.

In a setting designed by sculptor and visual artist Junior Fritz Jacquet, guests were able to admire his sculptures and enjoy a musical performance by Congolese singer RJ Kanierra. The evening ended with a gala dinner held inside the museum.

The fashion show concluded a week behind the scenes of Parisian fashion. The winners had the privilege of discovering the backstage areas of Balenciaga, Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann, the Guerlain workshop, and the Marangoni Institute. They will continue their journey with HEC Paris, which will support them with masterclasses, mentoring, and access to the HEC Alumni training platform for the next six months. The winners will also receive personalized support from BALENCIAGA for four months as part of an extended mentoring program.

Cédric Charbit, CEO of Balenciaga, said: "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 promoting diversity and inclusion within the fashion industry and society as a whole."

About Valerie Ka
A French-Ivorian supermodel, she quickly made her mark on the fashion world by becoming the face of prestigious brands while modeling for renowned fashion houses such as Saint Laurent, Vivienne Westwood, and Lacroix. Originally from Abidjan, she signed a contract at the age of 16 with Michel Levaton, founder of the Métropolitain agency and discoverer of Claudia Schiffer. In 2021, she launched Share Africa, a platform dedicated to promoting young African entrepreneurs and designers. Her initiative includes Africa Fashion Up, a training, support, and coaching program for young designers. She also organizes a major Parisian event dedicated to contemporary African fashion. Her career and commitment make her a major figure in the fashion and entrepreneurship industry in Africa.

About Share Africa

Share Africa is a platform for actions and projects that aims to promote a young, creative, innovative, and green Africa by encouraging entrepreneurs and creators in Africa. Visit the official Africa Fashion Up website: https://www.africafashionup.com/

Press contact:

Alysée Raganot: ar@35nord.com
Kalynda Kanga: kk@35nord.com

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Africa Fashion Up 2024: South African designer Rich Mnisi wins “Best of Africa” award