AFRICA FASHION UP 2024 – 4th Edition by Valerie KA – Major PARISIAN event dedicated  to Contemporary  AFRICAN FASHION

 

The first major Parisian event devoted to contemporary African fashion’.

Date: June 26 2024

Venue: Musée du Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac, Paris – France

AFRICA FASHION UP’S  4th Edition – Selection for 5 Laureates

 

 

Let’s dive into the exciting world of Africa Fashion Up’s 4th edition! 🌟

On April 29th, the 18 members of our esteemed jury gathered to select the five winners for this new year. We extend heartfelt gratitude to the representatives from renowned fashion houses and institutions, including Balenciaga, Galeries Lafayette, Guerlain, LVMH, Brune Magazine, Istituto Marangoni, ANDAM Fashion Awards, Défi La Mode de France, Le Lab by IFTM, Tranoï Show, Elle Côte d’Ivoire, Mossi Traoré, Xuly.Bët, Villa Noailles, Maison Valentino, and the Fédération du Prêt à Porter Féminin for their presence and support.

Mark your calendars! Don’t miss our spectacular runway show on June 26th at the Musée du Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac!

 

AFRICA FASHION UP IS A SHARE AFRICA PROGRAM DEDICATED TO CREATIVITY AND FASHION 4TH EDITION

 

Congratulations to these creators who will represent the African continent on June 26th at the Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac:

• @therichmnisi, founder of @rich_mnisi (South Africa)
• @gugupeteni, founder of @gugubygugu (South Africa)
• @kamder, founder of @oloohconcept (Côte d’Ivoire)
• @mohamedyouno, founder of @anourioriginal (Morocco)
• @niukud, founder of @niuku_original (Senegal/Mauritania)

Let’s delve into the profiles of these talented designers who will represent the African continent at the Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac. Here’s a brief overview of each creator and their respective brands:

 

Rich Mnisi

Founder of: @rich_mnisi (South Africa)

 

 

Brand Description: Rich Mnisi is a renowned South African fashion designer known for blending contemporary aesthetics with cultural influences. His brand, Rich Mnisi, celebrates diversity and pushes boundaries in the fashion industry.

 

RICH MNISI is a contemporary, multi-disciplinary brand based in Johannesburg, South Africa, founded by Rich Mnisi in 2015.

Initially a creative outlet for Mnisi, who hoped to unearth Africa’s hidden treasures and pass them through his uniquely modern lens, the brand was born from his yearning to build a deeper connection with his Tsonga culture and heritage and tell a compelling story through his art.

Mnisi’s forward-thinking vision has grown the brand into a creative laboratory for experimenting with contemporary expressions of duality. From the design process to the brand’s incredible experiences, RICH MNISI is a platform for breaking open the beauty of life’s tensions: old and new, light and dark, holy and wicked — all coexisting in uneasy harmony, grounding and defining each other.

Each RICH MNISI offering presents a new dimension of this duality from the designer’s distinct point of view, celebrating culture, heritage, and the common human experience

 

 

Gugu Peteni

Founder of: @gugubygugu (South Africa)

 

Brand Description: Gugu Peteni’s brand focuses on sustainable fashion and empowering women. Expect innovative designs that resonate with modern sensibilities while honoring African heritage.

Congratulations to Gugu Peteni, the founder of the brand GUGUBYGUGU, for being selected among the five winners of the 4th edition of Africa Fashion Up! 🌟 She will have the opportunity to showcase her creations during the fashion show scheduled for June 26th at the Musée du Quai-Branly.

Gugu, a South African fashion designer, launched GUGUBYGUGU in 2020. Her brand combines luxury streetwear with African heritage, emphasizing inclusivity and cultural pride. Using mohair and Merino wool, Gugu prioritizes natural fibers and collaborates with artisans from disadvantaged communities to create sustainable pieces. Her commitment to sustainability is evident in every step of production, with a strong focus on local manufacturing .

 

 

KADER DIABY

Founder of: @oloohconcept (Côte d’Ivoire)

 

Founded in 2018, Olooh is the artistic and lifestyle narrative of a 21st-century Ivorian artist.
The name ‘Olooh’ means ‘ours’ in the Senufo language, reflecting Kader Diaby’s creative approach.
Using fashion as a platform, he interprets untold stories from his country and translates his personal experiences, observations, and fascination with Abidjanese culture.

With each collection, the brand aims to explore identity through innovative, well-crafted, and timeless pieces.
Olooh’s essence is fundamentally intertwined with art in all its expressive forms. The clothing by Olooh serves as a convergence point for various artistic disciplines.

Kader Diaby intends to integrate his personal work as a photographer to develop collaborative series between Olooh and artists from other domains such as painting, music, and sculpture.”

 

‘It was through time and experience that I understood the extent of how interdependent everything was; From there on, I was only interested in the people behind the clothes.’

When I started out in 2015, I too believed that you had to be conceptual and aim for a certain omnipotence,’ admits South African designer Lukhanyo Mdingi.

But then I realised just how interdependent everything is in this sector. From then on, I was only interested in working in the field, and in the people behind the clothes. That’s why he works with a handful of South African and Burkinabe artisans ‘who have a positive social impact’ (like, this season, the little hands of the NGO Philani, which fights malnutrition), to understand their know-how and design mixed, colourful and textured collections, produced in small quantities but with care.

Every day I try to learn more about fashion,’ he says, ’not to dictate it. Not to decree it.

Brand Description: Kamder’s Olooh Concept combines traditional Ivorian craftsmanship with contemporary design. Their pieces often feature intricate details and vibrant colors.

 

Mohamed Youno – brand Anouri Original mean  »return to the source »

Founder of: @anourioriginal (Morocco)

 

At 27 years old, Mohamed, a pioneer in sustainable fashion, hails from the charming town of Taroudant in southwestern Morocco.

His journey in the fashion world began during childhood in his father’s leather workshop.

Inspired by his father’s craftsmanship, Mohamed embarked on his creative journey early, cultivating a deep love for crafting distinctive pieces.

Today, his passion fuels our brand’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. Join us in celebrating heritage, craftsmanship, and conscious style with Mohamed.

Allow me to introduce ANOURIORIGINAL: ANOURI, which translates to “return to the source” in Amazigh, was born from the spark of the very first burlap jacket I crafted during a solitary trip.

ANOURI, celebrates craftsmanship, passion, and Mohamed’s unwavering commitment to sustainability.

It transformed my vision into a brand dedicated to weaving the fabric of fashion with history, innovation, and ethics.

Through each ANOURI piece, I express craftsmanship, passion, and unwavering devotion to sustainability

 

Brand Description: Anouri Original, led by Mohamed Youno, embraces Moroccan culture and craftsmanship. Expect elegant, handcrafted pieces that tell stories through fabric and design.

Congratulations to Mohamed Youss, the creator behind the brand Anouri, who is one of the 5 winners of the 4th edition of Africa Fashion Up!
Don’t miss his creations during the runway show on June 26th at the Musée du Quai Branly.

The brand was born from his first jute canvas jacket, crafted during a solitary journey, transforming his vision into an ethical and innovative brand.

Explore Mohamed Youss’s collections: @mohamedyouno

 

 

Niuku D

Founder of: @niuku_original (Senegal/Mauritania)

 

Kadiata Diallo, a Mauritanian-Senegalese fashion enthusiast since her teenage years, spent 9 years in Paris studying at STUDIO BERÇOT.

During her time in Paris, she founded NIUKU, which gained recognition in the Japanese market, and participated in fashion competitions such as the ANDAM FASHION AWARD and the Maison Mode Méditerranée’s Open My Med prize.

Driven by a conscious connection to her roots, Kadiata embarked on an initiatory journey to deepen her textile knowledge, focusing on the legacy left by her paternal grandmother, the original Niuku.

 

Brand Description

Niuku Original celebrates the fusion of Senegalese and Mauritanian influences. Their designs often feature bold prints, flowing silhouettes, and a sense of cultural pride.

These designers are shaping the future of African fashion, and their participation in the upcoming event is a testament to their creativity and vision!

 

SHARE AFRICA presents the 4th edition of @africa fashion up

THE NEW AFRICAN TALENTS

The new African talents will be honored through the 5 winners who will represent the « Discoveries of the Year ».

The winner of this new edition will be awarded the « Designer Africa Fashion UP » 2024. At the end of the competition, all of them will benefit from a complete accompaniment: during a two-day stay in Paris, the haute couture house BALENCIAGA will open its doors to give them advice and encouragement.

They will have the opportunity to participate in masterclasses, to visit the BALENCIAGA workshop, while meeting referents of the fashion world.

In addition, the winners will have access to a management training delivered by the HEC business school and will actively participate in a mentoring program for six months.
Their collection will be exhibited and sold on an international website.

 

THE STRENGTHS OF YOUNG AFRICAN TALENTS

Africa Fashion Up highlights the young African talents of today who are shaping the Africa of the 21st century by drawing inspiration from their roots. Its objective is also to show and bring to life African Fashion.

Contemporary by highlighting its influence in other areas of creation and culture (cinema, music, entrepreneurship …) without ever forgetting its roots in history and tradition.

 

 

THE JURY INCLUDES A PANEL OF EXPERTS AND INTERNATIONAL PROFESSIONALS FROM MAJOR FASHION HOUSES 

On Monday 29 April, the 18 members of our prestigious jury met to select the 5 winners for this new year.

 

A huge thank you to the representatives of @Balenciaga, @galerieslafayette , @guerlain , @lvmh , @brune_magazine , @istitutomarangoni , @andamfashionawards , @defi_la_mode_de_france @lelabbyifth @tranoi_show , @elle_cotedivoire

 

The program focuses on all current fashion practices: from streetwear to haute couture, from the most experimental approaches to the most modest initiatives.

 

AFRICA FASHION UP’S  4th Edition 2024 – Jury Members

AFRICA FASHION UP’S  4th Edition 2024 are thrilled to introduce the five talented designers chosen by our jury from an exceptional pool of applicants for the Africa Fashion Up 2024 show. These designers impressed us with their creativity, originality, and unwavering passion for African fashion. Their innovative designs showcase the continent’s rich diversity and authenticity, and we eagerly anticipate their runway debut at our upcoming event.

 

 

 

AFRICA FASHION UP’S  4th Edition 2024 – 18 members of a prestigious jury Jury Members

 

Ceremony for the third edition of Africa Fashion Up in 2023 – African Designer Fashion Show

 

 

AFRICA FASHION UP – Edition 4th 2024

 

 

SHARE AFRICA

 

SHARE AFRICA – A PLATFORM OF ACTIONS AND PROJETS

A platform of actions and projects that aims to develop and strengthen relations bitewin France and Africa. Share Africa works as a meeting and exchange platform.

This initiative is initiated and under the high patronage of Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic.

SHARE OF AFRICA

Let’s share the Africa of the 22st century : creative, green and innovative

Share Africa , a larger initiative that includes a series of actions and events showcasing the creativity, innovation and environmental commitment of African youth.

SHARE AFRICA is also the culmination of programs and initiatives implemented from December 2020 to July 2021: the Innovation Evenings, the Cream Machine, the Hackathon and the Africa Fashion Up. 

SHARE AFRICA – A PLATFORM OF ACTIONS AND PROJETS – CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEESHARE AFRICA – A PLATFORM OF ACTIONS AND PROJETS  – Ceo and Founder, Valérie KA

CEO AND FOUNDER : VALÉRIE KA

Stylist and fashion designer, Valerie Ka began to parade at the age of 14 for Alphadi, the Magician of the Dessert and quickly became the face of big brands l’Oréal, Black up, Miss Sixty Diesel and parade for Saint Laurent, Dior, Lacroix among others. Valérie KA is the co-founder of Share Africa.

 

Media Partners:

SGE FRIENDLY – Google Search Generative Experience (SGE) features

 

AI FASHION MAG

Fashion Meets Algorithms:

Zou & Katia collaborate with fashion designers, photographers, and AI experts to create content that pushes boundaries. They explore how algorithms can inspire new design aesthetics, color palettes, and garment shapes.

From haute couture to streetwear, AI Fashion Mag showcases diverse styles influenced by machine learning models.

 

AI FRIENDLY

 

Friendly Artificial Intelligence (FAI). Friendly AI refers to artificial intelligence systems designed with specific ethical considerations to ensure they act in the best interests of humanity.

These AI systems are programmed to avoid causing harm and prioritize human values and safety in their operations. Unlike the scenarios depicted in movies where robots turn against humans, FAI aims to create AGI that would have a positive impact on humanity and align with our interests.

In practical terms, friendly AI research focuses on how to design AGI that reliably implements human values. Eliezer Yudkowsky, who popularized the term, emphasizes that friendliness (a desire not to harm humans) should be built into AGI from the start.

However, designers must recognize that their initial designs may be flawed, and the AI system will learn and evolve over time.
The challenge lies in defining mechanisms for evolving AI systems under checks and balances, ensuring their utility functions remain friendly even as they become more intelligent.

 

DN-A INTERNATIONAL

DANIEL NGUYEN: PIONEERING AFRICAN FASHION WITH DN-A INTERNATIONAL

Daniel Nguyen, the visionary behind DN-A International, serves as both CEO and owner of this groundbreaking African fashion magazine.
DN-A International is reshaping the landscape of the African fashion industry, propelling it to new heights on the global stage.

This premier magazine offers an unparalleled digital journey tailored for professionals within the fashion industry. It meticulously curates a range of distinctive services, including editorial content, photography, and video resources.

DN-A International’s mission is twofold: to showcase African fashion trends through cultural and fashion events and to discover fresh faces and talents.
Leveraging vast and intricate digital data, DN-A International empowers designers to enhance their global online presence swiftly and strategically.

 

 

Venue: