The goal of Africa Fashion UP is to provide winners with comprehensive support that will have a lasting impact. During their stay in Paris, the five young African designers are invited to participate in masterclasses designed to equip them with the tools and knowledge needed to develop and sustain a fashion brand.
In addition to these masterclasses, the winners take part in a series of visits that immerse them in the world of Parisian and international fashion. Furthermore, they have access to business training provided by the prestigious HEC Paris business school and will be supported for four months by Balenciaga as part of a mentorship program organized in collaboration with AFUP. Finally, they will have the opportunity to exhibit and sell their collection at Galeries Lafayette.
POP-UP AFRICA FASHION UP: EXCLUSIVE SALE AT GALERIES LAFAYETTE
A showcase to shine on the international stage
Following the fashion show, a pop-up store, curated by the Studio Ka brand, opened under the dome of Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann, in the Salon Opéra, from June 27 to July 1. Vincent Sénécat, director of Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, along with the ambassadors to France from South Africa, Nkosinathi Emmanuel, and Côte d’Ivoire, Maurice Bandaman, highlighted the successful partnership between African fashion and the excellence of Galeries Lafayette. The presence of the president of the ready-to-wear division also demonstrated support for young African creative talents.
Seven award-winning designers from Tanzania, Morocco, Nigeria, Madagascar, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, and Ghana exhibited and sold their creations to an international clientele. Among them were Anjali Borkhataria (EKANTIK) from Tanzania,Mina Binebine fromMorocco,Femi Ajose (Cute-Saint) from Nigeria,Éric Raisinafrom Madagascar,Ibrahim Fernandezfrom Côte d’Ivoire,Nyny Rikefrom Togo, andKwaku Bediako(Chocolate) from Ghana.
This pop-up store offered an exclusive selection of ready-to-wear clothing, luxury accessories, and one-of-a-kind pieces, allowing visitors to purchase original items while supporting emerging African designers. Located in the heart of Paris, this space marked a crucial milestone in the designers’ expansion onto the European scene, boosting their visibility and international recognition.
The ambassadors of South Africa and Côte d’Ivoire, the president of the French Federation of Women’s Ready-to-Wear, and the director of Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann.
LOCATIONGaleries Lafayette Paris Haussmann
40 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris
Salon Opéra, 4th floor
HOURSMonday through Sunday:
10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
HOW TO GET THERE?Metro lines 9 and 7:
Chaussée d'Antin La Fayette
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Cute-Saint Cute-Saint is a Nigerian contemporary and eco-friendly fashion brand founded in Lagos in 2019 by Femi Ajose. Specializing in gender-neutral ready-to-wear, the brand showcases African craftsmanship through exclusive local fabrics, organic cotton, and artisanal dyes (batik). Combining accessible luxury with a commitment to ethical practices, the brand has made a name for itself on international stages from Accra to Paris, and dresses numerous celebrities and artists for their major concerts. -
Mina Binebine Mina is a multi-talented artist who brings her own unique touch to Moroccan design and elegance. At 26, this passionate designer is constantly learning, and through her experiences, she has managed to break free from convention and build her own elegant and unique world. Her brand, drawing on a variety of influences, transforms traditional Moroccan clothing into works of art. Her new collection explores the nuances of Moroccan haute couture, inspired by North African art and tradition.
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EKANTIK ANJALI BORKHATARIA, named 2020 Innovative Designer of the Year by the SFW. “Because life happens on the streets, the streets influence us more than anything else. So I try to incorporate that into my designs.” EKANTIK brings a refreshing aesthetic through its philosophical ideals combined with a modern interpretation of functionality and oversized silhouettes, offering a fresh take with meticulous attention to detail. The brand produces finely crafted garments influenced by workwear and street fashion.
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Éric Raisina Eric Raisina is an international haute couture brand renowned for its “Haute Texture” philosophy, which blends the cultures of Madagascar, Paris, and Cambodia. Founded by the eponymous Malagasy designer after his time at Yves Saint Laurent, the house is based in Siem Reap and is known for its bold, entirely handmade creations. Its exclusive, patented textile innovations—such as silk fur and raffia lace—appeal to an elite clientele around the world, including actress Angelina Jolie.
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Ibrahim Fernandez Ibrahim Fernandez is a high-end Ivorian haute couture brand, founded in Abidjan by the self-taught designer of the same name after he completed his business studies. Based in Marcory, the label has made a name for itself at Africa’s biggest fashion shows (Dakar Fashion Week) thanks to its exclusive prints produced in Mali and Côte d’Ivoire. Combining minimalism with fluid elegance, it puts a modern spin on traditional fabrics and now dresses many of the continent’s celebrities.
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Nyny Rike Nyny Ryke is an influencer and the founder of an ethical fashion brand launched in 2014. Inspired by Italian elegance and Togolese traditions, she promotes sustainable and responsible fashion by collaborating with local artisans. Through her social media channels, she encourages environmentally conscious consumption. The name “Nyny Ryke,” in the Kabyé dialect, means “nothing but sweetness,” “cute,” or “so good.”
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Chocolate Chocolate Clothes Global, founded by Kwaku Bediako Oduro, is a world-renowned Afrocentric luxury brand. Originally a men’s brand, it has been outfitting the national soccer team since 2014. It then expanded into women’s fashion in 2018. Today, its sophisticated designs appeal to more than 40 heads of state. Icons such as Cardi B and Stevie Wonder regularly wear the brand’s clothing. Finally, the brand is driving sustainable innovation in Accra through its textile upcycling label, Cacao.
AFRICA NOW
AFRICA NOW offers the public a unique opportunity to discover distinctive works rooted in strong local identities and a contemporary aesthetic.
Alix Morabito, Director of Women’s Fashion Buying and Special Projects: “I am delighted to welcome this new generation of contemporary fashion designers from the African continent.” For her, through this pop-up: “Galeries Lafayette continues to affirm its commitment to showcasing the energy of creativity to the public.” This pop-up allowed an international clientele to purchase original pieces while supporting emerging African designers. Located in the heart of Paris, it marked a pivotal step in the designers’ expansion onto the European scene, boosting both their visibility and their international recognition.
