1st Edition of the AFRO-SUSTAINABLE Fashion Show
Reducing Ocean Plastic Pollution from Fashion
Fashion has been a creative form of expression for human cultures for thousands of years. The earliest forms of ‘fashion’ were designed primarily to protect humans against the elements, but it has long evolved to become an expression of culture, power, style, beliefs, and values. This evolution has been influenced by human technological development characterized by the development of textiles from natural fibres then to synthetic fibres. The recognition of the story of the evolution of fashion, its significance to humans, and its impact on their environment form the basis for this show.
Event Activities
The show activities usually include picking up trash along the beachfront, a red carpet walk, presentations on the contribution of the fashion industry to marine plastic pollution, a competitive fashion show showcasing exclusively designs from waste plastics-based fabrics, a visit to partner stands, networking, and music.
Purpose of the Afro Sustainable Fashion Show
Sustainable fashion is not a new concept, and neither does the show showcasing designs from eco-friendly fabrics. However, the Afro-Sustainable Fashion Show is the first of its kind that exclusively showcases designs from waste plastic fabric pieces. It aims to draw attention to the fact that the fashion industry is currently contributing more than a third of the microplastics found in our oceans. Apart from raising awareness among African fashion enthusiasts, the show will also demonstrate the creativity of African designers in producing designs from waste plastic fabrics that they would otherwise dispose of into the environment.
Organisation of the Show
The show is organised by Catharina Natang as part of the project “Reducing Plastic-based Fabrics in Local Fashion Design: A Training-Empowerment-Promotion (TEP) Model.” The project provided training in Sustainable Fashion to designers including capacity building for economic empowerment. The show which is also supported by the Afro-Sustainable Fashion Initiative is sponsored by the Afri-Plastics Challenge.
Designers Participation
Designers who participated in the show include; House of Trose, J & J Fashion, Blessing Fashion, Boni Creative, Ayisi Collection, Blizz Fusion, Formithentic, Gabi Designs, and Nibsima Designs.
House of Trose (Winner of the Afro Sustainable Fashion Show):
Design collection
J & J Fashion (First Runner-Up of the Afro Sustainable Fashion Show):
Design collection
Blessing Fashion (Second Runner-Up of the Afro Sustainable Fashion Show):
Design collection
Boni Creative (Participant of the Afro Sustainable Fashion Show):
Design collection
Ayisi Collection (Participant of the Afro Sustainable Fashion Show):
Design collection
Blizz Fusion (Participant of the Afro Sustainable Fashion Show):
Design collection
Formithentic (Participant of the Afro Sustainable Fashion Show):
Design collection
Gabi Designs (Participant of the Afro Sustainable Fashion Show):
Design collection
Nibsima Designs (Participant of the Afro Sustainable Fashion Show):
Design collection
