The Impact of African Fashion Week

The atmosphere of African Fashion Week (AFW) is always fun and exciting, with people dancing and enjoying themselves. But we can’t overlook the primary purpose of the event, which is supporting and showcasing African talent.

“African Fashion Week in any city, showcases designers, stylists, models, hair stylists, MUA, and many other professionals in a very unique way. This is of great benefit since many of these professionals are not normalized in mainstream media. “ - Stacey Ann Vassell designer of NuyuByStacy

There have been limitations to fashion narrative in the world over the years, often centered on specific regions. In prestigious fashion schools all over the world, Milan, Paris, and New York are taught as the centers of fashion history, but there is more to the story. This narrative is what African Fashion Week aims to challenge, offering a different lens and the perfect opportunity to discover a colorful, vibrant, and rich history of fashion from and influenced by Africa.

Design by Cultural Identity Fashion

What makes African fashion unique.

The intricate patterns and distinct prints, showcase and celebrate the diversity and history of Africa as a continent. Every country shares its own story through fashion; drawing inspiration from its customs and ways of life.

Due to the cultural roots of their inspiration, this growing industry is gaining recognition across the globe. It is undeniable that African fashion is anything but boring.

Designs by Envision

We had the opportunity to witness the 2022 African Fashion Week Friday runway showcase. The people were warm, the prints were striking, and the designers' work was not only high quality but also unique In contrast to what is normally shown in the media. This year marks the 10th anniversary of AFWT.

Designs by Cultural Identity Fashion & Envision.

We also got a behind-the-scenes perspective of the show from Stacey-Ann Vassell, the designer behind NuyuByStacy. Vassell mentions how misappropriation is a recurring topic when introducing African clothes to the mainstream.

“Non-Blacks are often afraid to wear African clothes or simply don’t know what is acceptable to wear. This event benefits the industry by bringing awareness to how African fashion can be worn. The event highlights local African artisans; helps to preserve our culture, and introduces new ways of using traditional African cloths in modern ways so that young people can still wear them." 

- Stacey Ann Vassell designer of NuyuByStacy

Designs by NuyuByStacy

If you believe fashion can make a positive impact on the world, like us, the growth and creation of an event such as AFW can only indicate that things are changing for the better. We invite everyone to support African Fashion, to support local Canadian designers, and overall to believe in opening up our minds to new ideas and inspiration.