Top African Fashion Shows in 2024

Africa’s fashion industry continues to thrive, captivating audiences worldwide with its rich cultural heritage, innovative designs, and diverse talent. From the vibrant colors of West African prints to the intricacies of East African beadwork, African fashion reflects the continent’s multifaceted identity.

The top African fashion shows in 2024 will not only showcase the latest trends but also serve as platforms for emerging designers to make their mark on the global stage.

If you’re looking to stay ahead of the curve, here’s a guide to some of the hottest fashion shows happening across the continent in 2024.

Western Africa

Lagos Fashion Week

One of the highly anticipated fashion shows in 2024 is the Lagos Fashion Week in Nigeria. Known as one of the biggest fashion events in Africa, Lagos Fashion Week attracts fashion enthusiasts, industry insiders, and international buyers. The event showcases the best of Nigerian fashion, with designers presenting their collections inspired by traditional Nigerian textiles and motifs, as well as contemporary designs that push boundaries.

Dakar Fashion Week

Another fashion show to watch out for is the Dakar Fashion Week in Senegal. Dakar Fashion Week (DFW), established in 2002, is an extravagant display of glitz and glamour that honours Senegalese and pan-African fashion. This event has gained international recognition for its focus on sustainable and ethical fashion.

Designers from Senegal and other African countries will showcase their creations made from organic fabrics, recycled materials, and traditional craftsmanship. The Dakar Fashion Week aims to promote conscious fashion that respects both the environment and the artisans behind the garments.

Glitz Africa Fashion Week 

Glitz Africa Fashion Week (GAFW) is a landmark event on the African fashion calendar. Organized by Glitz Africa Magazine, it’s a week-long extravaganza that spotlights the creativity, innovation, and sheer brilliance of African fashion designers. Held annually in Accra, Ghana, GAFW brings together established names and rising stars, transforming the city into a vibrant hub of style and inspiration

Accra Fashion Week

Accra Fashion Week (AFW) has established itself as a cornerstone of the African fashion scene. Held annually in Ghana’s vibrant capital city, the event pulsates with creativity, showcasing the finest garments from established and emerging Ghanaian designers alongside international talents.

Arise Fashion Week

Founded in 2008 by Arise Magazine, AFW has grown into a much-anticipated event on the African fashion calendar. Held annually in Lagos, Nigeria, Arise Fashion Week is known for its focus on innovation and pushing boundaries. The week features runway shows, exhibitions, and industry talks, fostering collaboration and dialogue within the fashion community.

Past editions have seen renowned models like Grace Jones and Naomi Campbell grace the runway, solidifying AFW’s reputation for excellence.

GTCO Fashion Weekend

The annual GTCO Fashion Weekend (GTCOFW) has become a much-anticipated event on the African fashion calendar. Organized by Guaranty Trust Bank, this fashion weekend promotes entrepreneurship in the fashion industry by supporting African fashion designers in both a commercial and creative sense.

Held annually in Lagos, Nigeria, GTCOFW is much more than just a runway extravaganza. It’s a consumer-focused fair designed to empower the continent’s burgeoning fashion industry.

Rhythms On Da Runway

Mark your calendars! Rhythms on Da Runway (ROD) in Ghana is a unique show that blends electrifying music with captivating runway displays by African designers. Founded by broadcaster and fashion entrepreneur Kofi Okyere-Darko, ROD has become a December staple. Known for its focus on social issues, the 2024 edition, slated to launch on the 2nd of December, promises to be a vibrant celebration of fashion with a conscience.

The 2023 edition, themed “The Aqua Edition,” shone a spotlight on Sustainable Development Goal Six (SDG 6) – Clean Water and Sanitation. The event featured renowned musicians like Rocky Dawuni and Morgan Heritage, alongside established African designers showcasing eco-conscious collections.

Eastern Africa

Swahili Fashion Week

Held annually from December 2nd to 4th, Swahili Fashion Week (SFW) is the largest fashion event in East and Swahili-speaking countries. It’s a platform for established and emerging designers from Tanzania and the wider region to showcase their collections. SFW assists designers in achieving greater vibrancy and realising their full potential. This fashion week takes place in December of 2024 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Nairobi Fashion Week

Nestled amidst the vibrant energy of Nairobi, Kenya, lies Nairobi Fashion Week (NFW) – a premier platform showcasing the finest of East African fashion. This annual event, typically held in November, celebrates the region’s rich cultural heritage and propels innovative design talent onto the global stage.

NFW boasts a rich history, having first launched in 2013. Since then, it has grown into a highly anticipated event, attracting established and emerging designers from Kenya, East Africa, and beyond. The event champions a strong focus on promoting “Just Sustainable Fashion,” highlighting ethical practices and environmental consciousness within the industry.

Rwanda Fashion Week

Formerly known as Collective Rw Fashion Week, this Rwandan event takes place annually in Kigali. It features runway shows, seminars, and pop-up events, providing a platform for local designers and fostering collaboration within the Rwandan fashion scene. Rwanda Fashion Week features designers from across Africa and the diaspora, celebrating dynamic fashion and innovation.

Hub of Africa Addis Fashion Week

Established in 2010, Hub of Africa Addis Fashion Week (HAFW) takes place annually in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This prestigious event focuses on highlighting the growing pool of Ethiopian design talent and fostering connections within the continent’s fashion industry. Renowned designers and rising stars alike showcase their work, making HAFW a must-see for those seeking a glimpse into the future of Ethiopian fashion.pen_spark

Founded in 2011, KFW has evolved into a premier fashion event in Central Africa. The week-long event features runway shows, designer presentations, workshops, and fashion talks. It’s a platform for established and emerging Congolese designers to showcase their collections, brimming with bold colours, rich textures, and innovative designs that pay homage to the country’s vibrant heritage.

Northern Africa

Marrakech Fashion Week

Held biannually in April and October, Marrakech Fashion Week (MFW) is a dazzling spectacle showcasing the best of Moroccan design talent. The event runs for six days and has been around since 2017. The event boasts a vibrant atmosphere, with presentations, workshops, and exhibitions offering a deeper dive into the creative process. Attendees can witness the meticulous handwork of artisans, the intricate embroidery techniques, and the vibrant colors that define Moroccan textiles.

Egypt Fashion Week

In May 2023, history was made with the dazzling debut of Egypt Fashion Week (EFW). Held in the heart of Cairo, the event marked a significant moment, placing Egypt firmly on the map of global fashion capitals. EFW aims to establish itself as a major player in the global fashion scene, fostering international collaborations and propelling Egyptian fashion forward. The three-day event features both runway shows and interactive shows that are as educational as they are entertaining.

Tunis Fashion Week

Tunis Fashion week is the first in north Africa dedicated to fashion, style, and beauty. Since its launch in 2009,TFW has gained critical acclaim for encouraging both emerging and established artists to reconsider the way that fashion is presented and for challenging the conventional parameters of fashion. Tunis Fashion Week is held biannually, with each edition offering a distinct flavor. The summer edition, typically held in June, takes place in the heart of the capital city, Tunis. The winter edition, held in November, offers a contrasting experience. Often staged in a unique location, such as the stunning desert landscape near Tozeur, this edition features a more luxurious focus.

Southern Africa

South African Fashion Week

South Africa Fashion Week (SAFW) is a cornerstone event on the African fashion calendar. Held biannually in Johannesburg, it showcases the best of South African design talent and has become a platform for established and emerging creators to share their vision with the world. Over the years, this event has gained international recognition and has become a hub for fashion enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. The first SA Fashion Week took place in 1997, making it one of the longest-running fashion events in Africa.

South African Menswear Week

South Africa’s fashion scene thrives on creativity and diversity, and menswear is no exception. South African Menswear Week (SAMW) stands as a pivotal event, showcasing the best of South African male fashion design. SAMW boasts a rich history, established to celebrate and nurture the burgeoning South African menswear industry. The event provides a platform for established designers to solidify their reputations and for fresh talent to emerge onto the scene.

Africa Fashion Week Cape Town

Africa Fashion Week Cape Town (AFWCT), previously known as Cape Town Fashion Week, is a yearly event that shines a spotlight on the continent’s incredible design talent.

AFWCT boasts a rich history, having served as a launchpad for African designers for over 17 years. The event is spearheaded by Africa Fashion International (AFI), an organization dedicated to nurturing African design talent and propelling it onto the global stage. This year, AFWCT has undergone a strategic evolution, with specific dates yet to be announced. This move highlights AFI’s commitment to pushing boundaries and creating a more enriching experience for designers, buyers, media, and fashion enthusiasts alike.

International

Portugal Fashion Week with CANEX

This prestigious event recently concluded, showcasing a curated selection of African designers alongside established Portuguese brands. CANEX, the Creative Africa Nexus program, provided a platform for African talents to gain international exposure. Through mentorship from industry experts, the program empowers designers with skills to build financially sustainable businesses. Since its October 2021 debut, the program has engaged 60 African designers from 25 countries, offering runway showcases, exhibitions, mentorship, and networking opportunities, connecting designers with press, investors, manufacturers, and buyers for comprehensive industry exposure.

Africa Fashion Week

Africa Fashion Week is a movement founded by Adiree Communications in 2009, with the aim of contributing to luxury and mainstream fashion’s global development through events, media, retail, and tourism. Africa Fashion Week aims to educate, empower, and connect inspirational brands and individuals interested in breaking down barriers and creating structure around industries for business. AFW, made from the need to bridge the gap, connects continents, and provide a platform for international retailers and designers worldwide.

Fashion weeks are just the tip of the iceberg. Stay tuned throughout the year by following African fashion publications and social media influencers. This allows you to discover new designers, keep up with the latest trends, and get a deeper understanding of the stories woven into the garments themselves.

So, whether you’re a fashion aficionado or simply appreciate cultural expression, these African fashion shows offer a vibrant window into the continent’s creative spirit. Get ready to be dazzled!