The 2023 edition of the high-fashion tradition was the pilgrimage of renowned fashion designers of African descent, models, stylists and other key players in the fashion ecosystem. The highly anticipated ARISE Fashion Week and Jazz Festival continued its grand 20th edition last night at the Fashion Capital of Africa – Lagos, Nigeria. This “Future Forward” themed event on its second day featured 10 exceptional designers from Africa and the diaspora who showcased their amazing collections against a backdrop of curated selections of jazz music in celebration of progressive African creativity in fashion and music, as well as ARISE’s role in championing musical and design talents from our continent and beyond.
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ARISE Fashion Week has grown in popularity. The twice-yearly fashion event, which made its debut in Nigeria in 2007 and has since hosted runway shows in numerous cities around the world, frequently highlights African designs and creatives. Running from February 2nd to 4th, it holds space as a jazz festival in a specially curated three-day showcase. Arise Fashion Week is dedicated to advancing African fashion through innovation, exploration, and monetary assistance. Noteworthy, the Arise platform was dynamic, varying the locations and countries where its events were held at a period when the global fashion elites had not yet raved about the African fashion industry. Excitingly, designers from all around Africa are showing their most recent collections at this year's event, which is larger and better than ever. The event, which goes by the theme "ARISE Fashion Week & Jazz Festival: Future Forward," brings together a wide range of jazz musicians and top designers, giving them a stage on which to present their work to a large audience.
From the Royal Albert Hall in London in 2008 to the Sandton Convention Center in Johannesburg in 2009 and the famous Bryant Park in New York, it has solidified itself as a continental destination for African designers and beyond during the past 20 years. Grace Jones, Alec Wek, Naomi Campbell, Imaan Hammam, Akon, Solange, and Rihanna are just a few of the celebrities who have appeared, along with other icons from the entertainment world.
Also, more than 25 exceptional Designers from Africa and the diaspora have been featuring and will still feature in the event as it rounds off today. Notably, Bianca Saunders, Joy Meribe, Mokodu Fall, Olooh, Selam Fessahaye, UNI FORM, Xuly Bet, Bloke, Eki Kéré, Fruche and many of whom have showcased collections in the world's fashion capitals contributes to bringing the event to life with their exclusive designs gracing the runway. The event which is coming to an end today, have been nothing short of extraordinary vividly portraying Arise's mission on how it's supporting the next generation of African designers, and giving them the platform to take charge.
