Twenty-two designer brands from 12 African countries showcased their work at Shanghai Fashion Week, promoting trade and cultural exchange through the initiative led by Hannah Wanjie Ryder.
In a significant move to boost trade and cultural exchange, 22 designer brands from 12 African countries showcased their work at Shanghai Fashion Week, held last week in the bustling metropolis of Shanghai, China. This initiative, titled “Africa Reimagined,” was spearheaded by Hannah Wanjie Ryder, the chief executive officer of Development Reimagined, a consultancy headquartered in Beijing that focuses on enhancing Sino-Africa trade. The event was supported by funding from the African Export-Import Bank and aimed at unlocking business and investment opportunities for Africa’s local fashion sector.
The designers participated in a robust exhibition within Shanghai Fashion Week’s official trade show, Mode, where they displayed their latest collections to local press and buyers. This was followed by a runway show on March 29, designed to highlight high-end, sustainable African brands and to present the continent’s diverse styles and vibrant cultural narratives to a new audience.
Ryder emphasized the importance of China as a diverse market and expressed her hope that showcasing African talent would allow for the exploration of Africa’s fashion potential. “China’s a diverse market. We want people to see that the African continent is like that, too,” she stated. She elaborated on the richness of African textiles and craftsmanship, which includes a designer sourcing fabrics from 15 different African countries to create unique pieces.
In addition to promoting individual designers, Ryder articulated a broader vision for Africa Reimagined. She noted that the initiative could serve to attract Chinese investment into African manufacturing and foster a deeper industrial connection between Africa and China, with the ultimate aim of establishing Africa as a significant manufacturing hub akin to China. “We will go and invest, moving our factories or opening new factories there for that market and also for China,” she mentioned, alluding to the strategic approach required to achieve this ambitious goal.
Among the attending designers was David Tlale from South Africa, who has established a prominent reputation over his 21 years in the fashion industry. He pointed out that Africa Reimagined represents a crucial step forward in cultural relations between China and Africa. “African craftsmanship is exceptional, and the world is finally recognizing its influence on luxury fashion. Shanghai Fashion Week provides the perfect stage for African designers to prove that African design is not just relevant, it is essential to the future of global luxury fashion,” he said.
Tlale further highlighted the cosmopolitan nature of the event by noting that it allows international audiences to experience the creativity and talent emanating from Africa. “Not everybody gets to travel to South Africa or anywhere else on the continent. Here, you get to see and feel what Africa has to offer. We are a beautiful cohort of designers who are creative and talented,” he remarked.
Besides showcasing the uniqueness of African fashion, Tlale underscored the importance of collaboration between Africa and Asia. “South Africa is part of BRICS. It’s very important that we cross-pollinate and grow together,” he stated, suggesting that synergies between the two regions could produce groundbreaking opportunities in the global fashion landscape.
As Africa Reimagined continues to unfold its potential, the initiative sets a precedent for deeper economic relationships and cultural appreciation between Africa and China, showcasing the wealth of talent that the African fashion industry has to offer.
Source: Noah Wire Services
