Afro Fashion Association

Summary

Based in Italy and Cameroon is synergistic, volunteer-driven not-for-profit Afro Fashion Association which promotes diversity and inclusion in fashion, design, art, and culture and advances Africa’s identity rooted in its creativity, culture and innovation. Its events and services provide an international platform to showcase and support the work of emerging African, Afro descent, and Afro-inspired designers.

History

The Afro Fashion Council was founded in 2015 by Michelle Ngonmo, who holds a degree in Audiovisual and Multimedia Communication and a Master’s in Foreign Languages. After several internships abroad, including the Belgian Ministry of Culture, she returned to Milan to launch the Afro Fashion Association, where she continues to serve as Executive Director.

With a database of around 1400 registered Afro designers, Afro Fashion Association has a wide network of fashion influencers,  fashion designers, and other industry professionals in Italy. Through its events, the association has promoted the work of about eighty fashion designers. Its collaborations with fashion universities in Africa puts them in contact with emerging talent whom it provides opportunities to engage with the fashion industry on an international stage.

Overall, the associations aims to support emerging designers and elevate established fashion designers. Its multi-pronged approach to talent cultivation and support comprises fashion shows, trade fairs and exhibitions, buyer events, mentorship, and education. Through its flagship events, Afro Fashion Week and Afro Walks, the association has developed an ecosystem of equity for emerging and under-recognized African and Afro-descendent designers.

Vision

The Afro Fashion Association envisions a fashion industry that celebrates and amplifies the rich cultural heritage and creativity of the African diaspora. At the heart of this vision is a commitment to spotlighting fashion designers, artisans, and creatives of African descent, providing them with the visibility and recognition they deserve on a global scale. The association aims to break barriers and challenge stereotypes by showcasing the depth and diversity in African-influenced fashion, positioning it as an innovative force within the industry.

Central to the Afro Fashion Association’s vision is fostering an inclusive environment where collaboration and support are paramount. By creating opportunities for mentorship, partnerships, and education, the association seeks to bridge gaps in access to resources and networks that have historically limited the reach of Black designers and creatives. This approach ensures that the contributions of these artists are not only acknowledged but actively uplifted, building a community that nurtures talent and innovation.

The association also places a strong emphasis on sustainability and ethical practices, advocating for fashion that respects both people and the environment. By promoting traditional techniques, ethical sourcing, and eco-friendly production methods, Afro Fashion Association aims to redefine fashion’s impact. Their vision is to harmonize cultural appreciation with modern practices, ensuring that African-influenced fashion is celebrated not only for its aesthetic and cultural significance but also for its responsible and forward-thinking approach.

Mission

The Afro Fashion Association’s mission is rooted in the belief that fashion, design, art, and culture hold transformative power to foster cross-cultural exchange and empowerment. By using fashion as a conduit for dialogue and understanding, the association seeks to bridge cultural divides and build stronger, more inclusive connections across diverse communities. It champions the idea that showcasing and sharing the rich, multifaceted narratives of the African diaspora can inspire new perspectives, drive social change, and foster a global appreciation for cultural diversity.

Furthermore, the association is dedicated to promoting sustainable economic development by supporting designers and artisans through access to resources, mentorship, and platforms that enhance their growth. By advocating for ethical practices and sustainable production methods, the Afro Fashion Association aligns its mission with a vision for a fashion industry that uplifts communities while respecting the environment. Through these efforts, the association aims to create a robust ecosystem where culture, creativity, and commerce thrive hand in hand.

Services

The Afro Fashion Association provides services designed to uplift and promote fashion designers, artists, and creatives within the African diaspora. Key among these services are mentorship and educational programs that equip emerging talents with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the competitive fashion industry. By connecting participants with experienced professionals and industry leaders, the association fosters a supportive network that empowers creatives to expand their reach, refine their craft, and navigate the business side of fashion effectively. Additionally, the association organises showcases, exhibits, and fashion events that give artists platforms to present their work to international audiences, enhancing visibility.

The Afro Fashion Association also focuses on facilitating cross-cultural collaborations and partnerships. These initiatives create opportunities for joint ventures between fashion designers from different backgrounds, encouraging an exchange of ideas that enriches the fashion landscape. The association also champions sustainable and ethical practices, guiding its members towards eco-friendly production and responsible sourcing. By aligning its services with a commitment to cultural representation and sustainability, the Afro Fashion Association ensures that its support not only nurtures creativity but also contributes positively to broader social and environmental goals.

Awards and Recognition

Afro Fashion Association is recognised for proposing an innovative cultural offering, respecting tradition and enhancing art and culture as a sector of employment for young people and an engine for social and economic development. It also develops in young people the skills and professionalism relevant to their inclusion in the market of the visual and plastic arts in Cameroon by integrating traditional knowledge, technological innovation and digital culture.

References

• Official website Afro Fashion Association
• Afro Fashion Week Continues to Support Designers of Color WWD
• Twitter profile of Afro Fashion Association Twitter
• Trussardi to promote inclusive projects with Afro Fashion Association Fashion United
• Facebook profile of Afro Fashion Association Facebook
• They are Black. They are Italians. And they are changing their country. CS Monitor
• Instagram profile of Afro Fashion Association Instagram
• LinkedIn profile of Afro Fashion Association LinkedIn
• Afro Fashion Association Vogue
• Afro Fashion Association to host first edition of Black Carpet Awards Fashion United
• Afro Fashion Association partners with Trussardi on diversity initiatives Fashion United
• Africa: Creative Industries Flourish At U.S. Africa Leaders Summit All Africa
• Made in Italy Vogue