- * Launches Charitable Foundation At Africana Experience Live Runway Show
In a landmark event, Africana, the renowned African luxury fashion house, showcased its latest SS24 collection, 'THE ART OF LIFE,' at the 'Africana Experience Live.' Held at Harrow Park, Abuja, the brand's inaugural runway show epitomised its exceptional growth and commitment to artisanal craftsmanship, blending traditional African elements with contemporary design.
The show commenced with a sophisticated Black carpet reception, setting the tone for an evening of grandeur and artistic expression. The music performances, including an orchestra and choir, along with the art installations, provided a vibrant backdrop to the evening. An engaging documentary, screened across the venue offered insights into Africana's journey, ethos and inspiration for SS24 with Guest Creative Director, Ifidon Oisamoje, notably sharing the thought process behind its development.
The runway featured a range of designs, including:
Art of Living (Lounge Wear): Effortlessly stylish loungewear that creates a relaxed atmosphere.
Art of Culture (Kaftans & Agbada): Elegant traditional African attire that celebrates our society’s rich heritage.
Art of Urban (Street Wear): Contemporary streetwear with vibrant African-inspired art.
Art of Motion (Travel): Travel essentials featuring masterfully crafted leather goods.
The night’s cultural richness was further amplified through a traditional dance performance from the Edoseghe Theatre Group, fueling the atmosphere with a spirited ambience. The runway segment of the night concluded with a collective bow, acknowledging the collaborative spirit of the creatives and support team behind the event.
In a significant announcement, Charles Oronsaye of Africana launched the Africana 17 Charitable Foundation, a formal initiative to support Nigeria’s healthcare sector. Speaking on his motivation, the Africana CEO stated, “Setting up this foundation reflects my lifelong aspiration to use fashion as a force for good, aiming to support underprivileged communities and demonstrate the potentially impactful role of our industry in societal welfare." The foundation’s first project is to raise funds for two dialysis machines for the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), providing free treatment as a part of Africana's commitment to social responsibility, thereby blending the world of fashion with a deep sense of empathy and care for the community.
The ‘Africana Experience Live,’ supported by Tecno, The Macallan, MAC, and Kairos Hof, concluded with a vibrant afterparty. Guests had the exclusive opportunity to purchase pieces from the SS24 collection and enjoy a stunning fireworks display, all part of a mesmerising multisensory spectacle that captured the essence of Africana's creativity, leaving attendees eager for its anticipated repetition in 2024.
About Africana:
Headquartered in Abuja, Africana is a Pan-African lifestyle brand with experience stores in Abuja, Dakar, and Abidjan. Known for blending traditional and contemporary styles, Africana is committed to making a positive impact through initiatives like the Africana 17 Charitable Foundation. NNL.