Held at the prestigious Palais Brongniart in Paris, CANEX Presents Africa was a dazzling showcase of African creativity and innovation in the fashion capital. With their unique vision and bold designs, 20 African designers took centre stage, making waves at this prestigious event.
It was an exciting time for African fashion, as new and emerging talents gained international exposure. Brands including Boydoe and Christie Brown from Ghana, Thebe Magugu, Bloke, and Emmy Kasbit among others took advantage of the Tranoï Paris to connect with global fashion buyers and showcase their extraordinary work, and for industry players from around the world to experience the brilliance of African creativity—a force that is undoubtedly shaping global fashion trends.
To wrap up the 3-day tradeshow, a special fashion show was put together by CANEX and Afreximbank in honour of African Fashion. The show saw Lagos Space Programme, Thebe Magugu, and Sukeina, sending models down the runway in designs; a testament to contemporary African fashion.
Lagos Space Programme showcased a collection of meticulously tailored pieces, featuring modern updates on classic silhouettes. Highlights included zippered bomber jackets in pin-striped wool, scarlet hammered silk shirts, and flowing poplin caftan shirts. The traditional Yoruba craft of indigo dyeing was skillfully reimagined in denim car coats and a cozy jersey hoodie. A touch of playfulness was added to the collection with halter-neck waistcoats featuring open backs and flirty miniskirts with lace trim.
Sukeina’s collection featured elegant black dresses with dramatic, ruffled white collars. Thebe Magugu on the other hand presented a collection that featured an intriguing juxtaposition of traditionally masculine tailoring with feminine proportions and materials. Thebe Magugu FC jerseys were reimagined in luxurious intarsia knit, enlarged to tea-dress size, and adorned with marabou feathers. Chitenge prints and a blue-green silk shirt with an integrated cape, inspired by a map of Lake Malawi, paid homage to his father’s homeland. Meanwhile, trompe l’oeil cow prints on raincoats and silky separates celebrated South Africa’s indigenous Nguni cattle.
Written by Eyram Rafael.
