The 17th Edition of the Swahili Fashion Week & Awards 2024 will Shine a Spotlight on Sustainability in Fashion

The Swahili Fashion Week & Awards 2024 is set to transform Dar es Salaam into a global fashion hub, bringing together over 40 designers from Tanzania and beyond to celebrate creativity, innovation, and sustainability. Scheduled from December 6th to 8th at the Parthenon Hall/Greek Hellenic Club, the event promises to be a landmark moment for African fashion.

"Come, discover what makes Africa beautiful, as we champion clean cooking energy," said the event organizers, underlining the event's commitment to more than just fashion. This year's edition is not merely a showcase of style but a platform for social and environmental advocacy.

Designers Roundtable discussions organized by the Swahili Fashion Week to boost their understanding of some topics including sustainability in fashion [Photo Credit: SWF]

The recent press conference highlighted the collaborative spirit driving the event. Distinguished guests, including H.E. Giuseppe Sean Coppola, the Italian Ambassador to Tanzania, emphasized the importance of international partnerships in nurturing creativity. Edward Buganga from BASATA reinforced the government's role in supporting artistic talent, while Mustafa Hassanali, CEO and Founder of Swahili Fashion Week, shared the vision behind East Africa's premier fashion platform.

H.E. Giuseppe Sean Coppola, the Italian Ambassador to Tanzania, and Mustafa Hassanali, CEO and Founder of Swahili Fashion Week during the press conference in Dar es Sallam [Photo Credit: SFW]

Notably, the event aligns with Her Excellency President Samia Suluhu Hassan's efforts to promote sustainable and eco-friendly energy solutions. By merging fashion with advocacy, the platform demonstrates how creativity can drive meaningful social and environmental change.

Tanzania's President Her. E. Samia Suluhu Hassan is among the top African leaders who style Made in Africa and promotes the Made in Tanzania fashion industry [Photo Credit: NT]

Since its inception in 2008,has been a beacon for designers from Swahili-speaking countries, providing a crucial platform to showcase collections, market creativity, and connect with the global fashion industry. This year's event takes that mission further by spotlighting sustainability in fashion.

Designers will showcase collections that integrate eco-friendly materials, ethical production methods, and circular design principles, emphasizing the "Made in Africa" ethos. The goal is to position African fashion as a leader in sustainable practices, demonstrating how the continent's rich heritage can contribute to a greener global future.

The lineup features an impressive mix of local and international talent. Local designers include Sliq Shedafa, Reen Fashion Flair, Kai Zuri by Sristi Bosco, Zawadi, Asili by Naliaka, and many more. International designers bringing global perspectives include Dida from Italy, Iterik from Uganda, Jane Jaquin from Mayotte, and Kerby Young Designs from Trinidad and Tobago.

A highlight of this year's event is the collaboration with Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana and the Italian Embassy in Tanzania, which will bring the sustainable Italian design brand Florania to showcase its collection in Dar es Salaam for the first time.

Jamila Vera Swai from the Fashion Association of Tanzania emphasized the importance of industry unity, while Philemon Mwakanyamale from Onomo Hotel highlighted the hospitality sector's crucial support for creative industries.

The fashion world turns its eyes to Dar es Salaam, waiting for the 17th Swahili Fashion Week & Awards 2024, which promises to be more than just a fashion event. It represents a movement celebration of African creativity, a commitment to sustainability, and a testament to the transformative power of fashion.

In the middle is Mr. Mustafa Hassanali, CEO and Founder of Swahili Fashion Week with models after "The Model Forum 2024 " organized to help Tanzanian models understand the market and how they can continue to improve their careers locally and internationally. 

Fashion Trends Africa by RCFS