On November 12th, 2023, the members of the Afro-Sustainable Fashion Initiative (Afro-SFI), led by President Catherine Natang and Dr. Maboh Michel, convened to discuss the upcoming second edition of the Afro-Sustainable Fashion Show. The meeting focused on various aspects, including the venue, registration, participant requirements, and the association’s recent official registration. Additionally, plans for the annual Sustainable Street Show were also discussed, emphasizing the importance of sustainability consciousness within the fashion industry.
Venue and Registration: During the meeting, Executive Member Otia Yalah was assigned the task of exploring Chariot Hotel as a potential venue for the fashion show and sustainable market spree. The aim is to create a space that aligns with the initiative’s values and provides a suitable environment for showcasing sustainable fashion. Registration for the fashion show was officially opened for participants, with a registration fee set at 50,000frs for members of the Afro-SFI and 75,000frs for non-members. The registration fee aims to help cover expenses, as the initiative does not currently have a dedicated funder for the show, unlike the maiden edition funded by the Afri-plastics challenge.
Participant Requirements: All participating designers are required to showcase a collection of 10 sustainable designs. In addition to the opportunity to showcase their work, participant packages will be provided to all designers, with the first three prizes awarded to the best three collections. The designers will have the chance to present their sustainable collections to judges both on-site and abroad two days before the show, allowing for appreciation, coding, and grading. This process ensures a comprehensive evaluation of the designs before they take the runway on the actual day of the show.
Official Registration as an Association: During the meeting, President Catherine Natang announced the official registration of the Afro-Sustainable Fashion Initiative as an Association within the nation. This news was met with applause from the members, signifying a milestone in the organization’s journey. The official registration solidifies the initiative’s commitment to promoting sustainable fashion and empowering designers within the industry.
Continuous Promotion and Empowerment: To further promote and empower designers and facilitate the growth of the initiative, the association plans to record yearly data on its activities. Each designer’s business profile will be featured on the Afro-SFI website, providing exposure and visibility to their work. Additionally, designers were encouraged to share the inspiration behind their designs through TEP videos produced from their works. The stories behind the designs not only add value to the designer’s brand but also create an emotional connection with potential customers. Furthermore, designers are urged to keep records of the amount of waste materials they save and reproduce from, which will be published as evidence of fabric waste reduction and environmental pollution mitigation. This data will also be valuable for potential sponsors and funders of the association.
Sustainable Street Show: In addition to the Afro-Sustainable Fashion Show, the initiative plans to hold the Sustainable Street Show annually. The third edition of the Sustainable Street Show will exclusively feature the works of the apprentices of the designers. This approach ensures that sustainability consciousness is ingrained not only in the designers but also in their workers, fostering a sustainable mindset throughout the entire fashion industry.
The meeting marked an important milestone with the official registration of the association. As preparations commence for the second edition of the Afro-Sustainable Fashion Show, the initiative remains committed to promoting sustainable fashion, empowering designers, and reducing environmental pollution. The annual Sustainable Street Show further reinforces the importance of sustainability consciousness within the fashion industry, nurturing a new generation of designers who prioritize environmental responsibility. With these developments, the Afro-SFI continues to make significant strides towards a more sustainable and ethical fashion landscape.
