Photo: Issouf Sanogo/AFP
Cote D’Ivoire’s Afrik Fashion Week is a significant event that honors the varied facets of African culture by means of fashion, uniting artists, designers, runway models, and fashion enthusiasts from various regions of Africa and beyond to exhibit their innovative creations. The 16th edition of Afrik Fashion Week in Abidjan was a candid showcase of African extravagance, diversity, and pride, living up to its yearly tradition.
Africa is currently undergoing a remarkable resurgence in its cultural expression, encompassing musical, artistic, and fashion spheres. This is evident in the recent widespread recognition and appreciation of African designers across the realms of high-end fashion and pop culture, which serves as a testament to this cultural awakening. After years of exclusion from the global luxury arena, Africa is now on the brink of a complete takeover. Major African cities like Lagos, Johannesburg, Bakar, Nairobi, and Abidjan are now holding down their own terms in this global cultural discourse, asserting their position alongside fashion powerhouses such as New York, London, Paris, and Milan to shape the future of fashion.
Abidjan’s entrance into fashion weeks in Africa is a positive development that showcases the city’s increasing influence and contributions to the global fashion industry. With the emergence of fashion designers and brands such as Pelebe, Patrice Kouadio, Lafalaise Dion, Laetitia Kyand, and Loza Maléombho, who draw inspiration from the city’s vibrant culture and history to create unique and innovative designs, the city’s influence on the fashion industry is on the rise. The fashion week provides a platform for both emerging and established designers to showcase their skills and creativity, promoting the African fashion industry and preserving African culture while celebrating cultural diversity.
Photo: Issouf Sanogo/AFP A model presents a creation by Senegalese designer LAMP FALL Création during the 16th Afrik Fashion Week in Abidjan, on March 18, 2023.
On March 18, 2023, the fashion extravaganza lit up Côte d’Ivoire’s commercial capital, bringing together 30 African designers and 60 models from various African countries, all centering on the theme: “Youth, Fashion and Cultural Diversity”.
According to the event’s organizer, Isabelle Anoh, “We think that Africa and even Côte d’Ivoire deserve to host a fashion week and for this edition, we tried to put our best foot forward by inviting African designers to share the stage with local designers,”
Beyond clothing, the event also featured an array of handbags, jewelry, and shoes to keep the attendees captivated. For fashion designer Nancy, the event provided an invaluable opportunity to learn from other industry professionals and increase her visibility. “Through the fashion show, we see what others create and through that we get inspiration. And for us also to exchange with other stylists and other designers and of course to make ourselves known,” she explained.
Cote d’Ivoire is renowned for its thriving fashion and style scene, centered primarily in the bustling capital city of Abidjan. This has resulted in the emergence of a distinct and refined fashion industry, adding to the city’s long-standing reputation as the “Paris of Africa”. The 16th fashion week in Abidjan is a spectacular tribute to the variety of African fashion, displaying a vast array of styles and materials that reflect the continent’s rich cultural heritage and showcase the fusion of traditional and contemporary fashion elements.
