Tag Archives: haute couture

Africa Becoming New Global Fashion Leader?

Today Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO’s Director-General, unveiled a report arguing that the continent has all it takes to become one of the next global fashion leaders, if public decision-makers offer greater support to all those who work in the sector and play a role in the fashion ecosystem.

Fashion is really taking off in Africa, and this report shows that it can be developed even further. In order to achieve this, designers, professionals and the entire production and distribution infrastructure need more support from public decision-makers. The potential is enormous, not only for the economy, but also for young people’s inclusion, women’s empowerment and for African culture to resonate globally.

Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, at the launch of the report at Lagos Fashion Week.

Entitled “The Fashion Sector in Africa: Trends, Challenges and Opportunities for Growth”, the UNESCO analysis shows that the continent holds all the cards to become one of the next world fashion leaders. It is a major producer of raw materials – 37 out of 54 countries produce cotton -, an exporter of textiles to the value of $15.5 billion a year, and an importer of textiles, clothing and footwear to the value of $23.1 billion a year.

There is a growing consumer trend on the continent for fashion Made-in-Africa, particularly among young people – the under-25s account for 50% of the continent’s total population – and among the burgeoning middle class – which already make up more than 35% of the population – opening up new consumer markets. Africa is also experiencing very rapid growth in the digital sector, which is facilitating intra-African trade and the emergence of young talent.

As evidenced by the 32 Fashion Weeks held each year, Africa is also brimming with talent in the fields of haute couture, crafts and clothing. A 42% increase in demand for African haute couture is expected over the next 10 years.

In its report, UNESCO highlights 4 challenges which governments and decision-makers must tackle if they want to realize the potential of Africa’s fashion sector:

1.    Legal protections for designers and professionals need to be strengthened, in terms of intellectual property rights, remuneration levels, working conditions and the ability to organize into professional unions and social rights. With this aim, UNESCO is already helping 23 African countries to improve the status of artists through legislation and regulations.

2.    Investment must be made in small and medium-sized enterprises, which today account for 90% of businesses in the fashion sector in Africa. Covering the entire continent, they are the gatekeepers of the diversity of cultural practices and expression. Generators of local employment, they are also a powerful lever for giving young people who want to enter the sector a chance.

3.    Environmental standards need to be set. While the fashion industry remains one of the most polluting industries, Africa can make greater use of local materials, innovate around sustainable textiles, and raise awareness of sustainable consumption patterns. Production of organic cotton fibre in Africa has already risen by 90% between 2019 and 2020, and now accounts for 7.3% of global production. The second-hand clothing market is one of the most dynamic in the world – representing a third of global imports – but still suffers from a lack of recycling channels, with 40% of these garments ending up in landfill sites, or even in oceans and rivers.

4.    Both the transmission of savoir-faire, and formal training need to be improved. Africa is rich in traditional skills and unique textile techniques, some of which are already protected by UNESCO. The report encourages countries to set up mentoring schemes to ensure that these practices are passed on from generation to generation and can continue to inspire young designers. At the same time, UNESCO is calling for an increase in the number of qualifications available in key related professions – quality control, commercial law, marketing – and in training in new technologies, such as 3D printing and e-commerce.

“Across the continent, people are increasingly looking for products ‘Made in Africa’ which they see as a symbol of pride and a way to affirm their identity. But in order to meet this growing demand, the entire production chain needs to be strengthened. This UNESCO report is useful because it maps out the path to achieve this, and it will increase the awareness of public decision-makers”, said Omoyemi Akerele, the Director of Lagos Fashion Week. 

UNESCO supports creative industries in Africa

The Organization’s commitment to the development of a dynamic creative economy in Africa is in line with the principles set out in the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. Recently, UNESCO has produced a series of reports on the strategic importance of cultural and creative industries in Africa, including, a report on African cinema published in 2021, The film industry in Africa: trends, challenges and opportunities for growth.

Canadian Designed Silk And Lace Dresses For Modern, Outgoing Women

Artemis Silk Dress

Vasiliki is the high-end fashion brand that’s set to hit wardrobes in time for summer. Combining luxury fabrics, classic designs that have a modern twist, and style that’s perfect for the modern, outgoing woman, Vasiliki is bringing its unique style mixture of edgy sophistication right to fashionistas through its newly launched online store.

Blending vintage inspiration and regal romance with confident, modern designs, Vasiliki has successfully created a brand that’s timeless and contemporary. Embracing the trend for female empowerment, every design from the premium brand is designed to demonstrate confidence and let the wearer show off their individual style. The playful details and elegant silhouettes result in dresses that are wearable yet have an avant-garde quality that will delight fashion fans.

Sahar Zohair

Sahar Zohair, Founder and Designer of Vasiliki, said, “I have been designing and selling dresses since I was ten. The only difference is that then I was selling to myself, so they had to be perfect, and now I am offering these dresses to women who are like me: feminine, strong, and always appreciating beauty. These dresses are designed and made with a genuine passion and love. As a result, a vital component of my brand is emotion, emotions that are timeless and priceless, and this is what makes the Summer & Resort Collection 2018 unique.

“The first collection will encompass six designs in silks, custom printed silks, and laces ranging from $395cdn to $595cdn. These designs are inspired by the latest trends for unique cuts and silhouettes while maintaining a timeless and classic vibe. They’re soft yet striking and will give wearers a confidence boost whenever they’re slipped on.”

Highlights of the very first collection from Vasiliki include the Selene Silk Dress, which gives asymmetric Edwardian ruffles a delicate, contemporary update for a look that exudes femininity and independence, and the vintage, highly wearable Hestia Lace Dress that beautifully combines stunning silks and exquisite lace for timeless elegance. The luxury dresses designed for the Summer & Resort Collection are made from high-end materials, lovingly crafted, and effortlessly showcase individuality.

Selene Silk Dress

The sensational collection is available to view online now and will start delivering May 2018. Based in Canada, the brand will ship nationally as well as to the USA and UK, with plans already in the pipeline to reach a global audience. For the Silo, Charlotte Malone.

REDKEN Beauty Products Move From Model Runway Into Homes

RedKen Fashion JORGE JOAO lead stylist for REDKEN  : “We saw a lot of mixed textures, fun ponytails and chic braids on the  runway . The great thing about these looks is they’re  easily transferable to  every day life, and can be recreated by anyone with any level of skill.”

Stylist tip: “To smooth any frizz, spritz Redken Fabricate 03 Heat Protectant Hair Texturizer go over the area with your closed curling iron – the heat will help leave a smooth, shiny finish.”

Try This at Home:
side part by pulling your hair away from your face towards the ear. Spray Redken Fashion Works 12 to set the hair, smooth any fly-a-ways and increase shine.
shaft of your hair with a curling iron. After spraying Redken Hot Sets 22 on your section, use the curling iron to create a slight bend, while leaving the ends straight.
3.   To finish the look, spray the left side with Redken Pillow Proof Two Day Extender- this will create the contrast matte finish.
Line Knitwear, Triarchy, Melissa Nepton

Play on Pony
Stylist tip: “Use Redken Control Addict 28 to soak the hair section and cook it in with a blow dryer at high heat/low air flow. No bobby pins needed!” Sid Neigum

Try This at Home:
1.   Prep hair with Redken Pillow Proof Blow Dry Express. Next, part your hair down the centre and pull into a low ponytail.
2.   Secure your ponytail with an elastic, leaving about 3 inches out, creating a loop-like shape.
3.   Finish by wrapping the remaining hair around the elastic and securing with bobby pins. Spray Redken Control Addict 28 Extra High Hold Hairspray to hold your look and Redken Shine Flash 02 Glistening Mist for added shine.
David Dixon, Gsus Industries, Sid Neigum
Day-to-Night Braids:
Stylist tip: “Hold your hands close to your head, or braid, to keep it secure. Use Redken Ruffle Up 14 for added grip.”
Joe Fresh

REDKEN

 

Try this at home:
1.   To prep hair, work Redken Fabricate 03 Heat Protectant Hair Texturizer through the roots. Next, start at the ends of your hair going up to the mid-shaft with Redken Full Frame 07 Volumizing Mousse and Redken Guts 10 Root Targeted Volumizing Hairspray
Foam to add grit and texture.
2.   Pull your hair into a left-side part, back-combing both sides to add texture and body, creating a wing-like affect just behind the ears.
3.   Next, loosely pull your hair to the side of your neck and create a messy braid. Secure with an elastic and finish the look with Redken Quick Dry 18 Shaping Mist.
Vawk, Triarchy, Melissa Nepton

A model walks the runway in the melissa nepton spring 2014 collection. image: windsorstar

Products Used:
*   Redken Fashion Work 12
*   Redken Hot Sets 22
*   Redken Pillow Proof Two Day Extender
*   Redken Pillow Proof Blow Dry Express
*   Redken Control Addict 28 Extra High Hold Hairspray
*   Redken Shine Flash 02 Glistening Mist
*   Redken Fabricate 03 Heat Protectant Hair Texturizer
*   Redken Full Frame 07 Volumizing Mousse
*   Redken Guts 10 Root Targeted Volumizing Hairspray Foam
*   Redken Quick Dry 18 Shaping Mist