The title of “Designer of the Year 2021” was awarded during the first edition of Africa Fashion Up on Friday, September 17. The event saw Emmanuel Okoro, founder of the Emmy Kasbit brand, crowned “Grand Designer Africa Fashion Up 2021” for his minimalist aesthetic and his akwete-woven pieces. The winners’ collections were showcased alongside those of other renowned African designers, and participants received advice and masterclasses from Balenciaga. The winners will then be supported by Balenciaga and HEC Paris through 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