The title of "Designer 2021" was awarded during the first edition of Africa Fashion Up on Friday, September 17. The event saw the crowning of Emmanuel Okoro, named "Grand Designer Africa Fashion Up 2021," founder of the Emmy Kasbit brand, for his refined aesthetic and akwete-woven pieces. The winners' collections were presented alongside other renowned African designers, and participants benefited from advice and masterclasses from Balenciaga. The winners will then be supported by Balenciaga and HEC Paris in a mentoring and training program. As a bonus, a special prize was awarded to Emmanuel Okoro by the e-commerce platform Jendaya, allowing him to showcase his collection online and collaborate with an American streetwear brand. Emmanuel Okoro's pieces were presented during the fashion show alongside those of the other winners: Zac Koné (Ivory Coast), Guy Fabrice Sullivan (Ivory Coast), El Hadji Souleymane (Senegal), and the duo Natasha Jaume & Carina Louw (South Africa). The pieces were presented under the watchful eye of five internationally renowned African designers: Imane Ayissi (Cameroon), Karim Tassi (Morocco), Martial Tapolo (Cameroon), Eric Raisina (Madagascar), and Soraya Da Piedade (Angola).

2021 WINNERS

2021 JURY