Africa Fashion Up 2025 concluded its fifth edition with an unforgettable finale in Paris, cementing the event as a vital platform for rising African designers and a beacon of the continent’s creative innovation. From June 18 to June 26, the event delivered a vibrant program of masterclasses, pop-up stores, immersive visits, and a spectacular runway show that brought together major industry players, cultural icons, and the next generation of fashion leaders.
Held during Paris Fashion Week, Africa Fashion Up provided unparalleled exposure for five emerging talents selected from over 300 applicants. The spotlight shone brightly on Ethiopian designer Hawi Midekssa, who swept two top honors: the Women’s Entrepreneurship Award (presented by Alexandre Liot of Galeries Lafayette) and the Best Designer Africa Award (from Ludivine Pont of Balenciaga). Frank Aghuno (Fruché) earned the Jury’s Special Prize, while the Eco-Responsibility Award went to Peter Oshobor (Oshobor) and Samkelo Xaba (Boyde) for their sustainable commitments. Cameroonian designer Fese Ndumbe-Eyoh (Eloli World) received the Digital Creation Prize, including strategic support to enhance her brand’s global visibility.
Valérie Ka, Founder of Share Africa – Africa Fashion Up (left), Hawi Midekssa, winner of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Award and Best Designer Africa (center), Margot Lalanne, Global Internal Communication Director
The final fashion show at the Bridge – Pont Alexandre III drew more than 300 guests and featured the collections of previous winners and invited designers such as Collé Sow, Algueye, Mina Binebine, and Yoni Alousseni. Notable attendees included actress Aïssa Maïga, artist Aboudia Abdoulaye Diarrassouba, model Raphaël Say, and key figures from Balenciaga, Galeries Lafayette, Chanel, and DEFI.
Africa Fashion Up isn’t just a runway showcase—it’s an incubator for future fashion leaders. With long-term support from Balenciaga’s mentorship program, Orange’s digital strategy assistance, HEC Paris’s business coaching, and Istituto Marangoni’s training programs, the event bridges creativity and commerce. Additionally, the Africa Now pop-up store at Galeries Lafayette hosted designers under the banner of Studio Ka, the event’s flagship label founded by Valérie Ka.
Now in its fifth year, Africa Fashion Up continues to drive meaningful change in fashion by amplifying diverse voices and nurturing talent across Africa. As Valérie Ka noted, “Africa Fashion Up has been celebrating the richness and diversity of Africa with boldness and kindness, and we will continue on this path.”
