Africa Fashion Week London expanded to three days this year and moved to a bigger spot, The Old Truman Brewery in the trendy Shoreditch area of East London.
One hundred designers and exhibitors showcased their edgy collections on the runway mixing current trends with traditional African styled patterns, colorful and flamboyant creations as well as bold, textured prints. Many designers used a mixture of plastic and traditional African fabrics.
Designer Jessica Baah (Baah by Jessica Baah)'s floor length yellowy gold, sparkly gown with peplum corset was a show stopper. The black underlay of the corset had a transparent almost mesh-like feel to it.
The Ella and Gabby designs were also a firm favourite. This spotted Royal blue and gold floral, figure-hugging, long sleeved dress stunned the onlookers in to silence. The turtle neck top and pencil skirt form along with the intricate, floral patterns was extremely popular.
The Fashion Thirst Press team also found the flamboyant Monis collections very inspiring.
The Yutees evening gowns caused a stir when presented. Buyers, stockists and wholesalers were busy scribbling away after witnessing the Monis designs.
Overall, this was an inspiring collection and the biggest Africa Fashion Week designs showcased in Europe so far this year.
At least I now know what to wear for my friend's up and coming British/Senegalese wedding in October ! Keep an eye out for Ghana Fashion week - our team will be covering this important and exhilarating event.
I will round off this article with some facts which need highlighting. Africa is the buzzword for investors, economists and trade delegations alike. There is enormous potential for Fashion sales in Africa. It has over 1 billion consumers and will eventually be home to a middle class income that will rival India. In addition to this there are currently 250,000 dollar millionaires on the resource-rich continent. Africa is the NEW China.
Written by Monica Cummings, Ba Hons., MA (Chief Editor)