NEW YORK - One month after the launch of Africa Fashion Week, producer Adiat Disu, Founder and President of Adireé Fashion Agency evaluates the success Africa Fashion Week (NY) and its impact in the fashion industry.
Vogue Africa, meant to be the epitome of African fashion, was officially announced as rejected by Condé Nast. Along with the disappearance of the African Collections from the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Tents, "many Africans take the Vogue Africa refusal and disappearance of Arise Collection from the tents as a personal affront, but since when do we need the approval of anyone to bring Africa’s culture, fashionably, together as one?" No offense to the parents of the industry, however one must take initiative and move forward, ” says Disu.
ARISE African Fashion Week; South Africa Fashion Week, and now the newly launched Africa Fashion Week (New York) (AFWNY) has clearly proven that we do not need occidental "co-signers" to show the world the diversity of African fashion and beauty. Publications such as African owned, Arise, BHF, and Ladybrille Magazine cater to the targeted audience that Vogue Africa may have attracted.
"Adireé Fashion Agency has some surprising strategic alliances for next year’s Africa Fashion Week (NY) 2011 and our lips are sealed until negotiations and agreements are signed..."