African weddings are known for their vibrant celebrations, rich cultural traditions, and exquisite attire. When it comes to African wedding dresses, there is an incredible array of designs that beautifully blend tradition and modernity. In this blog, we will explore the latest trends in African wedding dresses, from captivating lace styles to elegant bridal and guest attire. Whether you're a bride, bridesmaid, or wedding guest, these African-inspired dresses are sure to make a lasting impression.

AFRICAN WEDDING ATTIRES

1. African Lace Styles for Wedding: Lace plays a significant role in African wedding fashion. From delicate Chantilly lace to intricate guipure lace, African designers have embraced lace in their creations. These lace styles add an elegant touch to wedding dresses, with their exquisite patterns and intricate detailing. Whether incorporated as sleeves, overlays, or entire gowns, lace creates a timeless and romantic look for brides.

2. African Wedding Guest Dresses: Attending an African wedding as a guest provides an opportunity to showcase your style and pay homage to the culture. African wedding guest dresses often feature bold prints, vibrant colors, and unique silhouettes. From flowing maxi dresses in Ankara prints to chic tailored ensembles in vibrant kente patterns, guests can express their individuality while respecting the traditions of the event.

3. African Bridesmaid Dresses: Bridesmaids hold a special place in African weddings, and their attire should complement the overall theme and aesthetic. African bridesmaid dresses are often coordinated with the bride's gown, incorporating similar fabrics, colors, or patterns. From floor-length gowns with intricate beadwork to stylish two-piece ensembles in traditional prints, African bridesmaid dresses celebrate unity and diversity.

4. African Wedding Attires: African wedding attires vary across the continent, reflecting the diverse cultures and traditions. Traditional wedding attire is often rich in symbolism and heritage. For example, in West Africa, the Aso Ebi ensemble is a popular choice, featuring coordinated outfits worn by family members and close friends. In South Africa, the colorful and vibrant Shweshwe fabric is often used for traditional wedding attire. Exploring the distinct wedding attires from different African regions adds depth and meaning to the celebration.

5. African Wedding Dresses 2023: Looking ahead to the future, African wedding dresses in 2023 promise to be a stunning blend of innovation and tradition. Designers are embracing unique color combinations, unconventional silhouettes, and creative fabric choices. With a focus on celebrating African heritage, expect to see bold prints, intricate embellishments, and captivating details that reflect the beauty and diversity of the continent.

6. Elegant African Dresses for Weddings: Elegance knows no boundaries, and African dresses for weddings exemplify this. From classic ball gowns with regal African-inspired prints to sleek mermaid silhouettes adorned with traditional beadwork, these dresses exude grace and sophistication. The combination of luxurious fabrics, meticulous craftsmanship, and cultural influences creates a truly unforgettable bridal look.

7. African Traditional Wedding Dresses: Traditional African wedding dresses hold a special place in preserving cultural heritage. Each region has its unique traditional attire, featuring distinct fabrics, colors, and patterns. From the majestic Zulu wedding attire in South Africa to the royal Aso Oke garments in Nigeria, traditional African wedding dresses showcase the rich history and customs of the respective cultures.

AFRICAN BRIDAL DRESSES

African wedding dresses beautifully blend tradition, culture, and contemporary fashion trends. From captivating lace styles to elegant bridal gowns, African-inspired attire offers a range of options for brides, bridesmaids, and wedding guests. Whether you opt for a traditional ensemble or a modern interpretation, these dresses are a testament to the beauty, diversity, and craftsmanship of African fashion.

Embrace the spirit of Africa!

D &D CLOTHING 

Josephine Nakafeero's work is a matter of pride for many Ugandans as it gives value to their culture in the world.

Former Ugandan TV presenter has become a successful fashion designer and entrepreneur, and her brand, Jose House of Creations, is attracting attention from across the continent. Josephine, who has a degree in commerce from Makerere University, presented shows dedicated to fashion and beauty on Uganda's NBS TV before leaving to become a designer in 2012.

"It has been more than nine years that I have been in the Fashion. I was attracted to fashion when I was presenting TV shows alongside Ugandan and global fashion stars," Josephine Nakafeero told TRT Afrika.

 Josephine's work is considered to be  significant in the context of Africa's growing fashion industry

With fashion festivals such as the Kampala Fashion Awards, the Ugandan capital hopes to attract the attention of the clothing market in the eastern part of Africa.

Shoes made by Nakafeero Josephine

“I design outfits mostly using African fabrics commonly known as "Kitenge'' which sometimes I mix with other plain materials because it gives me a number of options for the products I can design with it. I always use materials that emphasize my roots,’’ Nakafeero told TRT Afrika.

With events such as the Kampala Fashion Awards, the Ugandan capital hopes to attract more attention from the clothing market in the eastern part of Africa and beyond.

The success of designers such as Josephine is also significant in the context of Africa's growing fashion industry, which is struggling to compete with imports from other countries.

According to an association of Ugandan manufacturers, East Africa spends around US$350 million on imported clothing, creating a significant opportunity for local designers to tap into a growing market.

 

#MadeinUganda products by Nakafeero Josephine

 

By emphasising their roots and promoting local materials, designers like Josephine are helping to build a thriving African fashion industry that is capable of competing on a global scale.

"Our business requires resilience, patience, sacrifice and courage because we have to work full time,” Nakafeero said.

“I would like to show the world that in Uganda, there are also fans of fashion.”

Josephine Nakafeero on the runway 

Josephine Nakafeero's creations 

Josephine Nakafeero wears her designs 

Made by Josephine Nakafeero's fashion house  

Story By Kudra Maliro

It is not only in Burundi where you will hear critical comments about clothes and fashion styles in the pageants, especially "Miss or Mrs."

Miss Burundi 2023 contestants

Most African countries still respect their culture in terms of fashion and styling. However, colonization changed the way Africans used to think when it comes to fashion and style. Currently, the public can judge fashion clothes anytime and anywhere but for most people when it is in fashion shows and beauty pageants their criticism becomes more than a debate. For example, Bikini wear. In Miss Rwanda, most of the female candidates who were selected to represent the country international level, especially in Miss Earth refused to wear Bikinis " I better lose the crown instead of wearing a Bikini in public" said Miss Uwase Honorine known as Miss Igisabo in Miss Earth 2017 who was presenting Rwanda.

In this story originally by Anaise Audrey Masabo. It describes comments from fashion lovers and local fashion designers who did not appreciate the fashion styles worn by the ladies on the final day to select Miss Burundi 2023.

Is it poor fashion, clothes, stylists, or fashion designers who are not interested in the Miss Burundi pageant? 

One week before the finals of Miss Burundi 2023, the writer Anaise Audrey Masabo come back to the recent semifinals of this pageant which had been continuously a stage on which local designers have adapted it as an advertisement platform.

Miss Burundi 2023 contestants

With the growing number of designers reaching out for brand recognition through the offer of sponsorship towards the Miss Burundi organization and yet a continuously rising concern as to the appearance of candidates on the final day.  Questions continue to arise.

Has there not been a thorough concentration on clothing criteria, or are Burundian fashion icons asleep or non-existent?

This Saturday twentieth May 2023, Burundi witnessed the Miss Burundi semifinals, an important event capable of altering the life of candidates and creating a spot for the growth of ideas within the Burundian population. While this would have served as an opportunity for local designers and stylists to build the long sort for recognition, participants are obliged to style themselves individually for the Semi-Finals as it has been for several years.

Is it a question of ignorance? Lack of finances? Why do we prefer to be left in the back seat of most pageants? Those are some of the many questions circulating pageant viewers.

Miss Burundi 2023 contestants

 The tip, the top, and the tabs

Stepping into a night where we were unable to neither witness preparations nor identify what happens behind closed doors, various fashion gurus continue to question the necessity of a stylist in the MISS BURUNDI committee. This year appeared to be a rush from a workday interview right into a much-needed pageant.

Miss Burundi 2023 contestants

Miss Burundi 2023 contestants

When asked what should be changed when it comes to the clothing of a group of women who are set to represent the nation worldwide or the need for a stylist within the organization, one of this year's committee members, Ruhara Ketty replied: "I do not have much to say in regards to this matter but I genuinely think the ladies presented themselves very well, very politely with a lot of humility. I do not have anything I would have desired for them to change. They were very well dressed, and presented themselves beautifully as well."

Ruhara Ketty is among the committee member of the organization Miss Burundi 2023

 Viewers complain though

Niyonkuru Jean Bedel owner of Timiza Fashion; a brand that has operated in Burundi for over eight years says: "In my most genuine opinion the ladies were dressed badly, horribly dressed. That affects us designers at large in that it gives us a bad image. The Miss Burundi committee knows us; they have seen our work over and over again so until now I fail to understand why they do not give us or what we do value. If they honestly cared about this aspect of the competition, they'd get in touch with us and ask for our help."

Dresses made by Timiza Fashion

Made by Timiza Fashion

With an elegant choice of color, the song that has rung over Burundian soil constantly rotates on the concept of clothing choice. Overlooking the variety of options on designers and stylists available locally, there stands a need to pinpoint where a blind spot begins within their preparations or committee at large.

"This year, as compared to previous competitions, a few of the girls tried. A fair number however still came as though they were attending a salsa dance evening or going to a wedding. There is still some sort of negligence in the ladies' attires which is visible in the imbalance of style. Some people dress really well others as though they have no idea what kind of event they are attending", said Kazoza Martial, a fashion content creator who was privileged to attend the event and undergo his own personal analysis.

Miss Burundi 2023 contestants

Miss Burundi 2023 contestants

Candidates on the final day of Miss Burundi 2023. The First Lady of Burundi H.E Mrs Angeline Ndayishimiye was among the guests who attended the event. 

With questions still arising in the area of Miss Burundi pageants attire, is it necessary that a nation comes together in raising funds to eliminate public humiliation? Is there anything we can do to build a pageant worth showcasing worldwide? What boundaries do they encounter that limit the penetration of brand-new ideas into the awakening of long-lasting fashion solutions? These are only a few of the questions that remain unanswered.

 Lellie Carelle Ndayizeye won Miss Burundi 2023

Lellie Carelle Ndayizeye won Miss Burundi 2023 and got a car as a prize 

Lellie Carelle Ndayizeye won Miss Burundi 2023. On the photo with her 1st Runner up & the 2nd  

Read more about PLANS & PROJECTS  of Miss Lellie Carelle Ndayizeye                             

 RCFS's Media 

It is not only in Burundi where you will hear critical comments about clothes and fashion styles in the pageants, especially "Miss or Mrs."

Miss Burundi 2023 contestants

Most African countries still respect their culture in terms of fashion and styling. However, colonization changed the way Africans used to think when it comes to fashion and style. Currently, the public can judge fashion clothes anytime and anywhere but for most people when it is in fashion shows and beauty pageants their criticism becomes more than a debate. For example, Bikini wear. In Miss Rwanda, most of the female candidates who were selected to represent the country international level, especially in Miss Earth refused to wear Bikinis " I better lose the crown instead of wearing a Bikini in public" said Miss Uwase Honorine known as Miss Igisabo in Miss Earth 2017 who was presenting Rwanda.

In this story originally by Anaise Audrey Masabo. It describes comments from fashion lovers and local fashion designers who did not appreciate the fashion styles worn by the ladies on the final day to select Miss Burundi 2023.

Is it poor fashion, clothes, stylists, or fashion designers who are not interested in the Miss Burundi pageant? 

One week before the finals of Miss Burundi 2023, the writer Anaise Audrey Masabo come back to the recent semifinals of this pageant which had been continuously a stage on which local designers have adapted it as an advertisement platform.

Miss Burundi 2023 contestants

With the growing number of designers reaching out for brand recognition through the offer of sponsorship towards the Miss Burundi organization and yet a continuously rising concern as to the appearance of candidates on the final day.  Questions continue to arise.

Has there not been a thorough concentration on clothing criteria, or are Burundian fashion icons asleep or non-existent?

This Saturday twentieth May 2023, Burundi witnessed the Miss Burundi semifinals, an important event capable of altering the life of candidates and creating a spot for the growth of ideas within the Burundian population. While this would have served as an opportunity for local designers and stylists to build the long sort for recognition, participants are obliged to style themselves individually for the Semi-Finals as it has been for several years.

Is it a question of ignorance? Lack of finances? Why do we prefer to be left in the back seat of most pageants? Those are some of the many questions circulating pageant viewers.

Miss Burundi 2023 contestants

 The tip, the top, and the tabs

Stepping into a night where we were unable to neither witness preparations nor identify what happens behind closed doors, various fashion gurus continue to question the necessity of a stylist in the MISS BURUNDI committee. This year appeared to be a rush from a workday interview right into a much-needed pageant.

Miss Burundi 2023 contestants

Miss Burundi 2023 contestants

When asked what should be changed when it comes to the clothing of a group of women who are set to represent the nation worldwide or the need for a stylist within the organization, one of this year's committee members, Ruhara Ketty replied: "I do not have much to say in regards to this matter but I genuinely think the ladies presented themselves very well, very politely with a lot of humility. I do not have anything I would have desired for them to change. They were very well dressed, and presented themselves beautifully as well."

Ruhara Ketty is among the committee member of the organization Miss Burundi 2023

 Viewers complain though

Niyonkuru Jean Bedel owner of Timiza Fashion; a brand that has operated in Burundi for over eight years says: "In my most genuine opinion the ladies were dressed badly, horribly dressed. That affects us designers at large in that it gives us a bad image. The Miss Burundi committee knows us; they have seen our work over and over again so until now I fail to understand why they do not give us or what we do value. If they honestly cared about this aspect of the competition, they'd get in touch with us and ask for our help."

Dresses made by Timiza Fashion

Made by Timiza Fashion

With an elegant choice of color, the song that has rung over Burundian soil constantly rotates on the concept of clothing choice. Overlooking the variety of options on designers and stylists available locally, there stands a need to pinpoint where a blind spot begins within their preparations or committee at large.

"This year, as compared to previous competitions, a few of the girls tried. A fair number however still came as though they were attending a salsa dance evening or going to a wedding. There is still some sort of negligence in the ladies' attires which is visible in the imbalance of style. Some people dress really well others as though they have no idea what kind of event they are attending", said Kazoza Martial, a fashion content creator who was privileged to attend the event and undergo his own personal analysis.

Miss Burundi 2023 contestants

Miss Burundi 2023 contestants

Candidates on the final day of Miss Burundi 2023. The First Lady of Burundi H.E Mrs Angeline Ndayishimiye was among the guests who attended the event. 

With questions still arising in the area of Miss Burundi pageants attire, is it necessary that a nation comes together in raising funds to eliminate public humiliation? Is there anything we can do to build a pageant worth showcasing worldwide? What boundaries do they encounter that limit the penetration of brand-new ideas into the awakening of long-lasting fashion solutions? These are only a few of the questions that remain unanswered.

 Lellie Carelle Ndayizeye won Miss Burundi 2023

Lellie Carelle Ndayizeye won Miss Burundi 2023 and got a car as a prize 

Lellie Carelle Ndayizeye won Miss Burundi 2023. On the photo with her 1st Runner up & the 2nd  

Read more about PLANS & PROJECTS  of Miss Lellie Carelle Ndayizeye                             

 RCFS's Media 

Tanzania has a vibrant and diverse fashion industry, with talented designers creating unique and stylish clothing that showcases the country’s rich culture and traditions. Here are some notable Tanzanian fashion designers:

Doreen Mashika

All of the Zanzibar-based designer Doreen Mashika’s creations feature modern takes on classic Tanzanian motifs and fabrics. The fashion labels Anthropologie and Edun are among those that have worked with Doreen Mashika. Her Zanzibar label’s outpost was named best by Vogue.

Dress Made by Doreen Mashika

Anne Kiwia

Anne Kiwia started her company in 2012. Colorful up-cycled headbands by Anne Kiwia, who sources vintage textiles from the markets of Dar Es Salaam, have been featured in numerous magazines, including Vogue.

Ties and belts made by Anne Kiwia

Mustafa Hassanali

A doctor by trade who dabbles in fashion design on the side. His career has taken off, with exhibitions in over 21 countries. One of his earlier designs has become his signature evening gown, worn by the likes of Hoyce Temu, Naomi Campbell, and Miss Tanzania in 1999. Hassanali developed Swahili Fashion Week in 2008 as a platform for established and emerging fashion designers and models. Swahili Fashion Week is currently one of East and Central Africa’s most influential fashion weeks.

Creations by Mustafa Hassanali

KiKi Fashion

Christine Kissa Zimbia, also known as Kiki Zimba, founded Kiki’s Fashion. Kiki’s Fashion has stunning dresses and skirts that catch anyone’s eye.

Made by KiKi Fashion

Naledi Fashion House

This was started in 2008 by Kemi Kalikawe. Before working in the fashion sector, she was an interior decorator. Kemi Kalikawe makes casual or modern Afro-urban clothing for both ladies and men.

Eve Collection

Evelyn Rugemalira is in charge of the creative aspects of the Eve Collections line. Her creations are always edgy and bold, with a wide range of possibilities for each event. Miss Tanzania 2012, Wema Septu, a notable businesswoman and actress in Tanzania, and Madame Rita Paulsen of Bongo Star are just a few famous people Evelyn has dressed.

Made by Eve Collection

Jamilla Vera Swai

Known for her glitzy and fashionable designs. Jamilla’s love for fashion began when she was a little girl and was inspired by her aunt’s fashion doodles; her bold, colorful designs are sure to turn heads.

Collection by Jamilla Vera Swai

Khadija Mwanamboka

After more than two decades in the business, Khadija Mwanamboka has earned a reputation as a leading figure as a Tanzania fashion designer. She is passionate about giving back; therefore, she started a company called Tanzania Mitindo House as a social effort to employ fashion design in the country to raise money for local charities that support HIV/AIDS orphans.

Made by Khadija Mwanamboka

These are just a few of the many talented fashion designers in Tanzania. The country’s fashion industry continues to evolve, with new designers emerging and making their mark on the global fashion scene.

For more articles related to Tanzania Clothing and Dresses, click here!

GOMA, Congo (AP) — As she puts the final touches on her latest collection, a fashion designer in Congo sees the pinning, sewing and ironing as a way to send a message to the world. “Through art, all the colors that we will express, through our clothes, it will be full of emotions, trying to explain what we are going through in our country,” Flore Mfuanani Nsukula says in her Goma workshop.

Conflict in eastern Congo has gone on for decades as myriad armed groups fight for control of valuable mineral resources. There are frequent mass killings, and the violence has triggered an exodus of refugees. On Saturday, organizers held the ninth edition of the Liputa fashion show, which they say is an opportunity to inspire peace and peaceful coexistence across Africa.

Berabose Designs is one of the brands that made it as a finalist of the third edition of the Fashionomics Africa Contest. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which was part of the contest jury, expressed its delight in seeing a real increase in the quality of applications and noted that the three finalists are true testimonials of the bubbling textile scene on the African continent and the power that circular business models represent. 

Berabose Designs has positioned itself at the forefront of the fashion technology revolution, by producing sustainable garments made by combining natural sustainable practices with 3D production modelling. In this week’s article we learn more about how Berabose Designs wowed the Fashionomics Africa Contest judges, through its unique business model, which is founded on sustainability, innovation, and inclusion.

About Berabose Designs

Berabose Designs is a Rwandan-based business founded by Elisabeth Berabose. It is focused on the production of innovative garments made from organic cotton, dyed with agricultural waste and plant-based dyes. Optimization of the fashion design process is a defining feature of how the sustainable brand operates. After successfully launching its ‘27’ collection, the brand recognized the need to meet unique consumer’s needs through custom clothing. However, traditional custom-made methods posed challenges such as multiple interactions, fittings, and fabric selection time, especially without proper infrastructure. In response to these problems, Berabose Designs developed a three-phased strategy that combines its expertise in 3D product modeling with cutting-edge technology. The process includes a digitized custom-making process that allows users to easily select fabric, style, color, and measurements online, and a digital fitting room where consumers can model their looks based on their body shape and measurements.

Dusabamahoro pants  

Development of this process was a leap of faith, in which Berabose took a chance on fashion technology which is practically non-existent, despite research that has shown its promise. Berabose Designs adopted use of fashion technologies that use algorithms to derive a shopper's 3D body shape using augmented reality to make personalized product recommendations. The technology adds value because it allows to measure its impact. It presents a higher conversion rate, average order value, and consumer loyalty, all of which increase Berabose Designs capacity for a bigger market. The brand’s digitization strategy has positioned Berabose as a pioneer for sustainable design solutions on the continent and globally. 

“Fashion technology has the potential to revolutionize the industry, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this change.” - Elisabeth

In addition to the use of fashion technology, Berabose has adopted a number of sustainability practices in line with its ethos. For example, Berabose designs clothes with an average lifespan of three years – a move which is critical in reducing the environmental impact of the brand’s products. Furthermore, its use of organic dyes and cotton, ensures the biodegradability of the brand’s garments. Berabose has also implemented a program encouraging consumers to bring old clothing in for upcycling. These initiatives will help reduce the amount of clothing waste produced by approximately 30% over the next three years. The brand is also intentional about avoiding prints and patterns, so as to discourage trends and consequently fast fashion.

Gordon blazer

The cotton used in the production of Berabose’s designs is sourced from a cooperative in Tanzania.  After sourcing, Berabose collaborates with local facilities in Rwanda for spinning and weaving. By working with local sustainable partners, they save gallons of water and reduce energy use. Additionally, they collaborate with Handspun Hope for the dyeing of the clothes, using plant-based dyes and agricultural waste to reduce the amount of water, energy, and chemicals used in the dyeing process. For packaging and distribution, Berabose has put in measures to reduce waste and carbon footprint. For instance, they offer a 10% discount for customers who return and reuse their delivery bags. In place of paper, the brand uses banana barks as clothing tags. Their distribution model is also based online, reducing the need for physical stores which contribute to greenhouse emissions.

Women’s empowerment is also at the heart of Berabose Designs. In fact, the brand’s ‘27’ collection honored the several women who influenced Elisabeth’s entrepreneurial journey, as each of the pieces was named after those honorable ladies.

27’ collection

“My empowerment journey was made possible thanks to the amazing women surrounding me. Friends, sisters, mentors and family members. Naming each piece of the ‘27’ collection after the women who’ve had a substantial influence in my life was my way to show them my appreciation for helping me becoming who I am today” - Elisabeth

As part of its inclusive employment strategy, the brand recruits and trains informal female workers. For the sewing process in particular, Berabose employs only women, with the aim of providing them with a steady income and financial security. This not only helps to promote gender equality and women’s economic empowerment within the community, but it also creates a sustainable system that benefits women and their dependents. 

Raising awareness on the importance of sustainability in fashion 

The brand also has a cocktail of sustainability initiatives aimed at increasing customers’ knowledge on sustainability. Through its social media platforms, Berabose educates consumers and encourages eco-friendly behaviors. They also provide information on how to take measurements to avoid commute time from their consumers, and textile waste due to misfits. They also created a slow fashion series to inform consumers about fast fashion's environmental and social consequences and tips to avoid them. Some of their posts are dedicated to mixing and matching items to help consumers realize different looks. 

 Mukamusoni shirt

About being a finalist of the Fashionomics Africa Contest

Berabose Designs was elated to have been part of the finalists for the Fashionomics Africa Contest. Making it to the finals of the competition has helped to validate their efforts and reflected the value of the work that the brand is doing.

"Being a finalist in the Fashionomics Africa contest is not only an honor for Berabose Designs, but also a testament to our commitment to promoting African fashion to a global audience. We are grateful for this opportunity to showcase our team’s work, share our journey and vision for sustainable fashion with the world." - Elisabeth

The Fashionomics Africa Contest awards the finalists with a package of prizes that includes a branding kit, promotion actions to gain visibility as well as mentorship and networking opportunities to facilitate business growth.

Overall, Berabose's sustainable business model focuses on reducing the environmental impact of their products through sustainable sourcing, upcycling, biodegradability, and encouraging eco-friendly behaviors. They also focus on innovation, particularly technology utilization, which positions them as a pioneer for sustainable design solutions.

To view more of Berabose Designs’ incredible work, visit their website.

Source: FASHIONOMICS

In 2022, the European Commission unveiled a new strategy for sustainable textiles, aimed at coming up with more systemic solutions for improving the sustainability of the textile industry.  The strategy also aligns with the European Green Deal, whose focus is to make growth sustainable, climate neutral, efficient regarding energy and resource, respectful of nature, and built around a clean and circular economy. 

Given that the European Union (EU) is one of Africa’s top two export markets for textiles, its recent strategy on sustainable textiles has several implications for the African fashion industry. In this week’s article, we will explore the key takeaways from the EU strategy for textiles and the opportunities it presents for African fashion brands. 

Background of the EU textile sector

The textiles sector is an important economic driver of the EU economy, with a turnover of EUR 162 billion, and employing over 1.5 million people in 160,000 companies. However, it also contributes significantly to environmental pollution with the fourth-highest impact on the environment after food, housing, and mobility. The EU has responded to the climate challenges posed by the sector, by adopting a new strategy for sustainable textiles whose vision is to ensure that; 

“By 2030 textile products placed on the EU market are long-lived and recyclable, to a great extent made of recycled fibers, free of hazardous substances, and produced in respect of social rights and the environment.” 

African Creativity: (PHOTO INTERNET )

Key Actions under the Strategy

The vision will be accompanied by the following practical actions, intended to support the sustainable textiles drive. 

Introducing mandatory eco-design requirements

The Commission will develop binding product-specific requirements to increase textiles’ performance in terms of durability, reusability, reparability, fiber-to-fiber recyclability, and mandatory recycled fiber content. Enactment of these requirements is aimed at minimizing and tracking the presence of substances of concern and reducing the adverse impacts on climate and the environment.

Banning the destruction of unsold or returned textiles

Large companies will be required to publicly disclose the number of products they discard and destroy, including textiles, and their further treatment in terms of preparing for reuse, recycling, and incineration or landfilling. 

Tackling microplastic pollution

In addition to product design requirements, binding design requirements will be introduced under the Eco-design for Sustainable Products Regulation. These will target various stages of manufacturing, through a set of reduction and prevention measures, as well as the promotion of innovative sustainable materials. 

Introducing information requirements and a Digital Product Passport

The Digital Product Passport for textiles will be based on mandatory information requirements on circularity and other key environmental aspects.

Green claims for truly sustainable textiles

General environmental claims, such as “green”, “eco-friendly”, and “good for the environment”, will be allowed only if underpinned by recognized excellence in environmental performance, or voluntary sustainability labels based on a third-party verification or established by public authorities.

Extended producer responsibility and boosting reuse and recycling of textile waste

It will propose harmonized EU extended producer responsibility rules for textiles with eco-modulation of fees, to create an economy for collection, sorting, reuse, preparation for reuse, and recycling. Producers and brands will also be incentivized to ensure that their products are designed in respect of circularity principles.

Opportunities for African Fashion brands

Develop recycling industries that convert fashion and textile waste into garments for commercial export markets

The new EU regulations on increasing textile performance mean the quality of textiles exported to Africa will be higher and better suited to recycling and repurposing. African fashion brands, therefore, have a chance to increase their revenue, by adding more value to second-hand clothing and exporting it. 

Standardization of sustainable products

With a mandatory requirement for validating “green” claims if a brand sells its products in Europe, the African fashion industry can seize this opportunity to come up with universally recognized sustainability standards in fashion production. Not only will this help in guarding against greenwashing claims, but it will increase the brand value of African fashion brands that are genuinely sustainable, by distinguishing them from those that are built on unsubstantiated, sustainability claims. 

Lobbying for governments to invest in infrastructure for greening conventional textile industries

Because Europe is a major market for Africa’s fashion industry, its proposed regulations for sustainable textiles are an opportunity for African fashion brands to come together and lobby the government to channel investment towards infrastructure for circular textile clusters. This will speed the greening of conventional textile industries by introducing economies of scale for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in the African fashion industries. Additionally, it will facilitate improved access to export markets.

Investing in sustainable textiles

To better exploit market opportunities in the EU, African fashion brands have an opportunity to invest in sustainable textiles such as regenerative fibers which ultimately help them design waste out of their production processes. Efforts in this area are already underway, with companies such as Pine Kazi manufacturing shoes from pineapple waste.

Increase employment through the promotion of local artisans

The EU drive for sustainable textiles is an opportunity for African fashion brands to promote local artisans in Africa, who are already engaged in sustainable production methods such as hand-weaving, natural dyeing, and embroidery. It presents a chance for them to sell their products in markets where the sustainability component of their products is recognized and rewarded. 

To learn more about the EU Strategy for Textiles, read their report here.

Source:  FASHIONOMICS

Models catwalking at a past fashion show. The webinar will discuss how to push the industry in Africa forward.

Rwanda Cultural Fashion Show (RCFS) will on December 18, hold a virtual conference during which players in the fashion industry will discuss the current state of the African fashion industry.

Dubbed “The Future of Fashion Industry in Africa”, the webinar will bring together different stakeholders of the fashion industry to share experiences and discuss how private and public institutions can support Africa’s growing fashion industry.

The webinar will include discussions which will be in the form of a series of a thought-provoking panel. Key speakers of the event will include renowned fashion designers, fashion promoters, experts in textiles and fabric dyeing, fashion school teachers and some government representatives.

Celestin Ntawirema, the brains behind RCFS and organiser of the webinar told The New Times that participants in this webinar will share experiences on how to establish a successful fashion concept business, discuss challenges facing the industry and propose some solutions.

“Though Covid-19 halted most activities in the industry, we thought of creating a platform that will bring players in the fashion industry to share experiences and best practices so we can learn from each other how best we can push our fashion industry to another level. We also want to see how designers can go global through African networks,” Ntawirema said.

Celestin Ntawirema, the CEO of Rwanda Cultural Fashion Show. / Courtesy.

The African fashion sector is already impressing in the global market, something that industry players hail as a motivation despite the challenges they have faced in the journey.

Ntawirema, who has been promoting fashion for over the past eight years said that, from his experience,  many brands from all over the continent had established themselves among the best globally and are now selling big on the international fashion markets compared to Western fashion despite having few fashion schools that can drive the industry to greater heights.

He, however, lamented that investors are still reluctant to put their money in fashion-related projects because protection of fashion copyrights and fashion innovations is still low due to the gap in fashion literacy.

The webinar, he said, will be an opportunity for fashion players to show both the public and private sectors the potential that fashion has at its disposal so as to attract their investment and, on the other hand, call for support from the governments to create a conducive environment for fashion to flourish and become a sector which can contribute to the national economic development.

A model shows up before the audience during a past event. / File.

Some of the speakers expected for the webinar include Ruth Jackob, senior lecturer in fashion marketing Eastern London, Karen Uwera, the President of Rwanda Designers Association, John Bunyeshuri, the CEO and Founder of Kigali Fashion Week and Kenyan fashion guru Vinn Clizz, the Managing Director of Vinn Clizz among others.

Challenges

Though Rwanda’s fashion industry is being contextualized with the ‘Made in Rwanda’ policy but Ntawirema said that it’s a shame that One of the biggest challenges we have is that we have no fashion school that can prepare and raise future designers, models, or fashion promoters by profession.

“This is all down to the fact that Rwanda has no forum bringing together designers, models, promoters and other stakeholders to discuss to the future of this industry. We also need an umbrella or a fashion watchdog for all players in the fashion industry to ensure that the protection of our works is guaranteed,”

Rwanda may have local designers who are becoming successful but under hard conditions which the webinar is also looking forward to tackling.

The webinar outcomes are expected to respond to questions raised around African fashion industry from “who can design?”, “who can sell locally-made clothes”, and “who promotes fashion?” or even “who can basically support fashion sector?” 

“We hope the webinar will find share responses to these questions together with the speakers. We also value new ideas from the public from which the future styling and fashion business in Africa can rely on,” he added.

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Celestin Best Ntawirema is the CEO of Rwanda Culture Fashion Show and founder of film house IRIS-Pro 1000 Hills Ltd. His goal is to support artistry and culture through dance, music, fashion and film. He spoke to Society Magazine’s Stephen Kalimba about his sense of style.

How would you describe your style?
I am fun and fashionable; not too many colours. I want my outfits to match. With a job like mine, you have to look good. I like suits too; my friends ask me questions when they do not find me wearing one.

Do you have a designer?
I work with many designers, so I try out some of the stuff they do. I also have tailors who make suits and they are very good, like Joseline Umutoni near Sky Hotel Remera.

What’s your take on white shoes? Some people wear them with suits?
They are not for everybody or every day, if you’re going to the stage or on screen, maybe.But elsewhere? Not really. Even our roads are too dusty for them.

Second hand vs. new clothes?
I don’t go for second hand clothes. I used to but now, for the sake of my credibility I don’t.

What are your kind of accessories?
I like watches, especially sports and metal watches like Caico and Shades. Watches are good for time saving, you might have a phone but when you’re seated on a moto or in a crowded place, all you need is to look at your watch.