African influenced fashion is no stranger to the runway. Designers like Boxing Kitten and Hemma Collection have made mainstream designers and fashion editors pay attention to prints from the motherland, by infusing traditional African patterns their designs and making it wearable in the U.S. market. Now you can go into Forever 21 or H&M to see tribal prints in dresses, shirts and shorts, a heavy trend this season. But African fashion is more than just an ethnic fashion trend or animal printed garments. Designers from Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa and other countries in Africa have a strong presence in Africa and its Diaspora. Designers are looking to globally make a stamp on the fashion industry beyond a here today, gone tomorrow trend, hence Africa Fashion Week New York.
I got a sneak peak of some of the designers showing their collection for Africa Fashion Week New York (AFWNY) in July at beauty and skin care brand Molton Brown‘s SoHo location. As a DJ spun Hip-Hop, R&B and Dancehall, I mingled with a few designers, fellow bloggers and fashion lovers. The store packed from wall to wall, but that didn’t take away from the beautiful pieces I saw from designers like Kashi Designs and Rouch. (I wish I could have gotten some better shots! Working on my photography skills ASAP.) I definitely can’t wait to see more from the designers.
About AFWNY
Africa Fashion Week New York is a luxury multi-day event that will include runway shows, vendor exhibition, and industry networking events with the sole purpose of raising awareness of the African Fashion/Entertainment professionals in New York and Tri -State area. More specifically, buyers and industry influencers will be previewed to African designers. For more information on the designers and the show visit AFWNY.
Mikelah
Mikelah is a Caribbean Culture expert, curating the bridge between the Caribbean and its diaspora. A CUNY Baruch College graduate with a BBA in Marketing. With previous experience with Caribbean lifestyle brands such as VP Records, Tempo TV and JAMROCK Magazine. Currently serving as a digital marketing maven by day, while continuing to collaborate with Caribbean brands.
Follow Me:
Leave a Reply