Africa Fashion Week LowCountry
Couture, Culture and Celebration
Africa Fashion Week LowCountry presents its second annual fashion week,
August 22-28, 2016!
Did you miss it last year? Did you hear about it and later saw the amazing pictures and wished you had been there? Allow me to fill you in!
Africa Fashion Week is held in major cities around the world, initially started by Adiat Disu, a former TJX and IBM corporate powerhouse and creator of Adirée, using the New York Fashion Week platform. Adiat’s vision was to bring African fashion to the world stage, showcasing and promoting African fashion as luxury brands. Fast-forward 10 years and designers, influencers, and brand ambassadors all over the world now host this fashion extravaganza!
Moving back to Port Royal three years ago inspired me to shift my fashion degree into full throttle through my clothing line Ngome Couture, an African inspired line of sumptuous and stylish wax print fabrics, with a play on contemporary and traditional designs. A year later, I conducted a presentation on Africa Week New York, which planted a beautiful seed leading to the cultivation, collaboration and creation of Africa Fashion Week LowCountry (AFWLC) in 2015!
Through the efforts of family, friends and countless supporters, AFWLC has been received locally, regionally and is growing in international fashion communities through social media! What makes AFWLC unique is the masterful infusion of classic Lowcountry inspirations, influences and indigenous cultural elements, such as showcasing sweetgrass accessories as part of last year’s runway show, including the artistry of well known artists Amiri Guekka Farris, Arianne King Colmer, Lilly Simpson and Jerry Bennett.
The theme for AFWLC ’16 is Crown and Glory, an ode to the rich, royal and regal ordination of headdresses. This year’s designer roster includes Dijano Bows, Obioma, Lauryn DeVaugn, Gabrielle Gozo, Wrapsody, Ngome Couture and more!
In addition to the wonderment of the fashion expose, AFWLC is a charitable event with a mission to give back to the community by partnering with organizations that use fashion and service to empower communities. Each year, AFWLC’s goal is to highlight one local and one global charity. This year’s charities are Gullah Daughters of Purpose, locally, and Little Dresses of Africa, internationally.
This is an event sure to delight, filled with vibrancy, tradition and style. So, gather your fashion forward friends, purchase tickets, and prepare to experience Africa Fashion Week Lowcountry 2016!
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Opening Ceremony | Monday, Aug. 22 6:30-8:30 P.M. Free | University of South Carolina Beaufort: Downtown Location (Lawn & Auditorium)
Opening ceremony and kickoff with special guests and speakers, special curated art/fashion exhibit, AFWLC Proclamation signing, models and entertainment, introduction of the Africa Fashion Week LowCountry Royal Court, hors d’oeuvres.
Day of Royalty | Tuesday, Aug. 23 | Free Virtual
AFWLC Day of Royalty (virtual event), proudly wear your fav African inspired attire, post pics and share across your entire social media network using the AFWLC hashtags #AFWLC #AFWLC2016
Island Night Network Mixer | Wednesday, Aug. 24 6:30-10 P.M. | $25 | 3669 Trask Pkwy., Beaufort
Celebrate the Royal way, Island style with AFWLC! Enjoy island cuisine, models, entertainment, artists and network mixing under a sunset view with island breezes, good eats, and good vibes! Attire: Caribbean inspired colors/styles.
Crown & Glory Day | Thursday, Aug. 25
Free Virtual
AFWLC Crown & Glory day, proudly wear your fav head wrap, headdress, or your crown of choice, post pics and share across your entire social media network using the AFWLC ashtags #AFWLC; #AFWLC2016 and #AFWLCcrownandglory2016
Rip the Royal Runway Fashion Show
Friday, Aug. 27 6:30-10 P.M. | $40 General Admission | $50 VIP | Holiday Inn & Suites, 2225 Boundary St., Beaufort
AFWLC Rip the Royal Runway Fashion show featuring Africa inspired designers showcasing the latest contemporary African inspired fashions, vendors, and entertainment! Live coverage on the Royal carpet featuring media and entertainment personalities! VIP ticket holders receive this year’s Ujamaa (cooperative economics Swag bag) and hors devours! Attire: ALL white with a touch of color or African inspired flair!
AFWLC Vendor Village | Saturday, Aug. 28 10:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M. Free | MLK Jr. Memorial Park at St. Helena on the Green, St. Helena Island
AFWLC Vendor Village showcasing arts, crafts, clothing and product vendors from throughout the Diaspora! Plus, experience the AFWLC Sankofa Children’s Fashion Show, music, entertainment, artists, food vendors and closing ceremony. VIP
Interested in being a sponsor, volunteer, model, media, Glam team artist, or designer, register online and purchase tickets at: www.africafashionweeklc.com