by London – Would the Chinese buy African fashion? Hannah Wanjie Ryder, Chief Executive Officer of Development, has reinterpreted advice in Beijing, which promotes Chinese trade and Chinese-African development, hopes this.
With the financing of the African export – the import bank came to China around 22 African countries last week and took over a considerable area within the official trading show mode of the Shanghai Fashion Week under the name Africa to show their latest work of local press and buyer.
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The brands later organized a runway show on March 29 with the hope of unlocking business and investment opportunities from China, which can ultimately change the local fashion sector of Africa.
By directing a light to high -quality, sustainable African brands in China in China and helps them to reach a new audience and unlock long -term commercial possibilities, he offers a place where the different styles of the continent, the rich culture and the increasing talents can be presented to China.
“Chinas is a diverse market. We want people to see that the African continent is. With regard to the different fashion styles, they can get very heavy prints, they can get completely different fabrics. One of our designers here sources Fabrics from 15 different African countries, but then it brings them out.
There is also a wider vision behind it.
According to Ryder, Africa, which also serves as an opportunity to gain Chinese investments in African manufacturing, to promote industrial growth, the creation of jobs and the deeper trade relationships between Africa, Asia and the global fashion ecosystem.
“If you think about the future of the African continent, we want to be a manufacturing center like China. But you don’t get there by doing small things. You have to be very intended. And we have a long way to make ourselves a kind of production center that is China now,” she said.
“We have to use fashion as a gateway, especially the textile and clothing sector. They help people to recognize that they have the highest and most beautiful products with the highest quality. It can help people think, ok, maybe some really great things can be produced on the continent.
Designers who traveled to China with Africa were South Africa David Tlale, Imprint ZA von Mzukisi Mbane, Rich Mnisi and Mantsho; Adama Paris of Senegal; Ghanas Studio 189; Nigeria’s Ejiro Amos Tafiri and guy; And Egypt’s Maison Farah Wali and more.
Tlale, an experienced designer who started 21 years ago and showed in New York and Paris, said Africa has created a goal for African brands to expand in Asia and to mark historical development in China-Africa culture relationships.
“African craftsmanship is exceptional, and the world finally recognizes its influence on luxury fashion. The Shanghai Fashion Week offers the perfect stage for African designers to prove that African design is not only relevant, but is essential for the future of global luxury fashion,” said Tlale.
“Not everyone can travel to South Africa or somewhere else on the continent. Here you can see and feel what Africa has to offer. We are a beautiful cohort of designers who have been creative and talented and have been in the industry for some time. We can say that we are the voice of the current Africa and we can represent our continent with Pride,” he added.
The South African designer said that his designs are all manufactured in Africa, he has procured in China since 2014.
“South Africa is part of Brics. It is very important that we summarize and grow together. I believe that we can share a lot between the two continents. The world is not ready what will come from China, and the world is not finished what will go out of Africa. And if we work together, we can change the game in any aspect,” said Tlale.
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