{"id":112096,"date":"2025-09-08T13:41:12","date_gmt":"2025-09-08T17:41:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sayaspora.com\/?p=112096"},"modified":"2025-09-22T05:37:11","modified_gmt":"2025-09-22T09:37:11","slug":"my-african-fashion-week-diary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sayaspora.com\/en\/my-african-fashion-week-diary\/","title":{"rendered":"My African Fashion Week Diary"},"content":{"rendered":"

Last weekend, I stumbled upon a truly exciting event I had never heard of before: African Fashion Week. I was lucky enough to attend all three days, and now I\u2019m here to share my experience.<\/p>\n

Day 1<\/b><\/p>\n

Fashion Week kicked off on Thursday, August 28, with the Blagik pop-up store in downtown Montreal. I arrived at 5 p.m. and was welcomed with a glass of champagne. The boutique, though small, was bursting with colorful clothes and accessories designed by African creators. A DJ kept the energy alive while guests enjoyed a buffet of appetizers and fresh fruit. I grabbed a few fried shrimp while chatting with other attendees.<\/span><\/p>\n

The atmosphere was elegant, almost wedding-like. Guests came dressed in long gowns, traditional attire, and high heels. For a moment, I forgot I was at a pop-up in Montreal; it felt like I\u2019d stepped into a glamorous African celebration.<\/span><\/p>\n

Eventually, I got the chance to speak with the man behind it all: Gilles Wouanko, organizer of Fashion Week and owner of the boutique. Originally from Cameroon, Wouanko has been active in fashion for years. He first launched African Fashion Week in Edmonton after moving there in 2011. Following several successful editions, he brought it to Montreal in 2018, where it has since become an end-of-summer tradition.<\/span><\/p>\n

Curious, I asked him, \u201cIs this event specifically for Africans, or can anyone attend?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone is welcome,\u201d he explained. \u201cWe showcase designers from and outside of the continent, but you don\u2019t have to be of African descent to enjoy it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As a North African, I followed up: \u201cWhen you say \u2018African Fashion Week,\u2019 does that include North Africans, or is it focused mainly on sub-Saharan heritage?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it includes North Africa,\u201d he confirmed. \u201cIn fact, we even have a collection from an Algerian designer here in the store, and she\u2019ll be presenting during the fashion show.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He emphasized his vision of inclusivity, hoping to expand African Fashion Week to even more Canadian cities in the future.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>

<\/span><\/div>

\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Day 2<\/b><\/p>\n

Friday brought a different vibe. At a downtown hotel, I was greeted by large promotional posters before stepping into a small room filled with clothing racks, a DJ booth, and a bar. I grabbed a mango juice and mingled until we were invited to the patio for a panel discussion on business and entrepreneurship.<\/p>\n

Moderated by Wouanko, the panel featured Tamara Chanoine, Kerwins St-Jean, and Doro Saiz. The discussion lasted nearly an hour, but a few quotes stuck with me:<\/p>\n

Tamara Chanoine (Director of Black Entrepreneurs at Futurpreneur): \u201cWhat problem am I trying to solve by creating a business?\u201d<\/p>\n

Kerwins St-Jean (Townshippers Association, Young Nelson Mandela Award, Charles III Medal): \u201cYou are already thriving by breaking your own records, by doing something different, by having fun and by being confident.\u201d<\/p>\n

Doro Saiz (Creative Director of Smartegy, graphic designer, photographer): \u201cThere\u2019s no bad idea in entrepreneurship. There\u2019s always a way to do something, to add something different to society.\u201d<\/p>\n

The evening wrapped up around 8:30 p.m., and I left inspired, notebook full of ideas.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/span><\/div>

Photo: Pphotonewb<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/span><\/div>

Photo: Pphotonewb<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/span><\/div>

Photo: Pphotonewb<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Day 3<\/b><\/p>\n

Saturday night was the long-awaited fashion show at Hotel Zero. I arrived at 7:10 p.m., nervous that I was late, but the event started later than expected due to technical issues. The runway finally lit up around 8:30 p.m.<\/span><\/p>\n

The show opened with <\/span>Sunbeams<\/b>, a women-owned accessories and cosmetics brand committed to organic, ethical, vegan, and cruelty-free products. Next came <\/span>Khadyz<\/b>, a Burkinab\u00e9-Ivorian-Beninese-Canadian brand presenting long dresses inspired by traditional African motifs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Then <\/span>AulPeople<\/b>, a French-Algerian-Canadian label, showcased a mix of colorful cocktail dresses, evening gowns, and streetwear. Following them was <\/span>Monsieurestnoir<\/b>, with a striking leather collection.<\/span><\/p>\n

Closing the evening was <\/span>Isio Clothing<\/b>, a Canadian-Nigerian-Emirati brand blending African and Middle Eastern traditions with modern Western elegance. Their collection was my personal favorite.<\/span><\/p>\n

Unfortunately, just after Isio\u2019s showcase, Mr. Wouanko announced the event had to end earlier than planned. I stayed a little while longer to take photos and say goodbye before heading out around 9:50 p.m.<\/span><\/p>\n

Final Thoughts<\/b><\/p>\n

Despite the early ending, Fashion Week was a success. I met wonderful people, learned new insights on business and fashion, and admired breathtaking dresses, suits, and accessories. If you\u2019re passionate about fashion, art, or simply discovering new and emerging African designers, this event is for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2014 Selma Ferdjioui<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n



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