Africa is a continent that is rich in history. Its textile range and innovation, has sparked a growing passion for African fashion and textile from many mainstream designers. A sneak preview of the soon to be released book ‘Fashion Africa’ contains over 45 fashion companies who share both creations and thoughts about producing and sourcing in Africa.
Anne-Liese Prem, Editor, African Woman Magazine in Uganda and Kenya said “Jacqueline Shaw succeeds in brilliantly capturing the very moment where fashion made in Africa is taking centre stage on the global fashion scene.” The book, Fashion Africa will be launched on Friday 9th September at the iconic Africa Centre in London.
The event will include a forum chaired by Eliza Anyangwe, writer for the Guardian with input from Tamsin Lejeune director of EthicalFashionForum; Kwabena Boateng of Kayobi clothing; Ida Horner, owner of Ethnic Supplies UK; Annegret Affolderbach, of Choolips, British Council Young Creative Entrepreneur award winner and; Ola Shobowale, Fashion Show Director are just a few of those who will join together to discuss the topics Ethical Fashion and Fashion Africa.
With just 25 days to the launch, Fashion Africa and AfricaFashionGuide has created a stir and is receiving tremendous support from within the fashion industry both here in the UK and abroad. Jacqueline Shaw, author of Fashion Africa and founder of AfricaFashionGuide said “AFG has been created to promote and support the full supply chain of the African fashion and textile industry, with an ethical perspective. The response to this launch has been overwhelming and I’m extremely grateful for the love and support for what is not only my passion but a real labour of love.”
Those wishing to attend can register at www.africafashionguide.eventbrite.com
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Editor’s notes:
AfricaFashionGuide Panellist Corner
Eliza Anyangwe – has been a social entrepreneur, promoting sustainability in fashion; the west-African cotton project officer for environmental NGO PAN UK, writer on development issues for the Guardian Katine Project and jack of all trades during an internship at Action Against Hunger UK. She currently manages the content and social networks for the Guardian Higher Education Network. www.guardian.co.uk/profile/eliza-anyangwe
Annegret Affolderbach– German born designer and fashion entrepreneur with wide-reaching vision,’ her award-winning brand CHOOLIPS, empowers developing communities and flourishes ‘Trade not Aid’. She has been recognised beyond commercial success with awards such as ‘Young Fashion Entrepreneur of the Year 2009′, Finalist/British Council’ and ‘Barclays Innovative Business of the Year 2008′. www.choolips.com
Kwabena Boateng – founder of the clothing line Kayobi, an apparel and accessories company created to tell the African story and that of the Diaspora through positive, vibrant and thought provoking imagery. www.kayobiclothing.com
Simon Ferrigno – is an organic cotton, rural development and sustainable agriculture policy expert. He has over 10 years’ experience including farm development to consumer, support sustainable production and market development. He is currently on the Advisory Committee for Better Cotton Initiative (BCI). www.sustainableorganicfarmsystems.co.uk
Simon Ferrigno – is an organic cotton, rural development and sustainable agriculture policy expert. He has over 10 years’ experience including farm development to consumer, support sustainable production and market development. He is currently on the Advisory Committee for Better Cotton Initiative (BCI)
Ida Horner – founder of UK based business Ethnic Supplies. It supports women in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Madagascar by sourcing handmade handicrafts and fashion accessories from suppliers. Her work supports women to be financially independent or directly from established women’s groups in rural locations. www.ethnicsupplies.co.uk
Tamsin Lejeune – has over 10 years’ experience in the ethical fashion sector, she is the author of “Can Fashion be Fair?” published in 2004. A speaker, writer, trainer and mentor on fashion ethics. She is founder and strategic director for fair trade fashion label juste, and launched and co-ordinated the first year of the Fashioning an Ethical Industry project on behalf of Labour Behind the Label. Tamsin has led the initiation and growth of the Ethical Fashion Forum. www.ethicalfashionforum.com
Minna Salami – writer, researcher and consultant on Africa and Diaspora culture and lifestyle, women’s issues and creative media. Her blog msafropolitan.com focuses on empowerment and development, personal and political issues. She is also the creator of the MsAfropolitan Boutique a platform to showcase some of the creative labour of African Diaspora women. Recently Minna and the MsAfropolitan team presented an inaugural fashion show at the V&A Museum – ‘MsAfropolitan presents ‘The Rise of Afropolitan Fashion’. www.msafropolitan.com
Ola Shobowale – Creative Director and prominent Curator in the emerging African Fashion Industry, and integral part of the team at Untold – a platform for emerging designers to showcase their collections during London Fashion Week. Recently he was Creative Director for the Afropolitans Fashion show at the V&A Museum.
Liesl Truscott – Director of Farm Engagement at Textile Exchange a global, nonprofit, membership-based organisation that began as Organic Exchange in 2001. Textile Exchange is committed to accelerating sustainable practices in the textile value chain in order to create material change, restore the environment, and enhance lives around the world. www.organicexchange.org
Please note that this list is subject to change without notice.
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