Naomi Campbell is foraying into new grounds having already conquered the international runways of cities such as New York, Paris and Milan. The supermodel now has set her sights on Lagos where she recently walked for the second time in a row during the Arise Fashion Week – one of the most renown events in Africa. Other fashion personalities who graced the fashion show with their presence included models Liya Kebede and Alton Mason (of Ethiopian and Jamaican-Ghanaian decent respectively), British Vogue editor-in-chief Edward Enninful and former American Vogue editor-at-large André Leon Talley.
In an interview with CNN Style, Naomi Campbell spoke about the vast richness of African fashion which is yet to be discovered. “Africa is very rich in so many ways and has been so untapped for it — most of all for their people and what they can give. So, this is the time,” she said. “Now, we’re not asking, we’re telling: You have to pay attention to this continent.”
It appears that Campbell’s overarching goal is to merge African and international luxury markets most especially by introducing African designers to a global audience while bringing retailers to countries such as Nigeria and South Africa. Here, there is the idea that fashion and design hailing from the continent can appeal to an international market. Whether or not the production can meet the global demand is another question.
However, Folake Folarin-Coker, creative director of Tiffany Amber thinks these new developments are altogether great for the business of African Fashion. “I’m not saying African fashion is having a moment. It’s not a moment anymore. We have a strong identity,” she said. “There is a new type of look that’s made in Africa and is made for now and is made for everyone.”
Watch the video above to find out why the world has to pay attention to African fashion.
What do you think about the infiltration of African fashion into global markets? Share your comments below.
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Kudos to Naomi Campbell. I agree that Africa is untapped (well, untapped for the right reasons). I only hope that the African designers, models (and the fashion industry at large in Africa) will be at the forefront of discussions, and the ones spearheading this collaboration of culture and luxury.
Thanks for sharing Jamila!
Madeline
madelinewilsonojo.com
Author
Hi Madeline!
We can only hope that big box retailers and top brands will partner with African designers more often in a way that spreads the prowess of our design aesthetic abroad and without changing the context of our unique stories.
She’s one of the biggest advocates for promoting African fashion and then of course a relevant one. My main concern still remains when people will start realizing African print is more than just a seasonal fabric.