African Fashion Fund and Fashion Institute of Technology Host Open Forum About the Future of African Fashion.

Alara Nigeria



A model is displayed in Alara, a new retail concept store, on May 19, 2015 on Victoria Island, Lagos. Founded by Reni Folawiyo, the store offers customers the best in fashion and interior design from all over Africa and the world. AFP PHOTO / EMMANUEL AREWA

On Thursday, September 24, 2015, African Fashion Fund (AFF) hosted a presentation at Fashion Institute of Technology for the International Trade & Marketing program. African Fashion and International Business: Creative Economies Powered by Capacity Building, Education, Entrepreneurship, Women Empowerment, and Innovation highlighted the challenges and solutions of the rising African fashion industry.

“The use of traditional African patterns and textiles has become more prevalent in the commercial fashion industry, yet African designers still need access to more support in order to make a greater impact in the global luxury market.” — Roberta Annan, Founder of Frallain Inc. and AFF.

AFF is a not-for-profit organization that supports and develops emerging African fashion designers. AFF aims to further African fashion designers’ success in the global fashion industry and luxury market by providing capacity building through internship placements, manufacturing and production assistance, and grants and scholarships.

Ms. Annan lead the discussion, focusing on the opportunities she creating through AFF’s platform. Kibonen Nfi, Creative Director of Kibonen NY; Afua Dabanka, Fashion Designer, CEO of MO SAIQUE; The Rai Group International, management of Frallain and AFF; Stephanie Cordes; Vice Chair of Cordes Foundation; and Gbemi Abudu, Board Member of Frallain Inc., all shared their individual perspectives from their roles in the industry. The program was coordinated by Professor Christine S. Pomeranz, International Trade & Marketing Chairperson at Fashion Institute of Technology.

About African Fashion Fund

African Fashion Fund (AFF) is a not-for-profit organization supports and develops emerging African and African diaspora fashion designers. Providing capacity building through internship placements, manufacturing and production assistance, grants and scholarships, AFF aims to further African fashion designers’ success in the global fashion industry and luxury market. It is our mission to ensure that their operating standards and products are executed with the same expertise as those of international luxury brands.