"…with focus on sustainability and economic empowerment in the African fashion and textile industries, AFWLA featured a total of sixteen fashion and jewelry designers…"
So how did the Evolution of AFWLA begin? Over the last five years, having witnessed an introduction of African and African-inspired designs by way of American and European fashion houses; and the success of Africa Fashion Week New York, it became pretty clear that the market and desire for African designers in the Western world had reached its peak. With that in mind, cofounders Nnenna Obioha and Onyinyechi Egeonuigwe decided to establish the fashion and events production company, Africa Fashion Week Los Angeles (AFWLA, LLC.) in 2011.Through dedication, hard work, and the support of a strong team, the duo was able to put together a weeklong event that raises the bar for future productions of the same theme. With focus on sustainability and economic empowerment in the African fashion and textile industries, AFWLA featured a total of sixteen fashion and jewelry designers including Della-a Los Angeles based company that outsource printed fabrics and production in Ghana, West Africa; Fashion Designer Tina Summers; Bishme Cromartie who showcased the Spring/Summer 2013 Collection- all showcasing their collections to a diverse room full of guests.
"..as Los Angeles Fashion Week continues to develop its identity, a new kid-Africa Fashion Week Los Angeles, has arrived on the scene and it is here is stay…"
The event has received a vast amount of feedback and praise, which the team intends to use as momentum for their next season of shows. In debuting and featuring designers who expressed a unique take on African and African-inspired fashion, the inaugural production intends to expand its goals as they relate to offering exposure to underrepresented members of the Western and European fashion industry. As Los Angeles Fashion Week continues to develop its identity, a new kid-Africa Fashion Week Los Angeles, has arrived on the scene and it is here is stay. While it did not seem to be connected to the standard Fashion Week events such as concept, style, project ethos, etc., this new addition seems to hold its own and in doing so, it successfully brought out a new class of fashion enthusiasts.