Yaaya At: Africa Fashion Week London 2013 | The Catwalk Inferno & The Importance of AFWL

Africa Fashion Week
London 2013

Africa Fashion Week London was created to give African designers a platform to showcase their talents and hard work on a global stage, affording them with the space to gain publicity and recognition within a highly competitive industry. In its third year, it appears to be a permanent fixture in the London fashion calendar, attracting large crowds who are interested in supporting and experiencing African fashion.

The existence of Africa Fashion Week London, can also be seen as challenging or adding another dimension to the debate about representation and diversity within the fashion industry. Such debates appear to focus on the the lack of black models, as well as those from other ethnic minority groups on prestigious European and American catwalk shows. However, Africa Fashion Week London also recognises the dearth of black designers that have not had the opportunity to showcase their work on the catwalks in London, Paris and New York Fashion weeks. The event also recognises the backstage staff, including the many volunteers and interns, involved in the production and organisation of such events.

African fashion is gaining unprecedented attention on the continent and abroad with high profile designers and high street retailers producing and selling African-inspired prints. So, perhaps it is safe to say that there is an awareness of the beauty and highly commercial aspects of African textiles and the stories of tradition and culture that they tell. It is with great anticipation that we watch the development of African fashion and its solidification as an industry, as we follow its continued growth, reach and success.

Click here for more upcoming events!

Image Source | The video and images do not belong to Yaaya (please see the image licence here for the image rights and obligations for use). Images courtesy of Africa Fashion Week London 2013, Photography for AFWL by Nia Rose, Photography for AFWL by Michael Mba. Video courtesy of the M.I.A TV YouTube channel.