Africa Fashion Week London: Spotlight on Exhibitors (Part 1)
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- September 17, 2024
Africa Fashion Week London is known for its ability to allow visitors purchase authentic, sustainable, ethical, African-made apparel and accessories directly from small brands.
By providing valuable space and exposure, AFWL, in turn, help these brands reach a diverse clientele, open to discovering innovative African-inspired fashion, accessories, and lifestyle products.
Meet the AFWL2024 exhibitors below:
KGOSING
Kgosing introduces collection, Leteisi, where history meets modern elegance and each stitch in their garments reflects Botswana’s cultural heritage.
The brand’s story dates back to 1880, when their ancestors journeyed across Bechuanaland to the village of Moshupa in Kgosing. For 143 years, their roots have been embedded in Botswana’s traditions and cultures. Today, as a sibling duo, they present Leteisi — a blend of authenticity and timeless style inspired by their heritage.
Just in time for the UK winter, Kgosing’s collection of warm and comfy outerwear features Tswana hues and intricate patterns that echo ancestral heritage. Each piece pays tribute to the artisans who have kept these customs alive.
HOUSE OF AFRIKA
House of Afrika was founded by Maria Hornsby-Odoi, struggling to find clothing on the high street that suited her shape she started to customise her clothing made by tailors in her motherland of Ghana.
When she wore her uniquely designed pieces back in the UK, she constantly got comments, compliments and enquiries as to where these items could be purchased. After making a capsule collection which quickly sold out, she took her cue and started House of Afrika
The collection consists of contemporary styles, traditional clothing, timeless tailored pieces, afro-euro fusion and afro-bohemian designs. House of Afrika has extended its collection to include handmade ethnic jewellery and will be including interior accessories.
CLAREB ACCESSORIES
AFWL returns to southern Africa with brand Clareb Accessories. The company was founded in 2016 by Bomikazi Nomlala hailing from the Eastern Cape South Africa.
Their brand was motivated by the need to economically empower rural women previously excluded from economic participation in the previous dispensation by contracting and employing them to bead and weave for Clareb.
The brand operates out of the Kwa Zulu Natal, Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga regions and all products are proudly handmade in South Africa.
Y’WARA
Moving to Kenya, we discover the brand Ÿ’wăra
Ÿ’wăra is a bespoke fashion label, designed and curated by a creative collective. Offering a beautifully refined selection of timeless fashion pieces, their collections are thoughtfully assembled, ensuring a harmonious blend of excellent craftsmanship, style, quality and modelled for sustainability.
Every garment has been designed for expression, emphasizing the art of storytelling through a fashion lens and creating an exclusive experience.
LUSHLAHAI
Ghanaian brand, Lushlahai is a staple of the Ghanaian bridal wear.
Exaggerated and beautiful, the brand director, Hummu Lah Awudu’s dresses are more art than fashion and a great example of the architectural couture that is coming out of West Africa.
If you are in the market for authentic bridal, we stan.
DIBABSH
Back to Eastern Africa with Ethiopian brand, Dibabsh and one we are excited about as we do not often host the African country on our catwalks or in our exhibition halls.
Dibabsh is dedicated to preserving and elevating the country’s cultural heritage through modern design. By embracing traditional artisanal techniques, particularly the handwoven Shema fabric, the brand creates collections that honour Ethiopia’s past.
Each collection serves as a platform for storytelling and cultural expression, reflecting Ethiopia’s history and identity and connection to her roots. Dibabsh and brings the beauty of the country’s craftsmanship to the international fashion stage. We’re invested.
Free UKATE Tickets available at Eventribe.
AFWL Catwalk Tickets available here
Time: 12-8pm, 11th October 2024
Venue: Kensington & Chelsea Conference & Event Centre, Hornton Street, London W8 7NX
