The Ubuntu International Project is the embodiment of a philosophy and a great opportunity to share their vision with the rest of the world.
The word Ubuntu is a South Africa word and is considered to be an African wide classical philosophy which means “I am what I am because of who we are”. Ubuntu International Projects in association with Hatch Events and Vauxhall Fashion Scout brought together a collective of African designers providing an alternative perspective of Afician to an international audience at London Fashion Week AW12.
The Ubuntu International Project was originally a South African focused artist management consultancy with the aim of supporting an promoting new talent coming out of Africa with an understanding that there is a lack of support for African based artists to compete within international markets. This project has now extended beyond the borders of South Africa and London Fashion Week AW12 was the prefect opportunity to introduce Focus Nigeria.
Opening the show with South African born Clinton Lotter and his classic but edgy debut collection which screamed elegance with a raw African energy. The words of Nelson Mandela echoing in our minds “we are only people because of other people, we are all human” set the tone for the whole show and a new vision of Africa.
Jose Hendo a fabulous and extravagant collection was another of our favourites of the day. This eco friendly collection was made up of reuseable materials and the focus of the collection demonstrated that Eco from Africa can be trendy and even avant-garde.
Other South African designers took to the catwalk to truly demonstrate the diversity and unique creativity that Africa has to offer the fashion world. Frankli Wild jewellery consisted of an impressive concotion golf balls, dimonds, crystals and more. The beauty of this collection was the combination of every day objects into pices of jewellery to be admired and helped to highlight; in the words of the designer Kevin Friedman “if something is beautiful, I think it deserves to exist”. I’d have to agree and this collection definitely represents the notion that beauty and value is about what is perceived in each individuals perspective.
“Afro Eco” and other slogans of global empowerment for Africa such as “Trade not Aid” and more came up the catwalk with energy and confidence. T-shirts made from African cotton manufactured in Africa was the embodiment of Ubuntu Projects new vision for Africa’s Fashion Industry.
Focus Nigeria was a collective of inspiring and diverse Nigeria designers using the signature vibrant West African textiles to re-enforce the notion of Africa in the 21st Century with cultural undertones and a post modern aesthetic.
Ayo van Elma set the tone of West Africa with incense sticks burning from traditional Nigerian Kufi Cap’s creatiing an intense and real sense that Africa is right here, right now. Utilising all senses this strong and dynamic collection showed that Afriacn design can be contemporary and traditional at the same time, which is a reflection of the continent as a whole.
Zohi Taglit collection’s feminine style was a breath of fresh air and our favourite to buy straight off the catwalk. Focus Nigeria bought together the old, the new and the future of Nigerian fashion.
After experiencing the Ubuntu International Project it is clear to me that the African industries in fashion and textiles are forging a new legacy for Africa in the 21st century and it is time for all Africans in the Diaspora to take notice of the wealth of talent and opportunities in the motherland.
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