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 providing a real stage for these young talents, the event celebrates the creativity and innovation of the African continent, while affirming its ambition to structure and promote the African fashion industry on the international scene.
Among the 300 applications received this year, five committed designers were rewarded. Ethiopian designerHawi Midekssastood out by winning two major awards: the Women's Entrepreneurship Award(Galeries Lafayette) and theBest Designer Africa Award (Balenciaga), recognizing the young designer's creative power and bold vision.
The Jury's Favorite Award wenttoFrank Aghuno(Fruché). TheEco-Responsible Awardwas presented toPeter Oshobor(Oshobor) andSamkelo Xaba(Boyde) for their commitment to sustainable fashion.
TheDigital Creation Award(Orange Group) went to Cameroonian designerFese Ndumbe-Eyoh(Eloli). This award comes with enhanced strategic support in digital marketing and commercial structuring, aimed at accelerating the brand's international reach.
The show also featured collections byCollé Ardo Sow, Algueye, Mina Binebine(2022 winner), andYoni Alousseni. Collé Ardo Sow, Algueye, and Bandaman are also among the designersselected for sale at Galeries Lafayette. The evening ended with performances byPapi Del Sol, Hiro, La Team Paiya, and Moh Green, namedBest DJ Africa at the Trace Awards. A remarkable partnership was also formed withYanghe, which sponsored the gala dinner, symbolizingthe union between Africa Fashion Up and Asia.
