
AFRICA FASHION AWARDS 2014
Continent’s fashion industry stars recognised at prestigious awards ceremony
Johannesburg, South Africa: Africa’s brightest sartorial stars were recognised in a glittering ceremony at the prestigious annual Africa Fashion Awards (AFAs), organised by leading industry authority, African Fashion International (AFI), at Melrose Arch last night (2 November).
The culmination of four-day fashion extravaganza, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Africa (MBFWAfrica) 2014, the elegant event – featuring performances by SA Afro-Pop duo, Mafikizolo, and Dance-House artist, Donald – celebrated phenomenal contributions to the fashion industry across eight categories.
The nominees for Outstanding Contribution to African Fashion are @francasozzani (Italy), Kofi Ansah (Ghana), and @OmoyemiAkerele (Nigeria).
— #MBFWAfrica 2014 (@AFI_sa) November 2, 2014
“The Africa Fashion Awards are always a reflection of the growing excellence of the continent’s fashion industry. AFI is proud to continue to recognise the stellar talents that are moving this African fashion forward by providing a platform on which to celebrate them” says AFI Group Marketing Manager, Sizwe Nzimande.
The title of Designer of the Year went to critically acclaimed, multi-award-winning fashion stalwart, Marianne Fassler (South Africa), for her continued capacity to surprise and delight after over two decades in the industry; whilst Katherine-Mary Pichulik (South Africa) took the title of Accessory Designer of the year for Pichulik, a bespoke label of hand-crafted neckpieces accessories.
The 2014 Designer of the Year is awarded to Marianne Fassler (@Leopardfrock) #MBFWAfrica
— #MBFWAfrica 2014 (@AFI_sa) November 2, 2014
Laduma Ngxokolo (South Africa) received the accolade of Emerging Designer of the Year for his Xhosa-heritage-inspired knitwear brand, currently taking international fashion by storm, MaXhosa by Laduma.
From behind the scenes, Gaschette Magazine (South Africa) – a digital fashion publication launched by creative trio, Colin O’Mara Davis, Steve Marais and Jessica Lupton – was named Outstanding Trend Communicator; whilst Omoyemi Akerele (Nigeria), founder of Lagos Fashion & Design Week and the founding artistic director of Style House Files, was awarded the title of Outstanding Contribution to African Fashion.
The award for Outstanding Trend Communicator goes to @Gaschette (South Africa). #MBFWAfrica
— #MBFWAfrica 2014 (@AFI_sa) November 2, 2014
These five winners were selected by an esteemed panel of judges including former ELLE South Africa editor & iconic fashion influencer, Jackie Burger; UNISA Director of VC Projects and Advisor to the Principal, Professor Puleng LenkaBula; Zambian-born, London-based journalist and Editor of New African Woman magazine, ReGina Jane Jere; Marie Claire South Africa editor, Aspasia Karras; and top stylist and fashionista, Arieta Mujay
In addition, another three special awards (each judged by their own, separate panel of experts) were made on the night:
Up-and-coming designer, Rich Mnisi, was named AFI Young Designer of the Year, after his capsule collection, OATH, most impressed the judges – Bella Cebekhulu, Hanim Jane, Elihle Mnguni, Caileigh Davis & Ms Tarryn (ELLE magazine SA) – at the final showcase for the AFI Fastrack™ designer incubation programme during MBFWAfrica 2014 on Saturday.
Congrats to @laduma on winning the Emerging Designer of the Year award @afi_sa! Well deserved!
#MaXhosaByLaduma… pic.twitter.com/IU596elbHe
— Kuwala (@KuwalaInc) November 2, 2014
Congratulations to @AFI_FASTRACK winner @Rich_Mnisi #MBFWAFRICA #winningcollection @MB_FashionSA @AFI_sa pic.twitter.com/oz0PhsAlNO
— Matachley Salmon (@matachley) November 3, 2014
The title of New Face of the Year was bestowed on Nigeria’s Next Supermodel 2011, Lucky Favour, by MBFWAfrica 2014 show producers, Deon Redman, Mary Reynolds and Jan Malan, who were best able to make the award, based on their close contact with the models.
The 2014 New Face of the Year is awarded to @FavourrLucky #MBFWAfrica
— #MBFWAfrica 2014 (@AFI_sa) November 2, 2014
Finally, AFI Executive Chairperson, Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe personally recognised Vogue Italia editor-in-chief, Franca Sozzani, for her significant involvement in promoting and developing the continent’s fashion industry, on the global stage – by spotlighting African designers, models and culture – and presented her with the award for Global Contribution to the Promotion and Development of African Fashion.
ENDS
About AFI
African Fashion International (AFI) presents African fashion and creative talent in a manner that makes fashion from the continent globally relevant and ensures that the world has market access to African product and design. Through the organisation’s promotion, curation and support services, AFI ensures that the international community responds positively and commercially to African-designed products that are readily available, unique and on-trend.
Ladies and gentlemen that's a wrap! Thank you for joining us at #MBFWAfrica – Africa's finest showcase.
— #MBFWAfrica 2014 (@AFI_sa) November 1, 2014
Through its Fashion Weeks, namely Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Joburg A/W, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Cape Town S/S and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Africa (trans-seasonal), AFI showcases the best designers from the continent, offering them access to the domestic and international markets, while also growing a platform meant to support the sustainability of the African fashion industry through job creation. AFI also remains committed to growing a new legion of designers through the AFI Fastrack™ programme.