La Fashion Week 2024 Overview

The La Fashion Week, held from October 10 to 13, 2024, marks a significant milestone for the Ivorian fashion scene as it aims to re-establish Abidjan as a key player in the African fashion industry.

Organized by designer Elie Kuame, this inaugural event brought together designers, artists, and industry stakeholders from across West Africa.

The event was themed “New Future,” focusing on innovation and sustainability in fashion. Elie Kuame emphasized the importance of showcasing local talent and fostering a creative ecosystem that connects Ivorian designers with international markets. The fashion week featured over 17 designers from Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Nigeria. Notable presentations included a poignant show by Ibrahim Fernandez, which highlighted women’s issues in Africa through his designs. His collection was described as an emotional tribute to the strength and challenges faced by women.

Former Miss Côte d’Ivoire, Olivia Yacé, served as the ambassador for the event, helping to elevate its profile both locally and internationally. The event aimed to attract buyers and media attention, creating opportunities for designers to showcase their work on a larger stage. The fashion week included a variety of activities, such as a meet-and-greet session on the opening day, a young talents competition named after Marie-Thérèse Houphouët-Boigny aimed at nurturing emerging designers, and a grand runway show featuring established designers on the final day, attended by approximately 700 spectators, including potential buyers and fashion influencers.

Beyond showcasing fashion, the event sought to engage with social issues, emphasizing the need for support in local craftsmanship and the preservation of traditional skills. Kuame expressed a desire to create lasting change in the fashion landscape of Côte d’Ivoire and beyond. The Abidjan Fashion Week is poised to become a vital platform for African fashion, promoting creativity and cultural diversity while addressing social issues through design. With its ambitious goals and strong community involvement, it aims to position Abidjan as a leading fashion capital in Africa, rivaling established hubs like Lagos and Johannesburg.

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