MIAP.GIF

The State of East African Fashion and Sustainable Practices

The Fashion Cypher: A Catalyst for Uganda's Blossoming Design Scene [PHOTO IGC FASHION] The Fashion Cypher: A Catalyst for Uganda's Blossoming Design Scene [PHOTO IGC FASHION]

On 1 June 2024, Kampala's fashion innovators will gather for the quarterly Fashion Cypher, a groundbreaking networking event aimed at promoting and uplifting the country's independent designers. Organized by IGC Fashion with support from the British Council Uganda, the Fashion Cypher serves as a vital platform for creatives to engage, entertain, and integrate within Uganda's rapidly evolving design landscape.

Snapinsta.app 446833066 1445280216173562 1150559217736393045 n 1080

The Fashion Cypher arrives at a pivotal juncture, as President Yoweri Museveni's ban on secondhand clothing imports has sparked a wave of momentum for locally produced fashion. Embracing the #MadeInUganda ethos, a new generation of designers is stepping into the spotlight, crafting bold, authentic collections that celebrate Uganda's rich cultural heritage while incorporating contemporary flair. 

"This event is all about fostering an ecosystem of mutual support and collaboration among our designers,"  explains the event organizer "By sharing skills, knowledge, and networks, we're empowering creatives to elevate their brands and collectively put Ugandan fashion on the global stage."

​Attendees are encouraged to meet new people and discover local emerging artists committed to a brighter future for our culture, climate, and society 

Snapinsta.app 446837674 1429844500986480 8950905677909264895 n 1080

Beyond mere networking, the Fashion Cypher promises an immersive evening of runway exhibitions, panel discussions, and interactive workshops led by industry pioneers. Attendees will gain invaluable insights into critical topics such as sustainable production, marketing strategies, and navigating the business side of fashion. 

Snapinsta.app 446287765 830857715215679 504964188791867245 n 1080

In addition to a sustainable fashion pop-up market, the event features a diverse array of artistic performances and experiences, including live painting, art installations, a raffle, poetry, DJs, live music, and workshops on screen printing, sewing, and garment design. Recognizing the growing importance of social and environmental issues, the event emphasizes ethics and sustainability, celebrating 'slow' fashion and art. Moreover, by highlighting different art forms, we explore their interconnectivity as well as their collective significance, such as in defining Ugandan cultural identity and heritage.

Snapinsta.app 446272753 303269899519376 2129355558767382451 n 1080

Snapinsta.app 446284043 1032749325079470 4320004538066145593 n 1080

Snapinsta.app 446355121 440689621936392 2388625952476952494 n 1080

IGC FASHION (Ibrahim and Godfrey’s community fashion) was founded in 2017 by two Uganda fashion designers Kasoma Ibrahim & Katende Godfrey. The brand is a fashion and costume label from Kampala in the heart of Uganda inspired by African heritage, nature, and culture always paired with a forward thinking and a unique design aesthetic. According to the co-founders, the IGC FASHION tends to look at a garment as a moving breathing piece of sculpture art that can be used as a vehicle for communicating and questioning ideas about culture.

"We are partially interested in using raw materials like bark cloth, raffia, sisal, shells and other neglected fabric items that can be combiner and transformed into a unique garment. As designers, we find it more important to recognize craftsmanship and sustainability and this contribution is something we always seek to incorporate into our work through recycling, sourcing from diverse African cultures, and a zero-waste initiative." 

Snapinsta.app 446226917 816409493875010 7739309007115079009 n 1080

Snapinsta.app 446276593 2212827825721608 1589126013297454467 n 1080

Snapinsta.app 446849237 3662469807398340 6283422126691357673 n 1080

As Kampala's design scene blossoms in the wake of the secondhand clothing ban, events like the Fashion Cypher serve as crucial catalysts – nurturing homegrown talent, driving innovation, and carving out space for Ugandan designers to thrive in their own vibrant market. With its dynamic programming and community-driven spirit, this quarterly series is poised to become a cornerstone of East Africa's fashion renaissance.

Snapinsta.app 446268572 450400680918919 3992006749952399825 n 1080

Snapinsta.app 446641817 1207375317304318 5398787288373901607 n 1080

 THE RCFS'MEDIA

 

Read 2055 times Last modified on Thursday, 30 May 2024 09:36
Rate this item

LATEST NEWS

9 Years Milestone: Moses Turahirwa and His Moshions Brand Rwanda-Based

25 October 2024 329 hits

9 Years Milestone: Moses Turahirwa and His Moshions Brand Rwanda-Based Over the past decade, Rwanda's fashion industry has emerged as…

What to Expect in Lagos Heineken Fashion Week 2024: Runways Kick off Today

23 October 2024 432 hits

What to Expect in Lagos Heineken Fashion Week 2024: Runways Kick Off Today The prestigious Heineken Lagos Fashion Week (LagosFW),…

Storytelling Meets High Fashion at The Kenya Fashion Story 2024

23 October 2024 484 hits

Storytelling Meets High Fashion at The Kenya Fashion Story 2024 The convergence of narrative and haute couture takes center stage…

Why Former Model Franco Kabano Is Backing the Stage Fashion Showcase's Founder

23 October 2024 443 hits

Why Former Model Franco Kabano Is Backing the Stage Fashion Showcase's Founder In Rwanda's fashion industry, Franco Kabano and Sandrine…

The Stage Fashion Showcase 2024 Pre-Event Highlights Emerging and Established Talents: Main Event Set for November 1

20 October 2024 408 hits

The Stage Fashion Showcase 2024 Pre-Event Highlights Emerging and Established Talents: Main Event Set for November 1 The fashion scene…

Adopting Sustainable Fashion Practices and Understanding the Market's Needs

17 October 2024 1009 hits

Adopting Sustainable Fashion Practices and Understanding the Market's Needs Fashion Trends Africa by RCFS recently organized a virtual conference bringing…

FASHION SHOPS

​ADVERTISEMENT

visitrwanda

PodCast

RFCS.jpeg

mark