ABY Concept and the Ethical Fashion Initiative are excited to announce a series of events taking place in December to showcase 10 labels producing sustainably on the continent. The events, taking place against the striking backdrop of the ABY concept store, will promote some of the top new names in Ivorian and African fashion.
The featured brands supported by ABY for this event are part of EFI’s Designer Accelerator, an initiative that supports African brands to build their businesses in order to gain investment and achieve a global reach. Ready-to-wear labels Hamaji and Katush (Kenya), Oudy K (Mali), Atelier VO (Benin) and native Côte d’Ivoire brands Laurenceairline and Kente Gentlemen, will showcase alongside Accessories labels Rummage, Jiamini (both Kenyan), Margaux Wong (Burundi) and Côte d’Ivoire’s own OHIRI.
ABY is very pleased to add the EFI Accelerator brands to the exciting range in store. For ABY, fashion is not only a word, it’s a commitment; our mission is to support and promote African creativity made on the continent. We are more than proud to offer Made-in-Africa-only high-end products to our international customers.
– Alix Koffi, ABY Creative Director
For EFI, the choice to work with ABY concept was an easy one. The company’s commitment to only stock fashion designed and made in Africa combined with its social mission to create jobs on the continent make it a unique and inspiring company that EFI are proud to partner with.
Made-in-Africa – it’s so important. The impact of a 100% made-in-Africa sustainable supply chain is decent work for artisans and producers that support entire communities. Aby Concept has created an exceptional platform for showcasing creatives with this meaningful mission
– Simone Cipriani, EFI Founder
The events will begin on December 14th with the launch of a 3 month-long pop-up in the Abidjan store. Also taking place on December 14th is an invite-only fashion show which will showcase incredible fashion designed and made in Africa in the idyllic setting of the ABY rooftop.
On December 15th, all are welcome to attend exciting panel talks which will focus on topics at the heart of the Ethical Fashion Initiative’s mission. The 5 pm Creative Industries in Côte d’Ivoire panel discussion will feature an exciting mix of trailblazers in the creative industries; designer Aristide Loua of Kente Gentlemen, Lafalaise Dion of Queen of Cowries, curator Bayo Hassan Bello and ABY’s Creative Director, Alix Koffi. At 18:30 the discussion on The African Sustainability Opportunity will examine the creative industries through a sustainability lens, with insights from marketing expert Kwame Senou, EFI’s Sadiath Aminou and Chloé Mukai, and Jean Servais Somian founder of sustainable label Somian Design.
The events begin with the pop-up shop on December 14th and will all take place at the ABY Concept store Rue Booker Washington in Abidjan. More details can be found at @ethicalfashion & @aby_