Ranji Mangcu
Ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Final, which was won by the host country, Côte d’Ivoire, Africa Fashion International (AFI) held the Africa Fashion Unites (AFU) Fundraising Fashion Show in Abidjan.
Hosted by AFI in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Francophonie, it was a celebration of African fashion. 28 designer brands showcased at the AFU Fundraising Fashion Show, representing the 24 countries that participated in the 2023 AFCON.
The AFU Fundraising Fashion Show was held in support of the Centre Artisanal ABE APO Élisabeth, which is based in Montézo, in the Alépé Region of Cote D’Ivoire.
The Centre Artisanal ABE APO Élisabeth serves its community and economy by turning the age-old traditional practice of weaving into a skills-exchange, promoting autonomy and practical skills-development.
Burkinabe-born, Ivorian-made, Pathé'O's fashion transcends borders. At the Africa Fashion Unites gala, the legendary designer showcased his signature style: vibrant prints, reimagined traditional clothing, and timeless silhouettes.
With Côte d’Ivoire being the host, AFI had to pay special attention to the country’s vibrant fashion industry. Boasting some of the most exciting fashion designers in the continent, Côte d’Ivoire’s fashion industry has played a pivotal role in solidifying the nation’s position as an emerging force in global fashion.
Amidst the star-studded list of African designers who showcased at the fundraiser, are a handful of Ivorian designers who are leading the charge on their home turf.
With each on a mission to represent the beauty and riches of their culture, their presentations were a reminder of just why they are leaders in Africa’s fashion industry.
Although Burkinabe in origin, Ainé Pathe Ouadraogo’s award-winning label, Pathé’ O was built and shaped on Ivorian soil and connected with key clientele throughout the continent – from former South African President and political leader Nelson Mandela to Rwandan president, Paul Kagame.
In his five decades-long career, Pathé’ O has exemplified the core theme of this showcase – fashion as a cross-cultural unifier, transcending borders.
And that’s what he showcased at the AFU Fundraising Fashion Show. A celebration of the distinct Pathé’ O signature, which includes textiles, silhouettes and a reimagining of traditional clothing.
Elle Côte d’Ivoire’s Editorial Director, Frédérique Kragbé Leininger, a former model, returned to the runway to help showcase the stunning collection by Pathé’ O.
Elle Côte d’Ivoire’s Editorial Director, Frédérique Kragbé Leininger, a former model, returned to the runway to help showcase the stunning collection by Pathé’ O.
Pathé ‘O continually reimagines traditional elements in the contemporary through his iconic, vibrantly printed dresses, tunics, and ensembles.
Pathé’ O has long been assertive about the economic and cultural potential of African fashion and reshaping social perception about the disciplines and labour throughout the fashion value chain. He credits the potential of the continent to its wealth of creative minds.