In late August, the BRICS+ Fashion Summit in Moscow welcomed industry leaders from over 65 countries, thereby cementing its status as a premier global fashion event.
Not only did African fashion at BRICS+ Summit shine brightly, but it also vividly showcased the continent's growing influence in the international fashion landscape through vibrant designs, rich cultural heritage, and sustainable practices.
Africa's fashion industry is experiencing remarkable growth, with textile exports accounting for 2-3% of the global market and steadily rising.
For instance, countries like South Africa, Ethiopia, and Kenya are leading this transformation, actively attracting international investment and creating vital employment opportunities.
Their commitment to high-quality production and sustainable development has firmly positioned African fashion at BRICS+ Summit as a key player in the global fashion arena.
'Fashion and craftsmanship are becoming increasingly important for establishing a unique brand identity, representing a country's culture and ethos.'
~ Susan Sabet, Board Member and Secretary General of Egyptian Fashion and Design Council
The Summit saw robust participation from 15 African nations, from Tunisia to South Africa, thereby showcasing the continent's diverse talent and creativity.
Notably, this significant representation enabled African delegates to share their achievements, exchange knowledge with global experts, and vividly highlight the unique cultural narratives embedded in African fashion at BRICS+ Summit. In turn, this exchange amplified Africa's voice on the global stage.
A dedicated session explored how African designers artfully blend modern trends with rich cultural heritage. The panel not only featured industry leaders like Mahlet Teklemariam (Ethiopia), Susan Sabet (Egypt), and Mahlet Afework (Ethiopia), but also included Nana Tamakloe (Ghana), Mmantlha Sankoloba (Botswana), and Anis Montacer (Tunisia), who discussed the innovative use of traditional materials and vibrant colour palettes that define African fashion at BRICS+ Summit's global appeal.
South Africa's fashion industry is surging with bold innovation and cutting-edge technology. A dynamic panel, including Soweto Fashion Week's Stephen Manzini, the University of Johannesburg's Tinyiko Baloyi, Cape Town College of Fashion Design's Gregg Maragelis, and Vusi Ngobeni from the South African Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, showcased how these advances propel African fashion at BRICS+ Summit onto the global stage.
Meanwhile, celebrated designer David Tlale, a star at New York and Paris Fashion Weeks, unveiled his latest collection at Moscow Fashion Week, held alongside the Summit.
'My vision is that we move beyond conversations into action -- collaborating, supporting, and uplifting each other. For us in South Africa, "Proudly Made in South Africa by South Africans" has always been our mantra, and through collaboration within BRICS, we can take that pride onto global stages with strength and unity.'
~ David Tlale, Renowned South African Designer
The Summit tackled critical industry issues, such as balancing national brands with global giants and embracing "green manufacturing."
African designers and industry leaders, like Nana Tamakloe of Accra Fashion Week, brilliantly revealed how small brands can shine globally by harnessing creativity and cultural heritage. This focus on sustainability struck a powerful chord, reflecting Africa's dedication to eco-conscious practices in African fashion at BRICS+ Summit.
The BRICS+ Fashion Summit offered a vibrant platform for cross-cultural exchange, sparking collaboration and innovation. In particular, it played a pivotal role in uniting international fashion communities, as Susan Sabet noted, while boldly reinforcing the importance of craftsmanship in shaping African fashion at BRICS+ Summit's unique brand identity that resonates globally.
Explore the fascinating world of global fashion! To begin with, visit the BRICS+ Fashion Summit at www.fashionsummit.org to learn about its significant impact on the industry. If you're looking for stunning runway highlights, you won't want to miss Moscow Fashion Week at www.moscowfashion.ru. In addition, both events offer unique insights that can deepen your appreciation for the evolving trends in fashion.