The 5th edition of Africa Fashion Up concluded with a memorable evening on Thursday,
June 26, cementing its status as a major event during Paris Fashion Week and an essential platform for emerging African talent.
Throughout a week marked by discovery, exchange, and emotion, designers, experts, luxury houses, and institutions came together to celebrate the boldness and diversity of African fashion through a rich and dynamic program: masterclasses, the Africa Now pop-up store at Galeries Lafayette, immersive visits, and a spectacular final runway show at the Bridge Pont Alexandre III.
By offering a true stage to these young talents, Valérie Ka, founder of the event, celebrates the creativity and innovation of the African continent, while reaffirming her ambition to structure and promote the African fashion industry on the international stage.
Valérie Ka, Founder of Share Africa – Africa Fashion Up (left), Hawi Midekssa, winner of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Award and Best Designer Africa (center), Margot Lalanne, Global Internal Communication Director at Balenciaga (right)
An Award Lineup Reflecting a New Generation
Among the 300 applications received this year, five committed designers were honored. Ethiopian designer Hawi Midekssa stood out by winning two major awards: the Women’s Entrepreneurship Award, presented by Alexandre Liot (Galeries Lafayette), and the prestigious Best Designer Africa Award, presented by Margot Lalanne (Balenciaga).
Liot (Galeries Lafayette), and the Best Designer Africa Award, presented by Ludivine Pont (Balenciaga), celebrated the young designer’s bold vision and creative power.
Clarisse Reille, jury president and director of DEFI, awarded the Jury’s Special Prize to Frank Aghuno (Fruché). Élisabeth Moreno, former minister and committed patron of the event, praised “this beauty that unites and tells a story” before presenting the Eco-Responsibility Award to Peter Oshobor (Oshobor) and Samkelo Xaba (Boyde) for their commitment to sustainable fashion.
Elizabeth Tchoungui, CSR Director at Orange Group, awarded the Digital Creation Prize to Cameroonian designer Fese Ndumbe-Eyoh (Eloli World). This award includes enhanced strategic support in digital marketing and business development to accelerate the brand’s international reach.
The runway show also featured the collections of Collé Sow, Algueye, Mina Binebine (2022 winner), and Yoni Alousseni as guests of honor.
A festive and artistic evening.
Over 300 guests attended the runway show held at Bridge – Pont Alexandre III, a legendary venue between Les Invalides and the Grand Palais. The event welcomed prominent figures from the worlds of culture and politics, including Flora Coquerel, Miss France 2014 ; Aïssa Maïga actress ; Aboudia Abdoulaye Diarrassouba, artist ; Nadège Beausson-Diagne, actress ; Diarra Dime Labille, Africa-Diaspora Advisor (Élysée) ; Gabriel Wenyen, basket-ball player; Élie de Rothschild Jr. ; Élisabeth Richard, Director of Civil Society Relations at ENGIE ; Raphaël Say, model, influencer and Sacko Camara, comedian. The evening concluded with performances by Hiro, Papi Del Sol, La Team Paiya and Moh Green, named Best DJ Africa at the Trace Awards.
Representatives from major brands were also in attendance. : Ludivine Pont, Chief Marketing Officer at Balenciaga ; Alexandre Liot Director of Galeries Lafayette France; Yann Rivoallan, President of the French Federation of Women’s Ready-to-Wear Fashion ; Clarisse Reille, Managing Director of IFTH and DEFI, the incubator and growth accelerator for the clothing industry in France, and Thomas du Pré de Saint Maur, Creative Director of Chanel Fragrance & Beauty.
Committed partners supporting emerging talent
Africa Fashion Up is much more than a fashion show it is a springboard for a new generation of African designers. In 2025, long-standing partners strengthened their commitment:
- Balenciaga continues its personalized mentorship program
- Orange supports the digital strategy of the brand Eloli World
- HEC Paris offers a tailored support program including masterclasses and coaching
- Istituto Marangoni provides specialized training in fashion and business
- For the second consecutive year, Galeries Lafayette hosted an international pop-up store under their iconic dome from June 18 to July 8
- Studio Ka, the flagship brand of Africa Fashion Up, returned for the second year to Galeries Lafayette as part of the Africa Now pop-up store, following the organization of its very first sales event by young African designers in the iconic department store. The label, founded by Valérie Ka, has established itself as a key showcase for contemporary African fashion in the heart of the Parisian retail landmark, presenting this year the designers Collé Sow, Algueye, and Bandama from June 18 to July 8.
“For the fifth consecutive year, Balenciaga is a proud partner of Share Africa – Africa Fashion Up, reaffirming its commitment to diversity and inclusion within the fashion industry. Through this partnership, the House supports the development of creativity in fashion by guiding emerging African designers in their entrepreneurial journey,” said Gianfranco Gianangeli, CEO of Balenciaga.
Celebrating five years of spotlighting African talent and driving impact
Since 2021, Africa Fashion Up has established itself as a key event in Paris for African creativity. Over five editions, dozens of designers from Nigeria, South Africa, Morocco, Senegal, Madagascar, Cameroon, Ethiopia, and Côte d’Ivoire have been brought into the spotlight. They’ve had the opportunity to showcase their collections in Paris, gain access to influential networks, and benefit from high-level mentorship programs. Through this initiative, the Share Africa association continues its mission: to empower African designers to shine on the international stage while staying true to their roots.
“I would like to warmly thank all the designers who have joined this adventure, as well as all our partners for their loyalty and commitment. For the past five years, Africa Fashion Up has been celebrating the richness and diversity of Africa with boldness and kindness, and we will continue on this path,” emphasized Valérie Ka, founder of Share Africa – Africa Fashion Up.
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