Tadias Magazine

By Tadias Staff

Published: Tuesday, August 31, 2010

New York (TADIAS) – The upcoming “Hub of Africa Fashion Week” to be held in Addis Ababa from September 23rd to September 25th will showcase the latest collections in clothing, footwear and accessories from emerging local designers hailing from six African countries, organizers said via email. The fashion week is being coordinated by Clairvoyant Marketing Agency and Yoha Entertainment.

According to the group, the event “aims to ‘Unite the Industry for Sustainable Development’ by featuring young up-coming fashion designers from Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Somalia, DRC and Tanzania as a means to create synergy,” Clairvoyant said in a statement posted on the show’s website. “Additional guest designers from Italy/ Berlin have been invited to participate.”

The event will highlight, among others, Ethiopia’s award-winning footwear brand Sole Rebels. The following are the selected designers that will be featured in the runway shows as provided by the organizers:

Mataano (Twins)

Born to Somali parents and raised in both their native country and Washington, D.C., identical twins Ayaan and Idyl Mohallim are owners of the brand Mataano (meaning “twins” in Somali). The company’s premier Spring 2009 collection launched in New York City on November 1, 2008, featuring a boutique preview of ten dresses, which garnered wide attention – including a highlight on Oprah Winfrey’s show.

John Kaveke

Kenyan Fashion designer John Kaveke studied fashion in Kenya and Spain. He worked as a designer for other fashion labels for four years before establishing his own clothing company called KAVEKE. His style is contemporary and he uses leather, denim, linen and Maasai beads in his creations. His designs, which are for both genders, express boldness, vitality and individuality.

Modahnik

Fusing her African heritage with her Western design sensibilities, Kahindo Mateene, the designer behind Modahnik, creates modern silhouettes that accentuate a woman’s curves and are visually appealing. The use of Hollandaise Wax, an African influenced colorful fabric, alongside silk satin is at the essence of Modahnik.

Banuq

Banuq’s collection is based on the concept of classic and timeless garments made to drape off the unique curves of each individual. Inspired by the lifestyles of travelers, explorers and people on-the-move, each garment demonstrates the designer’s relaxed yet tasteful approach to fashion.

Mafi Habeshigna

Mafi Habeshigna (Mahlet Afework) is a household name on the Ethiopian fashion scene. Mahlet was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She started to design clothes in elementary school, where she famously redesigned her school uniform for her first fashion show. Her collections are eclectic styles of gilded glamour with cutting-edge look, feminine in flow and texture.

Sewasew

Sewasew Hailu has been in the fashion industry since 2004. Her designs distinctively promote the Ethiopian culture. Sewasew’s works have been displayed in the “Out of Africa Festival” (an international cultural show in Houston, Texas), the “Pan African Cultural Festival” in Algeria, the “Ismir International Trade Fair” in Turkey, the “Ethiopian Cultural Festival” in Germany, and the “African Mosaique” in Ethiopia.

Fikirte Addis

Fikirte Addis was Born on August 3, 1981, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She has come a long way from her earlier profession working with children as a Psychologist, while simultaneously pursuing her passion for haute couture. Fikirte opened YeFikir Design in 2009. Her inspiration comes from the Ethiopian handmade fabrics. YeFikir focuses on traditional fitting for everyday modern life.

Mapozi

The clothing line Mapozi utilizes Tanzanian local fabrics such as khanga, kitenge and Maasai blankets in a unique way through fusion of the western cut styles with the traditional African materials. Mapozi is the brainchild of Robi Morro.

—
You can learn more about the event at www.thehubfashionweek.com.

Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook.