Among the new wave of African fashion talent, Ethiopian designer Hawi Midekssa stood out at Africa Fashion Up 2025. The young designer, owner of the Hawii brand, was recognized for the quality of her work. She was awarded two major prizes at the 2025 edition: the "Balenciaga Best Designer Africa Award" and the "Galeries Lafayette Women's Entrepreneurship Award." These two awards have already brought Midekssa, who clearly has a bright future ahead of her, a great deal of visibility.
Ethiopia in the heart of Hawaii
In her collections, Hawi Midekssa reinterprets her country's textile expertise with a modern twist. While remaining faithful to Ethiopia's strong cultural identity, she reworks traditional codes, adding just the right touch of modernity. Her vision of Afro-contemporary fashion greatly impressed the jury members. Her career path demonstrates the vitality of a creative scene capable of competing on equal terms with international standards of luxury and design.
Hawi Midekssa: between heritage and modernity
The young African designer plays with generous volumes in her creative touch, all within an architecture tempered by clean lines and precision cuts. The materials of her home country are represented in her designs in a sober manner, but with predominant dyes that give her works a touch of originality.
The designer draws inspiration from Ethiopia's textile heritage.
Without reproducing traditional designs, the designer finds inspiration in her Ethiopian roots. Her technique is based on her mastery of patterns and their symbolism. Hawi Midekssa cultivates a fashion style that is strongly rooted in local craftsmanship and adapted to the demanding requirements of the global market, all within a framework of fashion sustainability.
International recognition
His participation in Africa Fashion Up marked a key milestone in his rise to fame. The program served as a real springboard, a major lever in his burgeoning international reputation.
Galeries Lafayette
Alix Morabito,Chief Merchandising Officer, renowned designer at Galeries Lafayette, presented Midekssa with the Women's Entrepreneurship Award. This award, sponsored by her company, is more than just a symbol; it is a commitment to support her in shaping her female leadership. The valuable strategies she is taught will enable her to structure Hawii, her brand.
Balenciaga
Her second prize, the Best Designer Africa Award, presented under the supervision ofEmmanuel Beguinot,Lead Senior Designer RTWat Balenciaga, recognizes her outstanding artistic approach. This award rewards the designer's stylistic innovation and gives her credibility in the world of the international luxury industry.
Africa Fashion Up, an ecosystem that reveals talent
The 2025 edition ofAfrica Fashion Up has put the platform back in the spotlight, as the leading ambassador for African fashion on the international stage. With the jury's rigorous and uncompromising selection process, only six designers were chosen from more than 300 applications from 19 countries. This number gives an idea of the high standards that prevailed in the selection of designers.
Hawi Midekssa won over a prestigious jury, including personalities such as Valérie Ka, Vanessa Moungar (LVMH), and actress Aïssa Maïga. In addition to the fashion show, which was attended by more than 350 guests, a launch cocktail party at Galeries Lafayette propelled the Hawii brand into the heart of commercial opportunities.
The emergence of a new generation
Hawi Midekssa's career demonstrates a profound transformation in the fashion landscape. His promotion of African textile heritage on such a grand stage invites him into debates on Afrofuturism, but also on sustainable fashion. With Midekssa, contemporary African fashion is taking its place in the global luxury market. This is sure to inspire future trends in international luxury.
Manar Yahiaoui: Head of Marketing Strategy, Fashion and Luxury.
