With one amazing finale to New York’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, the Made in Africa: by Arise Magazine show ushered in seven talented African designers.
More than 1,000 attendees witnessed the debut of Spring 2012 collections by: Kluk CGTD (worn by the likes of Beyonce and Charlize Theron); Bunmi Koko (whose designs have caught First Lady Michelle Obama’s eye); Pierre-Antoine Vetterello (who’s held posts at Balenciaga and Lagerfeld); Asibelua (with it’s Nigerian prints infused with modern cuts); Jewel by Lisa (a favorite of Solange Knowles and Kendall Jenner); Tsemaye Binitie (whose resume includes Stella McCartney); and Lanre Da Silva (who’s bright silhouettes are infamous for impeccable draping.)
Hosted by Arise Magazine, an international style publication that covers fashion, music, politics and culture, this year’s show featured runway sensation Sessilee Lopez and a closing performance by platinum-selling singer Leona Lewis.
It was the second Arise show in the U.S., with its premiere show launch in 2009, featuring cameos by pop icon Grace Jones and fashion industry powerhouses Tyson Beckford, Alek Wek, and Liya Kebede.
BlackEnterprise.com got exclusive backstage access to talk to design duo Malcolm KLuK and Christiaan Gabriel Du Toit of KLuk CGTD; Vetterello and Binitie, each of their respective namesake lines; and Lisa Folawiyo, of Jewel by Lisa, on how their diversity, history, and love for Africa inspired their Spring 2012 collections:
(Videographer: Melissa Johnson)
Visit BlackEnterprise.com/style for more Fashion Week coverage as well as features on how you can upgrade our professional style profile!