Afwl15 magazine spreads front final online

SCAN THIS CODE ISSUE 04

2015

FASHION INFLUENCED BY AFRICA

www.africafashionweeklondon.com

africa fashion week london

AFWL blah blah blah

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AFWL blah ADVERTORIAL blah blah

Travelfix.co was born out of the need to recreate the travel experience of the world through the use of technology, combined with service professional personnel, thereby making travel a worthwhile experience in terms of cost, technology and service delivery to the African continent.

We strongly believe in the idea of creative tourist packages, aviation support and the provision of value added services. We re-imagine traditional notions of vacationing by creating bespoke tourist packages and integrated logistics solutions for clients that request for accommodation, transportation, guide, security options and alternative entertainment packages.

We straddle tourism and logistics.

This enables us develop packages that will not only provide our customers with an exciting vacation but allow them to outsource all their vacationing needs (transport, security and entertainment etc.) to us.

Travelfix.co is also a member of NANTA (National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies) as well as ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents).

VISION To be recognised for excellence in the delivery of innovative customised travel products and services.

To be the foremost travel logistics provider in Africa, while helping to build the habit of vacation into every customer that comes our way.

OUR MISSION To develop creative travel experiences for people all around the world thereby making travel a lifestyle.

To plan and manage our client’s travel logistics details in a professional way, ensuring quality service delivery.

PROFESSIONALISM At all times we act with integrity and impartiality, honourable, transparent and work to the highest standards in the industry.

CUSTOMER FOCUSED We strive to understand our client’s needs, honour our commitments, building long-term relationships and foster good communication.

RESPECTFUL How we treat others and expect to be treated: We are reliable, cautious, credible and value others.

COLLABORATIVE We build a positive work environment through team work, support and good working relationships giving opportunities for its employee and benefits for its shareholders.

CONTINUOUSLY IMPROVING We strive to improve the efficient and effectiveness of everything we do through innovation, research and development.

OUR SERVICES

Airline ticket booking / Hotel bookings / Visa assistance / Car hire service / Events strategy / Aviation support / Shipping and cargo / Haulage service / Helicopter booking & rentals / Private jet & cruise hire Pilgrimage packages (Jerusalem & Mecca) / Accommodation & Security / Travel Insurance

Proudly supporting

Travelfix.co is an IATA approved Travel Logistics Management Company. It is a subsidiary of Atlantic Vacation Group.

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4.00PM LEKHAYA SAKARA ASAKE OGE FOR DAVIVA TUMIILA BY TUMISOLA LADEGA

1.00PM NOIR ATHAENA BRIDE MAFRIKA MC BOUTIQUE SHERENE MELINDA CHIEMELIE

6.00PM VICTORIA GRACE AWA CONTEH

8.30PM LIHIYA NOMADES AAGUST KZN FASHION COUNCIL THE SOUTH AFRICA COLLECTION featuring AMANDA MAY BEACH CULT BLOSSOM HANDMADE BRAND ZIMHLOPHE FREDDY FASHION CC INKANYEZI YOLWAZI FASHION DESIGN AND ART IZEMBATHO CREATION K2 DESIGN STUDIO LEDIKANA CREATIONS LEMC PRODUCTIONS LEMMI AND SIPHO COLLECTION LILYBLUE DESIGN MANUFACTURING HOUSE OF MIKE ROOI ROK BOKKE SIYASEBENZA SEWING SLUVIN DESIGNS STEVE MANDY DESIGN (SMD) THEMBENI PRINTING/EKAMU BRANDS YADAH EXCLUSIVE DESIGNS ZANDYB DESIGNS

MIIZU THORA JEWELLS INNOCENTE MESSY KILUMBA

3.30PM EYOLA NJEMA HELENA MAIMOUNA SIFAYE KANE CHAIVO DESIGNS FARIDA’S ATELIER CAROLYN BEYLL GRAZEE STITCHES TANGERINE AIMEEKU ALISHA HOUSE OF MUCHA

8.30PM NEEDLE POINT KILUMBA SORAYA DE PIEDADE VAN ELSE SARA ARTHMAN MARY MARTIN LONDON

S AT U R D AY 8 T H A U G U S T

F R I D AY 7 T H A U G U S T

THE CATWALK SHOWCASE

brating Cele

5 years

! e m o c l We

Summer is here again and so is Africa Fashion Week London! Raise your stilettos up because we are growing stronger as Europe’s largest catwalk event of African and African-inspired fashion design.

This year’s event marks our fifth anniversary and while we are basking in the euphoria of our five year journey, we are staying firmly committed to our vision of promoting and showingcasing the very best of Africa’s emerging designers and fashion talents.

AFWL is at the forefront of capturing the surge of the African-inspired trends in the fashion industry.

This year is very important to the AFWL team and I, as we have all come a long way. When we started five years ago in 2011, with the very first catwalk event, we showcased over 50 designers to an audience of 4500 visitors.

In the second year, we were able to increase our reach by showcasing well over 100 designers and exhibitors to an audience of over 20,000 at Spitalfields, London.

By 2013, even more aspiring and emerging designers had heard about our platform and wished to be part of the AFWL vision. The rest as you, know is history. We have showcased over 300 designers from various countries in Africa and the African Diaspora to a global audience. By staying strongly committed to our mission, we were able to beat numerous odds and gain the visibility that we always strived for, not

just for AFWL, but for our designers who are our main inspiration.

This is not to say that we are there yet, as a matter of fact, we hope to exceed our current showing in the next couple of years by 50 percent. Our goal this year is to better ourselves and to give back. We launched a new apprentice programme, which we intend to use to mentor and empower young designers, as we believe that if you empower the next generation, every generation that follows will be benefit. We also believe that fashion can be used as a catalyst for positive change and youth empowerment in Africa.

With gratitude to God, I use this medium to thank the AFWL Team and my family as I couldn’t have done it alone without all of their support. To our sponsors, partners, and the press, you all too have all contributed in making so much impact locally and globally.

To all of our designers and exhibitors, I say thank you and we are delighted to have you here to participate in AFWL’s 5th anniversary.

To our collaborators and audience, thank you for your support and contribution.

To Kwazulu Natal Fashion Council (KZNFC), all the way from South Africa with 20 exhibitors, thank you!

And the last but not the least my daughter who has supported me for the last 5 years, a big “Thank you” for understanding how time consuming my work can be.

God bless you all.

Ronke Ademiluyi

THE AFWL TEAM PROJECT DIRECTOR

KAMARI ADEMILUYI DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

ANNA MARIE BENEDICT OPERATIONS MANAGER

CJ ADEMILUYI AFRICAN COORDINATOR

ABIOLA ALOBA CREATIVE DIRECTOR

SOLA OYEBADE EDITORIAL CONSULTANT

ELVIS UDEGBE EXHIBITION MANAGER

JOANNE CHEW OJERINOLA EVENTS MANAGER

SEYI OLUSANYA PR & MARKETING DIRECTOR

YETTY OGUNNUBI MAGAZINE DESIGN & ART DIRECTION

JOANNE OMIGIE HOSPITALITY MANAGER

TITI ABDULAL

AFWL Founder

africafwl afwlondon afwlandafwn

www.africafashionweeklondon.com

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“Noëlla has been a great friend and supporter of our event and ethos over the years and a compassionate, hardworking, beautiful individual who understands our drive to showcase the best of Africa.”

RONKE ADEMULIYI, FOUNDER AFWL

noëlla AFWL 2015 IS PROUD TO PRESENT BRAND AMBASSADOR NOËLLA COURSARIS MUSUNKA

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oëlla Coursaris Musunka is an international model and the founder of Malaika. Born in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and later raised in Switzerland by relatives, it was after achieving a degree in business management, that she moved to London and began a career in modeling. Here, her career was lauched by a campaign for Agent Provocateur.

From London, Noëlla then headed to New York where she featured in a myriad of publications, including Vanity Fair, Essence and GQ. Alongside her active modeling career, Noëlla founded Malaika, a non-profit that believes in empowering Congolese communities. The work of Malaika in the village of Kalebuka impacts thousands of people through their multiple programmes; a free school for girls, a community centre built in partnership with FIFA, and five fresh-water wells.

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Fiercely proud of her heritage, Noëlla’s determination to help improve the lives of Africa’s youth has made her an international advocate for the cause.

The success of Malaika has enabled Noëlla’s work to be known to a wider audience. Her work for Malaika has been featured on Bloomberg TV, CNN and the BBC’s Focus Africa. She has addressed UNICEF and the Kinshasa Parliament and delivered a TEDx talk in Paris.

Noëlla has participated in many international panels and was invited to speak on the topic of The Future of Africa alongside former President of the United States, Bill Clinton at the Clinton Global Initiative’s Opening and Closing Plenaries in Morocco 2015.

In 2014, Noëlla was named one of the 100 most influential Africans by New African magazine.

© Omar Victor Diop

I am delighted to be serving as this year’s Brand Ambassador to Africa Fashion Week London and to help showcase the brilliant work of African designers. It has always been my belief that fashion can be a tool for breaking down barriers and transcending cultures. This industry has the ability to put Africa on the world stage and can provide for countless job opportunities on the ground and abroad, from local factories to international shops. It is time for the world to see the amazing talent that lies within Africa.

Clockwise from below: International model. Bottom right: Noëlla at the The Malaika School for Girls in Kalebuka, DRC. Left: Noëlla and Bill Clinton at the Clinton Global Initiative.

AFWL blah blah blah

AFWL 2015 IS PROUD TO PRESENT BRAND AMBASSADOR & MODEL-TO-WATCH VICTORIA MICHAELS

Victoria Michaels A top model, she is exemplifies the concept of beauty and brains; multitalented, savvy, bright and focused, she parlays a background as a beauty pageant, actress, and an exceptional runway / commercial model.

Fast-rising actress, Victoria was nominated the Ghana Movie Awards’ Best Supporting Actress in 2014.

A social change advocate, Victoria’s passion for women and children’s education led to the establishment of the Victoria Michaels Foundation – a nonprofit organization seeking to empower women and less privileged children across Ghana to discover their potential and deploy it for greater society use. She hopes to make the foundation’s work an African-wide project by 2017.

Victoria has used her foundation as a vehicle to drive various philanthropic and charity projects in Ghana, including support for various children homes, orphanages and destitute women – with the foundations projects focusing on education, health care and poverty alleviation campaigns.

International model Victoria Michaels has been featured in a number of major publications including CANOE, Vogue Italia, O Yes!, Enjoy and Mirror. Multiple award-winning Victoria is a one

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of the most sought after brand ambassadors for leading businesses in Ghana. Ambassador for Woodin, face of Bela-Aqua mineral water, Brand Ambassador for the MELCOM Group - Ghana biggest retail chain. She also appeared in commercials for Hertz Rent-a-Car, MTN, Da-Viva, Nescafe, and a major online campaign for Vodafone alongside musicians Dbanj and Sarkodie. Face of Ariel Haven’s Spa, Ambassador of SAGE , a nonprofit organization aimed at empowering high school students across the globe, she was appointed by the British Council as one of two representatives of Ghana at the All African Youth Summit in Johannesburg South Africa.

Victoria has won many awards for her works, in 2014 she walked away with four outstanding awards, including the honor Angel of Hope Award from Ovation International.

This award recognizes celebrities in Africa whose image and positive contribution continues to inspire hope across the continent. She was honored that evening alongside former Ghanaian leader – President Jerry Rawlings and her late mentor, the legendary Kofi Ansah who was awarded post-humously.

In March 2015, she was appointed Brand Ambassador for the Africa Fashion Week London, Europe’s Biggest African inspired fashion event.

AFWL Beauty

pects ed in various as Abbie May train le skills ab lu va E e-up artistr y with H ak T m of O T G TV / film, beauty RE TURNIN within fashion, ed in ga R O F has been ic industr y. She AF WL RUNWAY and photograph d has an E s H ar T IS r over 4 ye in the industr y fo A NOTHER Y E A R K EUP ute.

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AFWL blah blah blah

Highlights from AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON SHOWCASES AT THE 2ND ANNUAL AFRICA CENTRE SUMMER FESTIVAL Photography MADALINA LOGHIN

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Highlights from THE AFWL SHOWCASE @ THE MAYOR OF LONDON’S AFRICA ON THE SQUARE On Saturday 11th October 2014, as part of the celebrations for Black History Month, AFWL took the limelight in Trafalgar Square at the Africa on the Square show organized by the Mayor of London.

The event featured a fashion show directed by Africa Fashion Week London, showcasing contemporary African and African-inspired designers. In enjoyable evening of African food, music and dance with excellent acrobatic displays from African troupes, the show gave aspiring performers under 25, the opportunity to perform in front of a live audience in London’s landmark Trafalgar Square.

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AFWL Style

ESSENTIAL HOMES & FURNITURE

REDEFINING THE ART OF FURNITURE Essential Homes Furniture (EHF) presents a collection of classy pieces of furniture for the pleasure of discerning connoisseurs this summer.

At Essential Homes, furniture making is redefined with classic numbers finely crafted to world class standards. The designs come with the highest manner of carving, inlay, joinery, and gilding - everchanging combination of stylish, traditional and contemporary designs.

Designs are conceived by our own staff, experienced in their trade and provided with the time to do good work; resulting in classic furniture with detailed refinement.

Our unique collection includes tropical furniture, island furniture and resort furniture, with influences from traditional indigenous arts.

Pieces are carefully handcrafted and made from superior natural materials, including Palmwood, a sustainable product made from plantation coconut, abundant in the sub-Saharan Africa.

The search for beauty is often lost or found in the finish process. With that in mind, Essential Homes Furniture creates a remarkable finish allowing us to not only see the wood selected for an item but see it in the appropriate context of colour, break up, highlighting, antiquing, and sheen. The collective effect of these techniques is to nurture and coax the full beauty out of the furniture.

PRODUCT LINES AFRICA-THEMED It is still possible to usher in the African vibe in a delicate, restrained manner by combining it tidily with other design styles which may be contemporary, eastern, retro and other designs. We have in our collection captivating prints of Aso-oke, Ankara, Adiire, kente and other beautiful fabrics.

Our African design furniture concepts are best described as eclectic and chic at its best.

CONTEMPORARY LINE Contemporary furniture is quite simply any type of furniture that uses modern materials with a simplistic design. The design can be attributed to the introduction of new technology, changes in philosophy, and the influences of the principles of architecture.

This refers to furniture that is not assembled or furniture that you have to assemble yourself at home. This type of furniture is also called KD or Knock Down furniture. Parts of the furniture are packed in a box with instructions. All one has to do is follow the instructions and assemble the piece of furniture.

This product line includes Boat Furniture, Yacht Furniture and Custom Marine Furniture.

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The EHF interior design team studies a clients’ business driver and culture to create spaces that help them flourish. Our design solutions use space, color, materials, energy and light as tools to create healthy environment that enhance performance.

Our interior design work includes both individual, corporate, Government, industrial, hospitality, multi-national assignments and domestic pieces.

READY-TO-ASSEMBLE (RTA)

MARINE FURNITURE

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SERVICES

OUR CORE BELIEFS • Designing beautiful pieces that will create the ambience you desire in your space

• Grooming artisans who love & know their craft • Sustainability and giving back to the society

While design and materials create a sense for the potential beauty of furniture, hand craftsmanship in all of its sundry forms determines the outcome.

AFWL Fashion

l a t s CDryeroche FIVE MINUTES

© GABOR SZANTAI

© E.P.PHOTOGRAFIA

with AFWL Consultant Stylist

AFWL: Give us a glimpse into your background CD: My name is Ifedolapo Onikoyi, but I am known in the industry as Crystal Deroche. I was born and raised in Paris, France, where I developed a strong interest in fashion and art from working in my parents’ fashion boutique. I then went to London and studied Business administration with a specialization in branding. After graduating, and working as an international Communication Manager for five years, I decided to explore my first love; fashion styling. I am the founder of the Crystal Deroche Agency which focuses on organizing campaign shoots from concept to realization for clients.

© BENSEG

AFWL: What does being a fashion stylist involve?

CD: A fashion stylist is paid to create or compose a visual image through the use of clothes and accessories.

As a fashion stylist, you dress models and film stars, manage photo shoots, and create outfits. To succeed in this role you need a great sense of style that you couple with a sense of fit, a familiarity with this seasonal trends, and the ability to pair colors and textures.

AFWL: What is the difference between a stylist and a designer?

CD: Fashion designers create clothing, and they may not necessarily be great stylists. They typically sketch the item or outfit, create the pattern, pick out the fabric and trimmings, sew the garment, and fit the garment to the individual.

The product of a designer is the actual garment.

A fashion stylist is someone who selects clothing and accessories for a fashion advertisement or editorial.

A celebrity may hire a stylist to dress them for a red carpet event or for their private life. The job

description varies widely as some stylists work on exclusive projects like music videos, acting as a costume designer to create one-of-a-kind looks for the star.

AFWL: How many Africa-inspired fashion designers showcase at the London Fashion Week?

CD: I was pleasantly surprised to see that a large amount of designers with an ethnic feel to their collection. For example, Sass & Bide’s ethnic and tribal looks contrasted Preen’s pretty vintage florals, and we saw eclectic textile mixes from Vivienne Westwood, while a woodland fairytale theme from Giles added a magical element of romanticism .

AFWL: What are prospects for African-inspired fashion designers on the global runways?

CD: For the past few years, African-inspired fashion has slowly but surely been included and accepted within the fashion industry. It is a trend that is no longer exclusively presented by African designers it has now gone global and has become an inspiration for brands such as Burberry.

AFWL: Is there a place for African style sense in cosmopolitan fashion today?

CD: This is what we currently call Afropolitan, and it has now become the perfect way for Africans based abroad to incorporate their origin in their looks fashionably, whether daily or for a special occasion. The trend is also followed by non-African and well appreciated.

AFWL: What gaps do you think Africa Fashion Week London is filling in the UK fashion industry?

CD: As we know, Africa Fashion Week London is a great platform for upcoming African-inspired designers to showcase their creativity, and a nice opportunity to spot the Ones-to-Watch.

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AFWL blah blah blah

AFWL 2015 IS PROUD TO PRESENT THE FACE OF AFWL

Maggie Smith The 2015 edition of The Face of AFWL competition saw Maggie Smith emerge as the overwhelming favourite, chosen by the public vote across the AFWL social media platforms; enabling her to take over the mantle held by the 2014’s winner, Chi-Chi Nwuba.

Born of Ugandan and Scottish heritage Maggie’s beautiful personality and impressive work ethic shows her to be an excellent ambassador for African fashion and the perfect representative for Africa Fashion Week London.

“I’m so proud to be the Face of AFWL 2015.

The journey so far has been very overwhelming & the support I’ve had so far is incredible. I look forward to the rest of this experience & intend to enjoy every minute”.

Alongside the coveted title of the Face of AFWL 2015 Maggie’s winning prize included a photo shoot, styled by top Parisian stylist, Crystal Deroche and shot by the renowned photographer Gabor Szantai.

Official AFWL 2015 Hair Sponsor, Motions, provided award-winning stylist Sandra Webb to style Maggie’s hair. “Maggie was a pleasure to work with, she was a natural in-front of the camera. She is a great example of the Motions woman, in she doesn’t just merely wear a hairstyle, she owns it.”

Make up artist Abby Hopkins enhanced our covergirl Maggie’s striking looks to create an unforgettable day and a magical shoot.

“It was a pleasure working with Maggie

Stylist CRYSTAL DEROCHE Photographer GABOR SZANTAI Hair MOTIONS & SANDRA WEBB Make-up ABBY HOPKINS

who is a great representation of AFWL. We used Premae Skincare to prep her skin before applying Fashion Fair make-up products and she looks wonderful.”

Africa Fashion Week London would like to extned a huge thank you all of The Face of AFWL entrants and everyone who took part in the voting. AFWL founder Ronke Ademiluyi said, “It was to engage with our social media fans and a way of giving something back to them by getting them involved in the voting process; a fun way of getting our ever growing supporters involved in AFWL.” Be sure to come and meet Maggie this August at the 5th edition of Africa Fashion Week London!

I’m so proud to be the Face of AFWL 2015. The journey so far has been very overwhelming and the support I’ve had so far is incredible.

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AFWL Fashion

Adebayo Jones THE QUINTESSENTIAL GODFATHER OF AFRICAN FASHION DESIGN Adebayjo Jones stands alongside the likes of Oswald Boateng, Adama Paris, Alpha-Di and John Kaveke, as individuals from Africa who have embraced fashion and smashed through glass ceilings to achieve their well-deserved spotlight in Europe. Finding themselves in environments that had little or no foothold for African fashion, they decided create the footholds themselves, climb up it and leave clear a path for others to follow.

© ROB SHEPPARD

Today, Nigerian-born and London-based Adebayo has built a name for himself both at home and abroad. The individuality of his pieces speaks volumes for him in the international fashion community. Jones is renowned for creating his own fabrics and presenting the most lavish and luxurious collections of couture gowns, collections that also reflect the style and the elegance that has helped define his successful career over the years.

© ROB SHEPPARD

© ROB SHEPPARD

© ROB SHEPPARD

As a young boy, Adebayo Jones made shirts, using newspapers glued together with gum and tape, he would then line them up in a parade and hold mock fashion shows. It was after hosting his first fashion show whilst still studying at University, Adebayo cites that, “I knew then, that after my degree this [fashion] had to be my world.”

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AFWL 2015 PROUDLY CELEBRATES OUR AFWL ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER, TRAILBLAZER AND GREAT FRIEND,

BOLANLE AUSTENPETERS Bolanle Austen-Peters holds a Master’s degree in International Law from the London School of Economics & Political Science, and a law degree from the University of Lagos. She is also founder of Terra Kulture; an educational and recreational organisation set up in 2003 to promote the richness and diversity of Nigerian Languages, Arts and Culture.

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Centre: Gallery display at the Terra Kulture Auction House, and (right) accompanying auction guide

Terra Kulture was established because there were few places in Nigeria with the appropriate ambience for Nigerians and foreigners alike to learn about Nigeria’s rich cultural and linguistic heritage. Today, Terra Kulture is a resounding success, recognised as a major cultural hub in Nigeria for expatriates, students, Hollywood and Nollywood stars, artists and members of the diplomatic corps.

She returned to Nigeria in 2001 as

Since it’s inception, over 10 years ago, Terra Kulture has organized over two hundred exhibitions, ninety plays, sixty book readings and over ten thousand adult and children have attended their language classes and excursions.

through the Arts and Business Council.

In 2009, Terra Kulture established the Terra Kulture Auction House, one of only two art auction houses in Nigeria. To date, the auction house has organised seven very successful auctions.

Bolanle Austen-Peters has facilitated, organized, managed and attended

consultant to UNDP, Lagos. She has attended numerous workshops and seminars across the world. She also lectures on entrepreneurship and has received numerous local and internation accolades.

Bolanle has worked as a consultant to the Ford Foundation Lagos and helped raise millions of dollars for the Museum

In 2015, Bolanle joined the Board of Advisers for both Africa Fashion Week London and Nigeria (AFWLand Top: Our AFWL 2015 Advisory Board member, Bolanle Austen-Peters.

Bottom: The terrace area at Terra Kulture.

AFWN, resepctively). In her capacity

numerous workshops and seminars

and experiential resources to bear

both within and outside the United

in guiding the two Africa Fashion

Nations system on various issues. Prior

Week projects to greater heights,

to this, she had worked as a lawyer with

consolidating on its niche and creating

United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland,

excellent class distinction across

New York, Ethiopia and Namibia.

AFWL/N’s brand communications.

as a fundamental talent promoter, she has brought her vast intellectual

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From canapés, sandwiches and fruit platters to African and international dishes, we cater for everyone. At Grandpas Caterers we believe in stylish entertaining and giving your guests something great to talk about when they see and taste our foods.

We are here for those clients that dare to be different, who want food style, choice and flavour.

So ... whether it’s your wedding, charity ball, conference, launch or show you’re hosting we are here to style cater for you.

For further enquiries

jnissiltd@yahoo.co.uk, jnissi.education@gmail.com tel: +2347046322201(03) (04) (11) Plot 68, Block 81, Emma Abimbola, Lekki, Lagos

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Contact UK: Contact Nigeria: e-Brochure: Email: Website:

+44 208 698 5241, +44 7958 034 068, +44 7403 020 673 +234 7060 679 668 http://interactivepdf.uniflip.com/2/84377/304107/pub/ contactus@grandpascaterers.com www.grandpascaterers.com

AFWL Fashion

Introducing

G321 N

ew clothing label G321 is the brainchild of a talented group of young Nigerian designers.

The crux of its creative tangent is the transposition of the popular “African” textiles prints and colour patterns, which are traditionally obtainable in cotton wax fabrics, onto lighter and more flexible synthetic fabrics. This enables a vast plethora of hitherto impossible styles to be fashioned out with clothing bearing African “Anakarastyle” prints and colours.

In a class of its own in terms of innovation, G321 offers a tremendous array of possibilities and opens new doors into the future of African fashion.

Heritage African prints in contemporary design The label has blown away every one of its confines and has shown contemporaries that creating a great future for African fashion can lie in taking African fashion styles into ‘non-African’ horizons.

Beyond fabric innovation, the assertive lines of G321’s debut collection presented on the runway of AFWL 2014, distinguish the talent of a rising brand in African fashion.

G321 believes that fashion is a divine avenue to showcase the Glory of God. The brand is one of the favorite collections at the AFWL Concession store in Cottage Drive, Lekki, Nigeria.

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H C N L AU Y T R PA

2 015, on M ay 4th e t n ve e ia d s sive me herald th In an impre it s preview event to n week . ld e s h AF WL of the fa hio n io it d e ry a 5th annivers

The launch of Africa Fashion Week London’s 5th year anniversary was held in Camden Town’s famous South African venue, Shaka Zulu. In attendance with designers from as far afield as Taiwan, press, models and industry professionals alike mingled and took in the atmosphere of the venue that lent itself perfectly to showing off the best of African-inspired creativity.

As a show of gratitude for their continued support, followership and propagation of the event through the last five years, AFWL Founder, Ronke Ademiluyi, pampered guests with fabulous fashion design, delicious cocktails and canapés.

Amy Ku of AIMEEKU Fashion Label, flew in from Taipei City especially to highlight how African prints are becoming increasingly popular in Asia. Caroline Beyll representing her brand, Caroline Beyll, showed the elegance of her designs which incorporated the timeless 1950s flair, alongside Thora Jewels, who showcased the elegance of classy accessories.

London-based ethical tshirt designer, Aos ..

Global, brought their Iyoba Idia-inspired tshirts

to provide a touch of street fashion to the event; proving that African fashion blends perfectly with London’s ever-evolving fashion conscious collective.

Also present was Roooi, veteran showcaser and staunch supporter of Africa Fashion Week London, who represented his unique style by bringing his high drama and high glamour designs to the launch.

AFWL hair and makeup sponsors also brought their expertise to the launch. Awardwinning Motions stylist, Sandra Webb, provided iconic hair designs using Motions innovative range of products.

Fashion Fair cosmetics were represented by AFWL’s Chief make-up artist, for the second year running, Abbie May Hopkins. The looks were bold, eye catching and saturated with colour.

In five short years, AFWL is now firmly Europe’s largest catwalk event providing both established and up-and-coming designers with a platform to showcase African-inspired designs to an international audience.

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DESIGNERS

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THE AFWL DESIGNERS

AAGUST

M&C

AIMEEKU

MIIZU

ALISHA

MAFRIKA

ASAKE OGE FOR DAVIVA

MARY MARTIN LONDON

AWA CONTEH

NJEMA HELENA

ATHAENA BRIDE

NEEDLE POINT

CAROLINE BEYLL

NOMADE

CHAIVO DESIGNS

NOIR

CHIEMELIE

SAKARA

EYOLA

SARAH ARTHMAN

FARIDA’S ATELIER

SIFAYE HAIDAR

GRAZEE STITCHES

SHERENE MELINDA

HOUSE OF MUCHA

SORAYA DA PIEDADE

INNOCENTE MESSY

TANGERINE

KILUMBA

THORA JEWELS

KZNFC

TUMIILA

LE EKHAYA

VAN ELSE

LIHIYA

VICTORIA GRACE

AAGUST

AIMEEKU

AFRICAFASHIONWEEKLONDON.COM

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AFWL Designers

THE AFWL DESIGNERS

ALISHA

ASAKE OGE

ATHAENA BRIDE

CAROLINE BEYLL

CHAIVO DESIGNS

CHIEMELIE

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AFWL Designers

THE AFWL DESIGNERS

EYOLA

FARIDA

GRAZEE STITCHES

HOUSE OF MUCHA

INNOCENTE MERCY

KILUMBA

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AFWL Designers

THE AFWL DESIGNERS

LEKHAYA

MC BOUTIQUE

MAFRIKA

MARY MARTIN LONDON

MIIZU

NEEDLE POINT

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AFWL Designers

THE AFWL DESIGNERS

NJEMA HELENA

NOIR

NOMADES

SAKARA

SARA ARTHMAN

SHERENE MELINDA

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AFWL Designers

THE AFWL DESIGNERS

SORAYA DA PIEDADE

TANGERINE

THORA JEWELS

TUMIILA

VICTORIA GRACE

VAN ELSE

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EXHIBITORS

THE AFWL EXHIBITORS

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AIMEEKU

LILYBLUE DESIGN (PTY) LTD

AK-WILDE

MAFRIKA

ALINA’S BOUTIQUE

MAIWAX

AKWABA DESIGNS

MANUFACTURING HOUSE OF MIKE

AMANDA MAY

MOTHER NATURE COUTURE

ANAIS-ARTS

MOTIONS

ASO

NJEMA HELEN

ATHAENA BRIDE

OYSBY

BRAND ZIMHLOPHE

PORJAI THAI PRINTER

BEACH CULT

PRIMAVERA FITNESS

BLOSSOM HANDMADE

REINA DE SANTIAGO®

CO-OPERATIVE

ROOI ROK BOKKE

CONTINENT CLOTHINGÂ

ROOOI

DA VIVA UK

ROSE LEATHER

EKAMU

SASCHA GRANT

FABRIC GATEAUX

SHERENE MELINDA

FREDDY FASHION CC

SIFAYE HAIDAR

G321

SIYASEBENZA SEWING & MULTIPURPOSE

INAGBE GRAND RESORTS

SLUVIN DESIGNS

ILLAY

STEVE MANDY DESIGN (SMD)

IZEMBATHO CREATIONS (PTY) LTD

TRAVEL FIX

KAYELLE JEWELLERY

THE NEEDLE POINT SHOP

K2 DESIGN STUDIO

THEMBENI PRINTING

KILUMBA

TOTE COLLECTIONSÂ

KUXY CREATIONS

UBUNTU FASHION

L.O.G. COSMETICS

VIVIDLIY CREATIVE

LEDIKANA CREATIONS (PTY) LTD

YADAH EXCLUSIVE DESIGNS

LEMC PRODUCTIONS & BUSINESS PROJECTS

YAWS CREATION

LEMMI & SIPHO COLLECTION

ZANDYB DESIGNS

AFRICAFASHIONWEEKLONDON.COM

AIMEEKU

AKWAABA

AFWL Exhibitors

THE AFWL EXHIBITORS

ALINA’S BOUTIQUE

ANAIS-ARTS

ASO

CONTINENT CLOTHING

KAYELLE JEWELLERY

KILUMBA

L.O.G COSMETICS5

NEEDLE POINT

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AFWL Exhibitors

THE AFWL EXHIBITORS

NJEMA HELENA

OYSBY

PORJAI THAI

PRIMAVERA FITNESS

REINA DE SANTIAGO速

SASCHA GRANT

SHERENE MELINDA

VIVIDLY CREATIVE

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Proudly supporting

REWARD FOR PASSION:

AFRICAFASHIONWEEKLONDON.COM 35 www.bet9ja.com

AFWL blah blah blah

Above: Pink Shweshwe Dress, Mother Nature Couture.

Main: Steve Mandy of SMD Products getting creative live on the runway.

Opposite: Accessories from K2 Design Studio.

KWAZULU-NATAL FASHION COUNCIL THE DIAMOND MODEL OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN FASHION DESIGN INDUSTRY The KwaZulu-Natal Fashion Council (KZNFC) is based in the coastal city of Durban. Founded in 2009, the KZNFC was formed to address factors that lead to innovation and improved national competitiveness, to tie together the valuechain factor conditions like skills, infrastructure, demand conditions, related and supporting industries, business strategy and the conditions affecting how companies are created and managed.

This is helping build a South African fashion design sector that is innovative and internationally competitive, leading to economic development and much needed employment creation.

According to interim Managing Director, Nomonde Masoka, the Durban based KwaZulu-Natal Fashion Council was founded to “empower talented local designers with adequate business skills to compete on an equal footing with their international compatriots based on original quality designs�.

The KZNFC continues to support local talent and design businesses participating at AFWL.

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AFWL Exhibitors

SPONSORED EXHIBITORS

AMANDA MAY The Amanda May label is a designer range of clothing for women, designed and made in South Africa, created by a desire to make ‘ Beautiful clothes for beautiful people’. Established in 2007 and launched in November 2011, the label is focused on developing and marketing high-end fashion.

BLOSSOM HANDMADE Designer, Shauna Neill, started Blossom Handmade six years ago as a small, home-industry business in Durban, South Africa. Designing and making everything herself, each item made is handmade in the Durban studio by previously unemployed women, using locally produced materials.

K2 DESIGN STUDIO K2 Design Studio is a brand synonymous with exclusive, personalized, and inspiring products for individuals and organizations. Originally focusing on jewellery design, today K2 Design Studio comprises two innovative success stories - customized jewellery and elegant customized trophies. The company is uniquely positioned to provide technical and creative jewellery design and professional manufacturing services.

LILYBLUE DESIGN (PTY) LTD Founded in 2009, LilyBlue has styled over a thousand brides to date.

LilyBlue specializes in manufacturing exclusive products and also offers styling services for brides-to-be, mothers of the bride, bridesmaids and the groom. The LilyBlue range includes earrings, bracelets, neckpieces, hairpieces, garters, dress sashes and dress adornments.

MOTHER NATURE COUTURE Mother Nature was established in 2009. We specialize in African fabrics x/aesthetics, fused with western modern cultures. We can be described as eclectic, haute couture and contemporary. We use 100% cotton and indigo dye fibres, eg Shweshwe. Patchwork and quilting is incorporated into shweshwe to create unique designs.

NARAINSAMY Narainsamy has been a household name in men’s tailoring in Durban for 53 years and the family tailors have grown enormously in the fashion industry. The business has evolved to captivate the essence of fashion in our progressive society enabling one to enjoy the current wants and demands of the fashion conscious individual.

ROOI ROK BOKKIE Rooi Rok Bokkie is a proudly South African ladieswear wear range by designer Tarryn Shepherd. The ready-to-wear range is both fashionable and feminine, and appeals to women of all ages. “All our fabrics are printed locally using our own designs, with inspiration for the prints coming from our South African roots”.

SLUVIN DESIGNS Sluu is a clothing label designed by the House of Sluvin Designs, based in Durban Central. The brand designs fashion garments and accessories of all styles, focussing on satisfaction through fashion. Our garments range from cultural to couture, formalwear, evening wear, bridal and semi-casual attire. The combination of African and western fabrics and the exclusive touch of African feel in all our designs is a strong feature of the brand.

STEVE MANDY, SMD PRODUCTS Steve Mandy is a revolutionary designer from South Africa. His company, SMD Products takes simple ready to wear garments and through a process of bleach mark making, fabric ink and sun-activated dye, transforms it into a fully-fledged piece of artwork. Each garment becomes a handmade product of beauty which comes with an unmistakable Steve Mandy blueprint.

ZANDY B DESIGNS ZandyB designs is a fashion label based in Durban.ZandyB designs specializes in ladieswear including red carpet, cocktail dresses, prom dresses, wedding gowns and traditional attire.

Zandy B was among the top 10 designers at The Rising Sun fashion challenge 2014.

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AFWL Label focus

TUMISOLA LADEGA WINNER OF THE JIMMY CHOO AWARD Chats with AFWL

Young, talented and ready to raise the bar on global fashion trends

T

he Tumiila label was founded in 2012 by the young UK-based designer Tumisola Ladega.

Aged just 14, she decided to pursue her career in fashion desig, having some of her designs featured in competitions from the age of twelve. Over the last few years, her designs have graced the catwalks of many fashion shows and fashion weeks, including in Miami, Florida; Maryland, USA; Lagos, Nigeria; South Africa and of course, London. As a developing label, Tumiila ranges across high-end couture, urban, evening wear to ready to wear styles.

Recognition of a talent and skill that defies her young age was expressed at the 2015 graduation for the students of the International School for Creative Arts London. Honorary President of the school, Professor Jimmy Choo was on hand at the ceremony to present to graduating students and award outstanding students. Although not yet a graduate, Tumisola was one of the two students honoured by Prof. Jimmy Choo with a Bursary Prize for outstanding work in Fashion and Design and for making such remarkable achievement in the short time.

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Still only 16 years old, Tumisola’s work has had the privilege of recognition by the honourable Joan Burstein, Founder of fashion boutique Browns and most known for discovering talents such as Alexander McQueen and Christopher Kane.

Past shows: FDC young designers Awards, Oct 2011 Miami Fashion Designers Expo, Oct 2012 Africa Fashion Week London, July 2013 Maryland Fashion Week, Baltimore USA Fashion Finest, London, Sept 2013 GTB Lagos Fashion & Design Week Award, Oct 2013 Loveworld Festival of Music and Arts Johannesburg, SA, April 2015 Coming up: Africa Fashion Week London, Aug 2015 Oxford Studios Off schedule Paris Fashion Week, Oct 2015

AFWL: Why do you think AFWL is a good platform for up and coming designers?

TL: I have had the privilege of showcasing one of my collections on the AFWL platform in the past and the exposure the show offered was amazing and very helpful in projecting my work to the world.

AFWL: What does AFWL offer designers that other platforms may not?

TL: AFWL offers young emerging designers the experience of the real world of fashion in an organized environment as well as the great exposure.

AFWL: Describe the collection you will be showcasing this year at AFWL. TL: The collection I am showcasing this year is called Simple vs Complicated which explores the idea of simple shapes and colours versus complex patterns and cuts.

AFWL: What potentials does fashion hold for young people today as a means of self empowerment?

TL: I believe that for people that have passion. it’s a great means of expression of their creative abilities and shows the world what they are capable of.

GET CLOSER TO AFRICA, HOME TO TEN OF THE WORLD’S FIFTEEN FASTEST GROWING COUNTRIES AWAKEN THE UK MARKET TO THE POTENTIAL OF AFRICA An opportunity to interact with Afrocentric brands and gain a better understanding of the African market place and African consumers.

Hub Africa showcases Afrocentric brands, provides workshops and resource material to support you to gain market insight into Africa.

Realise the potential of Diaspora communities Based on the success of Africa Fashion Week London, we are partnering to deliver a hub which will provide an interactive environment for Afrocentric brands Hub Africa will: • Showcase Afrocentric brands • D eliver talks and workshops on Branding, Marketing and e-Commerce • P rovide resource material to support you to gain market insight into key markets across Africa

Contact e: james.houston@nbccuk.org or ymokuolu@hatchafrica.com

t: +44 (0)330 024 1126

AFWL 2015 AWFL IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE OUR HEAD OF ADVISORY BOARD AND PARTNER

NIKE AWOYINKA

Ravensbourne is one of Europe’s leading higher education institutions offering specialist education in design, media and digital technology across the creative industries.

Most recently, Nike was Head of Marketing and Communications, Sub-Saharan Africa, at Search for Common Ground, (SFCG) a global non-profit organisation that uses the media as a tool to promote non-violent conflict resolution. Nike was directly responsible for the development of the communications campaign around ‘The Station’, SFCG’s groundbreaking Nigerian television drama series.

Nike has over 15 years experience in marketing and communications. Her marketing career began in the Nigerian telecommunications industry. She has also worked as a broadcaster for one of Australia’s digital news providers.

Nike holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communications and a graduate diploma in Public Relations and International Marketing Management.

Nike Awoyinka is the Head of International Development at Ravensbourne. In this role, she is responsible for the marketing and the recruitment of international students, as well as the institution’s overseas commercial and education partnerships.