Qasimi Rising expands focus to Africa through Lagos Fashion Week partnership.
This collaboration aims to showcase and promote emerging designers and creatives on the African continent.
Under the partnership, Qasimi Rising will help Lagos Fashion Week identify talented designers and offer them a place in the 2026 incubation lineup. Every three years, the incubator provides chosen designers with three years of funding and an additional seven years of mentorship. During the mentorship period, participants have access to Qasimi’s resources, including a coworking space, studio, and support from industry experts in areas such as production, product development, merchandising, marketing, and business functions.
The selected designers will also have the opportunity to present their creations and participate in workshops with Qasimi Rising mentors and press during Lagos Fashion Week in October. Hoor Al Qasimi, founder of Qasimi Rising and twin sister to the late brand founder, expressed her commitment to fostering a thriving fashion community across many cities on the African continent and around the world, stating that this partnership with Lagos Fashion Week is a testament to that commitment. Together, they aspire to nurture local talents, empower their creativity, and offer a gateway to global recognition.
Omoyemi Akerele, founder and executive director of Lagos Fashion Week, will serve as a regional ambassador and advisor for the Qasimi Rising program, providing firsthand insights and guidance to emerging designers on navigating the local fashion industry. Akerele believes this partnership will undoubtedly empower these designers and set them on the path to success.
The Qasimi Rising and Lagos Fashion Week collaboration aims to bridge the gap between local talent and international recognition, marking an exciting phase for African fashion where innovation, creativity, and mentorship take center stage. For the first edition of Qasimi Rising, unveiled last year, the brand selected emerging designers Omer Asim from Sudan and Salim Azzam from Lebanon as winners, featuring their creations during Qasimi’s spring 2024 presentation in London.
