Swahili Fashion Week runway report

Swahili Fashion Week 2014 wrapped up last weekend, and we’re loving what we’re seeing from established and emerging African designers alike. Here’s our runway round-up:

Handmade from Tanzania

This brand, which specialises in all products handcrafted and sourced exclusively in Tanzania, exhibits a yearly collection of its finest woven wares at SFW. All of the textiles for the collection are hand-stitched, and the accessories are made from reclaimed materials. Stylish and sustainable? Love! Especially the ankle-wrap sandals and tribal pendants.

Emerging Designers

Every year, SFW showcases a group of emerging designers from all over East Africa, giving up-and-coming clothing makers the chance to exhibit in front of an international audience, and a horde of big buyers. This show forms part of a 4-day competition between newcomers, at the end of which the title of Best Emerging Designer is awarded.

Afrikanus by Jose Rui Lopez

Afrikanus is the label of Angolan-born designer Jose Rui Lopez. After studying fashion in the USA, Jose debuted on the catwalks in 2004. Afrikanus has been spotted on many African catwalks since his debut. This year bold prints and sheer gave way to crisp whites and cinched-in waists.

Kiki’s Fashion

Kiki’s Fashion is the creative brainchild of Christine Zimba. Born and raised in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, her brand started out as a boutique on her home city’s high street. Since these beginnings, though, Kiki’s Fashion has become a regular feature at SFW, and her feminine designs have drawn the attention of several local and international buyers. We love her billowy tulle skirts and mixing of lace with soft pleating detail.

Genet Kebede

Ethiopian fashion guru Genet Kebede, owner of the eponymous label, has been pitched as the pioneer of Ethiopian fashion. She created her own label, Paradise Fashion, in 1993 and has since amassed a large international fashion following. The label employs traditional weaving techniques in the creation of the clothing, seamlessly incorporating modern elements into her timeless, handcrafted pieces.

Jamilla Vera Swai

Modern and ready-to-wear, Jamilla Vera Swai showed clean cuts and geometric prints with boxy shaped tees and this season’s must wear – culottes. Designer Jamilla started off as a model aged 14 in Maputo and joined Institute de Bela Artes to study fashion, later moving to Fashion College International in Nairobi to complete her studies. In 2002 she decided to return Dar-es-salaam and open up JamillaVeraSwai Studio. Since then she participated in various fashion shows, including Swahili Fashion Week, Mozambique Fashion Week and South Africa Fashion Week.