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Prosper Africa, style house files collaborate to strengthen African fashion in America

By Gregory Austin Nwakunor

02 November 2024   |   10:33 am

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As global consumers continue to seek ethical and sustainable fashion options, the spotlight will increasingly turn to Africa’s leadership

As global consumers continue to seek ethical and sustainable fashion options, the spotlight will increasingly turn to Africa’s leadership in responsible production models, experts who spoke at a recent forum have said.

Panelists at the event said African designers are uniquely positioned to redefine global fashion with their commitment to craftsmanship, cultural heritage, and sustainability.

The event, which was organised on October 25, was a collaboration between the American government initiative Prosper Africa and Style House Files, organisers of Lagos Fashion Week.

Titled, ‘Bridging Markets’, the panel discussion brought together leading fashion and trade experts aimed at strengthening access for African fashion designers to the U.S. market.

The panel discussion held as part of Lagos Fashion Week, highlighting the immense potential of African fashion on the global stage.

Coordinator of Prosper Africa, British A. Robinson, said: “Prosper Africa looks forward to increasing access for African designers to the American apparel market.”

Since 2011, Lagos Fashion Week has brought together designers, buyers, and consumers to elevate the current trends in African fashion. With the world’s fashion industry increasingly looking to Africa as a hub for innovation, craftsmanship, and sustainability, Lagos Fashion Week has become a leading platform for discovering dynamic new brands that fuse cultural narratives with ethical production.

“We are excited to see African fashion expand beyond borders, with the United States as a key market for growth,” said Chairman Lagos Fashion Week, Tokunbo Akerele. “Through ‘Bridging Markets,’ we offer African designers the tools, networks, and resources they need to scale their businesses internationally, while sharing the unique storytelling, craftsmanship, and sustainable practices that make African fashion truly exceptional.”

America Consul General, Will Stevens, noted that fashion is a multi-billion-dollar industry and a huge contributor to the global economy, creating jobs and economic prosperity. “We are delighted to provide fashion designers and trade experts from Nigeria with this unique opportunity to connect with their U.S. counterparts,” said Consul General Will Stevens.

“With growing artistic, sports, film, and music ties between Nigeria and the United States, the U.S. Mission is committed to further deepening our strong ties by adding fashion as another area of growing connectivity between our two countries.”