As we first reported here, African labels Sindiso Khumalo, Sophie Zinga, Mimi Plange and Maxhosa by Laduma have been in showcase as part of Milan Fashion Week, with their latest ranges on parade at Biffi Boutiques, located in Corso Genova.
The ‘Beat of Africa’ boutique, which ended yesterday – an annual venture organised in collaboration between Biffi Boutique and the Ethical Fashion Initiative – draws international buyers and members of the press to peruse the stalls, with this year’s including an exclusive, specially-made range by each designer, like this collection of scarves by Botswanan designer Sindiso Khumalo;
Senegalese designer, Sophie Zinga brought a range of silver cowry shell pendants especially for the event, which launched the same night as Vogue’s Fashion’s Night Out, while South African, Laduma Ngxokolo of MaXhosa by Laduma brought socks inspired by skin tones, and Mimi Plange made a special, digitally-printed scarf to sell exclusively at the boutique.
Images revealed by each designer via instagram show their stay at Biffi Boutiques to have been a success, with Ms Plange showing off a snap with Bergdoff Goodman’s buyer, Linda Fargo and Mr Ngxokolo sharing a pic with Vogue Italia‘s Franca Sozzani.
In all, it seems that this year’s Beat of Africa event nailed Ethical Fashion Initiative’s aim of bringing the continent’s talent to the attention of the global fashion industry, and we at SPICE have been left looking forward to next year’s collaboration and the designers picked to showcase.
Congratulations to Mimi Plange, Sophie Zinga, Sindiso Khumalo and Maxhosa by Laduma for a successful stay at Biffi Boutiques this Milan Fashion Week.
Image source: @Mimiplange, @Laduma, @Ethicalfashion
