The fourth edition of Africa Fashion Up was a resounding success at Paris Fashion Week, drawing more than 700 guests to the Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac on June 26. The event showcased four young African designers selected from among 200 applicants, under the watchful eyes of influential figures from the worlds of politics, fashion, and culture.
Supported by prestigious partners such asBalenciaga, Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, Guerlain, HEC Paris, and the Musée du Quai Branly, as well as media outlets likeFrance Médias MondeandTrace TV, the 2024 edition cementedAfrica Fashion Up’sstatus as an essential platform for promoting African fashion on the international stage.
Valérie Ka, the event’s founder, celebrates the creativity, boldness, and innovation of the African continent.
The fashion show, staged byJunior Fritz Jacquet, drew a large audience of industry professionals, socially conscious figures, and representatives from major fashion houses such asBalenciagaandGuerlain. The evening also featured a standout musical performance by artist RJ Kanierra, who brought a vibrant and contemporary touch to the event.
Three awards were presented this year: Rich Mnisireceived theBest Designer Award, Mohamed Yousswas recognized asthe Eco-Responsible Designer, andGugu Peteniasthe Young Designer. The winners will receive strategic support for their international development, in partnership withHEC ParisandBalenciaga.
Following the fashion show, a pop-up store opened atGaleries Lafayette Paris Haussmann from June 27 to July 1. This was thefirst sale featuring young African designersat the department store, allowing seven designers to showcase and sell their collections to an international clientele.
Africa Fashion Upthus continues to showcase the richness and diversity of contemporary African design on the global stage.
