The 10th iteration of the L’Afrique Fashion Fest is scheduled to take place across Port Harcourt, Lagos, and London during July, September, and November of 2026. This festival, dedicated to showcasing African creativity, culture, and artistic talent, has seen participation from various countries, including Ghana, Cameroon, and Benin Republic, since its inception nine years ago.
During a press conference held in Port Harcourt, Emmer Schneider, the Chief Executive Officer of L’Afrique Fashion Fest, revealed that the theme for this year, "Beyond Borders," is designed to propel the brand onto the international stage. He noted that while Port Harcourt has hosted the event for nine consecutive years, this 10th edition signifies a deliberate strategic expansion.
"For this edition, we are taking it to three cities… it is a good opportunity for L’Afrique to go international," Schneider stated. He further elaborated on the platform’s impact over the years, emphasizing its role in empowering designers and models, generating employment, and providing significant visibility through runway presentations, media coverage, and e-commerce opportunities.
Schneider also pointed out that models involved in the festival receive payment for their participation, and the event has been instrumental in opening doors for many to international runways.
Anita Okoi, the Co-Director, explained that the decision to extend the festival's reach beyond Port Harcourt was prompted by considerable public interest and the ambition to position the brand within the global fashion market. She believes this expansion will encourage collaboration among designers from different cities and nations, thereby strengthening Africa's presence in the international fashion industry.
Lead Designer Jasmine Afrik described the platform as highly competitive and encouraged broader engagement, particularly from emerging designers, to contribute to the industry's future development.
Organizers have announced that the event will be broadcast live in French, offering sponsors valuable opportunities to gain exposure to a wider global audience.
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