The 5th edition of Africa Fashion Up concluded with a memorable evening on Thursday, June 26, reaffirming its status as a major event during Paris Fashion Week and an essential platform for emerging African talent. Over the course of a week filled with new discoveries, exchanges, and excitement, designers, experts, luxury brands, and institutions came together to celebrate the boldness and diversity of African fashion through a rich program: masterclasses, the Africa Now pop-up store at Galeries Lafayette, immersive tours, and a spectacular closing fashion show at the Bridge—Pont Alexandre III.
By providing a real platform for these young talents, Valérie Ka, the event’s founder, celebrates the creativity and innovation of the African continent, while reaffirming her ambition to build and promote the African fashion industry on the international stage.
A track record that lives up to the new generation
Of the 300 entries received this year, five socially conscious designers were honored. Ethiopian designer Hawi Midekssa stood out by winning two major awards: the Women’s Entrepreneurship Award presented by Alexandre Liot ( Galeries Lafayette) and the Best Designer Africa Award presented by Ludivine Pont ( Balenciaga), recognizing the young designer’s creative power and bold vision.
Clarisse Reille, jury chair and director of DÉFI, presented the Jury’s Special Mention Award to Frank Aghuno ( Fruché). Élisabeth Moreno, a former minister and dedicated patron of the event, praised “this beauty that brings people together and tells a story, ” before awarding the Eco-Responsible Prize to Peter Oshobor ( Oshobor) and Samkelo Xaba ( Boyde) for their commitment to sustainable fashion.
Balenciaga continues its personalized mentoring program
Orange supports Eloli World's digital strategy
HEC Paris is rolling out a support program that includes masterclasses and coaching
The Istituto Marangoni offers specialized training in fashion and business
For the second consecutive year, Galeries Lafayette opened its prestigious dome to an international pop-up store from June 18 to July 8
Studio Ka, Africa Fashion Up’s flagship brand, returned for the second consecutive year to Galeries Lafayette for the “Africa Now” pop-up store, after organizing the very first sale featuring young African designers at the department store. The label, founded by Valérie Ka, has established itself as an essential showcase for contemporary African fashion in the heart of the Parisian department store, featuring designers Collé Sow, Algueye, and Bandama this year from June 18 to July 8.
“For the fifth consecutive year, Balenciaga has partnered with Share Africa – Africa Fashion UP and is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the fashion industry. Through this commitment, the House is helping to foster creativity in fashion by supporting emerging African designers on their entrepreneurial journeys,” said Gianfranco Gianangeli, CEO of Balenciaga.
Since 2021, Africa Fashion Up has established itself as a leading event in Paris for African fashion design. Over the course of five editions, dozens of designers from Nigeria, South Africa, Morocco, Senegal, Madagascar, Cameroon, Ethiopia, and Côte d’Ivoire have been introduced to the public. This has allowed them to present their collections in Paris, gain access to influential networks, and benefit from top-notch mentoring programs. The Share Africa association continues its mission: to empower African designers to shine on the international stage while remaining true to their identity.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the designers who have joined us on this journey, as well as to all our partners for their loyalty and commitment. For the past five years, Africa Fashion Up has been celebrating Africa’s richness and diversity with boldness and kindness, and we will continue on this path,” said Valérie Ka, founder of Share Africa – Africa Fashion Up.
About Africa Fashion Up:
Africa Fashion Up, founded by Valérie Ka, is a support and coaching program designed to assist young African designers. It is also the first major Parisian event dedicated to contemporary African fashion, aimed at promoting and encouraging this rapidly growing scene.
For more information about the winners and AFUP, please visit the official website: https://www.africafashionup.com/.
About Share Africa
Share Africa is a platform for initiatives and projects that aims to showcase Africa’s youthful, creative, innovative, and green side by supporting entrepreneurs and creators across the continent. Visit the official Africa Fashion Up website: https://www.africafashionup.com/
Link to Say Who photos:
