By Swahili Fashion Week with Iminza Keboge
Published December 6, 2020
The 13th edition of the annual Swahili Fashion Week & Awards that began on December 4 in the Tanzanian commercial capital, Dar es Salaam, runs through December 6, 2020.
“In spite of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have more than 45 designers showcasing at this year’s event,” says Mustafa Hassanali, the founder of Swahili Fashion Week. “The goal of developing the African Fashion space remains at the forefront of what we are aiming to do, and through the platform and its wide media exposure, the consumer in Tanzania, Africa and the Diaspora at large is seeing that there’s an alternative to the imported brands, we always aim to strengthen Brand value, championing the ‘made in Africa’ concept and building global brands with African roots.”
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The 13th Swahili Fashion Week, Hassanali says, continues to be the highlight of fashion weeks in Africa with both local, regional and international designers garnering millions of impressions under the tagline, Discover What Makes Africa Beautiful.
“We urge the public to support the design industry and proudly wear Made in Tanzania. The local talents need to be nurtured to evolve them into globally recognised brand names. Charity begins at home, thus we look forward to support from local companies and organizations to facilitate this business of fashion,” Hassanali says. “The platform intends to encourage more young designers this year to use this platform as a stepping stone to their next level into the fashion world.”
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Speaking during the launch, Roberto Mengoni, Ambassador of Italy to Tanzania, said, “Over the past 6 years we have been partnering with Swahili fashion week and we are pleased yet again to join hands with them this year. We have witnessed diverse and rapid growth of fashion industry in Tanzania and it is an honour being part of that growth. The Embassy is proud to bring renowned Italian fashion designer Maria Laurenza who will showcase her collection during the fashion week and also host a workshop for young designers.
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For the past 12 years Swahili Fashion Week has been providing a platform for fashion and accessory designers from Kiswahili-speaking countries and beyond to showcase their talent, market their creativity and give them the opportunity to network with clientele and the international fashion industry.
Apart from Runways shows taking place every evening over the three-day period there is a bazaar for exhibitors to display and sell various handicrafts, art and accessories.
