AFRICAN creatives showcased their talent at the first Fashion Week edition of the Africa Fashion Week Middle East (AFWME).
The three-day event saw fashion enthusiasts and the creative community gather to experience multiple activations from panel discussions, workshop activities and runway shows.
Designers debuted an array of designs, showcasing their creativity, industrial craft and a unique portrayal of fashion genius through timeless pieces at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), one of Dubai’s most sought-after lifestyle destinations.
The African brands included South African brands Urban Zulu and Mantsho, Zimbabwe’s Ntombi Couture, Kiza Bespoke from Nigeria, Senegal’s OMAAD and Caped Coast from Ghana.
Palesa Mokubung is not a stranger to the international scene as her brand Mantsho has appeared on runways across the world including Nigeria, Botswana, Senegal, USA, Greece, India and Jamaica.
Her vibrant and bold designs have graced the figures of many a celebrity in South Africa.
For the AFWME runway, her distinctive signature prints and carefully curated textiles echoed a collection that is based on confident African aesthetics with an international sensibility.
Mantsho is a fashion luxury brand that is authentically African and always makes a statement.
Palesa began her journey at Stoned Cherrie back in 2004 while still a first year student.
“Stoned Cherrie was blowing up. It was revolutionary and I needed to be present, so I dropped out of school,” she said.
Mokubung didn’t initially see this as a setback because her job at Stoned Cherrie was giving her hands-on insight. The skills included private client service, running a studio, the full retail experience where garments go from a sketch to a client’s shopping bag as well fashion week readiness. She later left the brand to start her own fashion house and then decided to go back to school to hone her craft to its excellent stature that it is today.
She has since featured on runways across the continent and has been a highlight of South African Fashion Week for many years.
Aser Levron, Co-Founder at AFWME commented: “We are proud to bring together such a wealth of talent and creativity under one roof and to share with our audiences all the wonderful creations that exist on the African continent. AFWME’s mission is to widen the circle and welcome even more talented individuals to join us season after season. At AFWME we aim to play a significant role in creating a sense of unity and awareness with Design and Art, allowing several customs to come together and create a community.”
The event was hosted in partnership with Dubai Tourism.
