It was a delight to attend the Accra launch of Africa In Fashion: Luxury, Craft and Textile Heritage by Ken Kweku Nimo, a Ghanaian author who has made great strides in documenting the history and evolution of African fashion.
Africa in Fashion is a groundbreaking book that delves into the complex and diverse world of African fashion.
Part One of the book focuses on Africa's rich cultural heritage and its place in the global fashion industry. The first chapter traces the history of African fashion, exploring the continent's textile traditions and artisanship. The second chapter presents a new Africa, challenging stereotypes and the concept of European hegemony, particularly in the realm of luxury fashion. It also highlights Africa's unique position as the global industry shifts towards a more sustainable future.
Part Two of the book is a celebration of contemporary African fashion brands, showcasing a carefully curated selection of the continent's most dynamic labels. Through interviews with prominent designers, the book offers rare insights into their ethos and design practices, covering unisex fashion, menswear, womenswear, accessories, and jewelry. Each brand has been purposefully selected to contribute uniquely to the mosaic of Africa's evolving creative landscape.
The launch event was attended by leading designers, publicists, models, actors, creatives, and entrepreneurs in Ghana and featured a conversation with the author himself, a panel talk with guest speakers Aisha Ayensu of Christie Brown and Kwaku Bediako of Chocolate followed by a Q&A session and book signing at the end. The conversation with the author was enlightening and inspiring, and the Q&A session allowed attendees to ask questions and gain further insight into the book's contents.
Overall, the launch of Africa in Fashion was a tremendous success, bringing together a community of fashion lovers and professionals to celebrate African creativity and heritage. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in fashion, culture, and history, and we at Elle Lokko look forward to seeing how it contributes to the ongoing dialogue around African fashion.
To grab you copy pass by Elle Lokko or contact us here to order.
watch Fashioning In West Africa - Fashion Scout Digital Feb2021 by Arieta Mujay Bärg