A celebration of mid-20th century, traditional and modern creatives, Africa Fashion honours the history and development of the continent. The largest exhibition in the country dedicated to recognising the impact and importance of the talent produced from the 54 countries of Africa, showcases the artists, through fashion, music, photography, and film.

 

The Victoria and Albert (V&A) Africa Fashion Exhibition highlights the rich and extensive art produced by Africa. Challenging the narrative and view of fashion being centred around western standards and values.

 

Design from within the continent and throughout the diaspora show the connectivity that fashion can create for communities. The passion, style and history can be carried throughout generations - no matter where people are. By showing the growth and independence of African creatives, the audience is able to use the art to connect to the artist.

 

Throughout the exhibition a multitude of stories and culture are displayed through the eyes of people who uphold and uplift their lived experience. 40 contemporary designers from countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa are displayed throughout the show.

 

Work from photographers such as Sanle Sory and Seydou keita demonstrate prominent imagery, as well as designers: Shade Thomas-Fahm, Chris Seydou, Imane Ayissi, Moshions, Thebe Magugu and Sindiso Khumalo.

 

Traditional clothing and practises are shown throughout the exhibit to highlight how different societies have carried their culture into the modern world. African creatives are showing a different side to Africa that is not typically shown through modern media and showcasing how people around the world celebrate fashion and art within their own communities.

 

The curation of exhibition seamlessly showcases the journey and relationship of more traditional design into the development of more modern garments and photography. Rich colours and patterns adorned the walls and screens to the museum, transporting the viewer into the world of the artists.

 

African fashion is an extremely global market and has had links to worldwide fashion industry for many, many years without being shown or heard from. Whilst for many fashion is seen as clothing and a means of expressing how one feels, it can also be a vehicle for social change, independence, identity, history and culture. It is a way to connect people across the continent and across the world.