Africa Fashion Week Middle East concludes its first edition in Dubai

Africa Fashion Week Middle East’s (AFWME) debut editon was held at Gate Village, DIFC between 15th to 17th March, 2023. The platform champions Africa’s talented designers to display their latest line on a global scale.

Africa Fashion Week Middle East is a Dubai-based platform initiative conceptualised in 2020 by a group of passionate African female entrepreneurs.The idea is to break barriers and highlight the historic trade connections between Africa and the Gulf Region. In collaboration with strategic partner, Earth of One Eight, the designers this season got to experience exciting runway shows and activations. This is the first-ever African Fashion Week with Metaverse showrooms for five designers. AFWME’s vision is to expand the exposure for African fashion designers through innovative, sustainable and technologically driven events in the region—which will also furhter help them grow within the GCC, as well as the global markets.

The luxury fashion brands that showcased their collections included Urban Zulu (Congo-South Africa), Mantsho (South Africa), Ntombi Couture (Zimbabwe), Kiza Bespoke (Nigeria), OMAAD (Senegal), and Caped Coast (Ghana). The designer’s versatile presentation were authentic and highlighted crafts from their heritage.

“We are proud to bring together such a wealth of talent and creativity under one roof and to share with our audiences all the wonderful creations that exist in the African continent. AFWME’s mission is to widen the circle and welcome even more talented individuals to join us season after season. At AFWME, we aim to play a significant role in creating a sense of unity and awareness with art and design, bringing together nations to create a community,” shared Aser Levron, Co-Founder of AFWME.

Fareda Ali, Founder and CEO of Earth of One Eight, said, “We are delighted to partner with AFWME and support their vision as we align with our common values and shared pillars. This partnership has the potential to create a new era of sustainable and immersive fashion experience. Not only can you hire our existing pod, but any brand can now design and construct their own with us in the most sustainable and futuristic manner. We are also offering technology solutions with our partners to allow brands to create touchpoints and memorable experiences in their pods. With the blurred lines between online and offline, the possibilities are endless, and Dubai is the perfect launch pad given its strategic location and the opportunities it provides.”