SPICE Attends: Africa Fashion Week New York’s 2014 Runway Showcase

On 6th September, Africa Fashion Week New York 2014 revealed its runway showcase event, highlighting seven African designers and their Spring/Summer’15 collections to an exclusive guest list of fashion influencers.

Held at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York, the event saw editors, prs and special guests gathered to witness an exciting showcase from designers Weize Dhurm Franklyn, McMeka and Eki Orleans of Nigeria (see our interview with the designer, Hazel Aggrey-Orleans, here), Moroccan Kaftan New York of Morocco, and Kenyan labels Mcensal and Dahil Republic of Couture. Designer Taigbe of label Kososhi also sent designs down the catwalk, and fashion label Issa (of Nigeria) also showcased during the evening, announcing a new accessory line: Issa by Issa, which includes both bags and jewels.

The event kicked off later than planned but unveiled a range of wears worth waiting for, with McMeka’s line of menswear stealing the attention of men around the room, Weize Dhurm Franklyn’s daring feminine pieces calling for the bodies of edgy women everywhere, Dahil Republic of Couture’s varied lineup adding to our wish lists, and Eki Orleans’ signature printed pieces yearning for an up close and lingering second look.

Adiat Disu, founder of Africa Fashion Week New York, said of her entire 3-day event;

“Africa Fashion Week 2014 was unique and special in comparison to the previous editions as the schedule changed from the traditional three days of runway show production to one day …replacing two days of runway shows with a master class at the UN Foundation building, and then hosting a presentation style event.

As an important additional feature this year, the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation was chosen to receive event proceeds, in the creative team’s (Adiree’s) mission to contribute to the foundation’s movement of empowering quality living through health and education for the people of Congo.”

SPICE attended the runway showcase and was on hand to interview the event’s most stylish guests on the red carpet, as well as talk to the designers about their collections. We couldn’t help but fall for the designs that walked the catwalk or the vibrant atmosphere that filled the Metropolitan Pavilion on the night and you can find out what went down soon on SPICE TV DSTV Channel 192.

For now, see some images from the catwalk, below;

McMeka