The recently concluded Africa Fashion Week New York 2014 brought African Fashion to NYC on 6 September at the Metropolitan Pavilion. The guests attending this year’s event were treated to a fashion showcase by seven African designers showing diverse pieces from multi-coloured menswear to African print womenswear to sizzling swimwear.
As opposed to the previous editions, Africa Fashion Week streamlined three days of runway shows to only one day replacing the other two days of runway shows with a master class at the UN Foundation building, 4 September and then hosting a presentation style event at the Vogt Gallery on 5 September.
In addition to the showcase, Issa launched his accessory line Issa by Issa, displaying his luxurious leather pieces that included bags and jewelry at the event.
With limiting the platform to only 7 – 10 designers from across the continent, this year, Adiree (the team behind the Africa Fashion Week(s) concept) focused more on quality designers and meaningful industry-building events during the Africa Fashion Week in New York (Africa Fashion Week).
As an important additional feature this year, was the selected non-profit, Dikembe Mutombo Foundation which was chosen to receive event proceeds, in the creative team’s (Adiree) mission to contribute to the foundation’s movement of empowering quality living through health and education for the people of Congo.
Anaba Wisdom Chidiebube of Weize Dhurm Franklyn
Anaba Wisdom’s pieces were sleek yet elegantly show off the woman’s body in a way that has the traditional meeting modernity. His pieces were highly detailed in how the pieces were form fitting, long or short, elegant and detailed with gold.
Hilda Mauya of Dahil Republic of Couture Fashion House
Hilda Mauya showcased her elegant couture pieces that accentuate the woman’s features with style and elegance. Her detail on the long dresses could be seen throughout and her meshing of traditional African fabrics with linen and cotton or dry lace was evident in all her pieces.
Designer Hazel Eki Aggrey-Orleans of Eki Orleans
Eki Orleans’ pieces were brightly colored and modern in how she combined materials together in a way that uniquely molds it together. She showcased dresses and a bikini.
Igwedinma Rodney Emeka of Mcmeka
Igwedinma Rodney Emeka showcased 20 pieces of menswear with form fitting suits that highlighted the male physique with style. His suits accentuate the masculinity and elegance of the male form.
Khadijah Mouh of Morocco Caftan New York
Khadijah Mouh worked alongside her daughter to showcase chic looks for both men and women. Her stylized caftans were bold in color creating a fun feel to her clothes. Her style for women was long and flowy with her signature hand embroidered detailing on the bodice.
Tiagbe of Kososhi
Taigbe’s pieces were showcased featuring simple, 1950s silhouettes. with colourful and patterned designs, fitting for the workplace or an elegant evening out in town.
Sally Karago of Mcensal
Sally Karago showcased 10 pieces that featured traditional African (Kenyan) fabrics like Kikoi with a complement of beaded jewelry accentuating the pieces.
Photos: Jonathan Bailey courtesy of Africa Fashion Week New York
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