The fifth edition of Africa Fashion Up concluded with a memorable evening on Thursday, June 26, confirming its status as a major event during Paris Fashion Week and an essential platform for emerging African talent. During a week punctuated by discoveries, exchanges, and emotion, designers, experts, luxury houses, and institutions came together to celebrate the boldness and diversity of African fashion through a rich program of masterclasses, the Africa Now pop-up store at Galeries Lafayette, immersive visits, and a spectacular final show at the Bridge – Pont Alexandre III.
By offering these young talents a real stage, Valérie Ka, founder of the event, celebrates the creativity and innovation of the African continent, while affirming her ambition to structure and promote the African fashion industry on the international scene.
A track record worthy of the new generation
Among the 300 applications received this year, five committed 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 president and director of DÉFI, presented the Jury's Favorite Award to Frank Aghuno ( Fruché). Élisabeth Moreno, former minister and committed 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 the digital strategy of the Eloli World brand
HEC Paris launches a support program including masterclasses and coaching
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 of young African designers in 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, presenting designers Collé Sow, Algueye, and Bandama this year from June 18 to July 8.
“For the fifth consecutive year, Balenciaga is partnering with Share Africa – Africa Fashion UP and is committed to diversity and inclusion in the fashion industry. Through its commitment, the House is contributing to the development of creativity in fashion by supporting emerging African designers in their entrepreneurial journey,” said Gianfranco Gianangeli, CEO of Balenciaga.
Since 2021, Africa Fashion Up has established itself as a leading event in Paris for African design. Over the course of five editions, dozens of designers from Nigeria, South Africa, Morocco, Senegal, Madagascar, Cameroon, Ethiopia, and Ivory Coast have been showcased. They have been able to present their collections in Paris, access influential networks, and benefit from excellent mentoring programs. The Share Africa association is thus continuing its mission: to give African designers the means to shine on the international stage while remaining true to their identity.
“I would like to warmly thank all the designers who have joined this adventure, as well as all our partners for their loyalty and commitment. For five years, Africa Fashion Up has been celebrating the richness and diversity of Africa with boldness and kindness, and we will continue on this path,” emphasized Valérie Ka, founder of Share Africa – Africa Fashion Up.
About Africa Fashion Up:
Africa Fashion Up, initiated 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, aiming to promote and encourage this booming 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 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/
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