Kinshasa Fashion Week 2014

                

Fasion Week was back on fire this year 2014! After a Successful launch year... 3 days and 16 designers with pure creativity. During the 18th to the 22th of July Kinshasa Fashion Week (KFW) took it turn along side with Revolution Event+ Media to remind us of the Congolese Sapology (A true religion of which congoleses, dress good and look good attitude). The City of Sappeurs open it doors,to the wide world designers as nations (Bana Congo) true Maitre de la Mode Congolese to wonderful expositions under one podium. About 200 congolese models wore those amazing creations, also provided a moment of the show 10 sappers group "Daddy Claw".

This year KFWtook place at the Shark Club Omnisports Complex in Gombe Commune. The first two days was devoted to the fashion show and the last day of an exhibition and sale works of varied collections presented by designers during the parade.The collections presented during the parade were sold during the exhibition. There were also selling other creative items, such as : cloths, bags, shoes etc. Brief products from different economic and cultural operators.

 With the great support of many of Congolese personalities and media which I state:  First Lady of Congo Olive Kabila alongside with her son and daugther, National MP Mr. Zacharie Babaswe , Mr. Zoé Kabila. ADG of Sonas Carole Agito, Number 1 of the BIAC Losembe Michel, Number 1 of SOFI bancK and DHL Ground,Musicians such as Felix Ferre Gola Wazekwa. Also in the press family Mr Jean Pierre Mutamba  of B-one, Jean Marie Kasamba of Tele 50, Didier M'pambia Optimum. And Alain Yav Pygma. And last but not least also present, the Marketing Manager of Vodacom Tatiana Madi. Many others attends, such as ambassadors of Kinshasa.


With collections that are mainly composed of ready-to-wear and haute couture. 16 designers took part in the Fashion Week. About a dozen of them were locally such  as Carine Pala,

Okapi a La Mode of Carine Pala (Wenge )

Okapi a La Mode which I have to to nominate officially one of my favorite. Her fascinating creation always caught my eyes, not personally knowing but she has won the heart of many Congoleses through her humor.  commonly know under the name of Wenge,even through her acting career, she never fail to expose her stylish attire and wonderful creations. ( Find out more in future post)

Marie Omba
Mood Couture presented unique pre a porte. With naturelle colors of which nude, Marie Omba   introduced new vision for the fashion and fascinating piece to melt your heart.  

 Tiffahny Dians,

Marie France Mumba,

Hermeland Matuzeyi,

 Sammy Okasol,

Caddie Kabala

Noella Tapasu (Paris)

On the Side very fresh,very modern, I have to nominate Noella. Her mix with the African colors to the European feel, was a stand out. She is a young designer who has already emerge a lot of buzz. She is the one to watch out.

Marcisse

Kahindo Mateene of Chigago

Yemi Osunkoya London.

I fall once, twice...ok countless times in love with Yemi's creations. I mean what is not dreaming about his wedding dresses? The designer from London, stealing our hearts away not only for being the weeding dress specialist but for his choice of fabric to amaze us with his haut couture. 

As a big fan of Liputa,Wax that I am, the show couldn't end without a Vlsco apperance. This category was the most beautiful. Beautiful for the creations and also a reminding of the love african women have for liputa wax..... Vlisco Company  presented two designers; Eloi Sessou of Côte d'Ivoire

and Fany Mandina DRC.

And many more wonderful designers which couldn't be stated

As mentioned in the past post, KFW had welcomed it futures starts of the Higher Institute of Arts and Crafts (ISAM). "Kinshasa Fashion Week is a platform that will also provide inspiration to the new generation of designers," said Gloria Mteyu the initiator.


Kinshasa Fashion Week's goal is to make known the Congolese designers internationally, encouraging the consumption of "Made in DRC" products while supporting and promoting the development of the local textile and clothing. Furthermore, respecting his custom to direct contact stylists and customers Kinshasa Fashion Week intends to contribute to public awareness of the existence of the Congolese creative industries. And  the exhibition allows a real opportunity for cultural and professional exchanges between players.

I wonder what amazing surprises KFW has for us next year!? Untill then don't forget to follow theirlatest updates at www.Kishasafashionweek.com or Like them on FB and Followon twitter. Or could always search then on hastag #KFW

Photos Credit with all right and reserve: Simon Deiner / SDR Photo