The Michael D. Rose Theatre was filled with African-inspired clothing for every race Sunday night for the Style De L'Afrique Fashion Show.
The show, hosted by the African Student Association, was centered on African-inspired fashion that can be worn for a variety of occasions by people from virtually any culture.
Five international designers showcased their work, each as unique as their personalities. All were born in Africa, and currently live in Western countries. Their designs exemplify this cross-cultural fusion, but each in their own particular way.
Marcus Hurt, recording artist and U of M alumni, was responsible for bringing these talented artists to Memphis. Planning began in July and started with 27 designers which eventually narrowed to five.
"It is an amazing show," Hurt said. "It's actually better than I thought it would be."
London-based Vanessa Mukasa creates clothes that embody her personality: bright, bold and colorful. She fuses African prints with Western cuts, like plunging necklines and playfully short skirts, and adds studs to jackets for a modern twist.
"I want to show Memphis African print fashion in a positive way," Mukasa said.
The continent inspires Mukasa through more than just its prints. She also draws inspiration from its diverse and vivid wildlife.
Designer Afua Sam, CEO and creative director of Studio D'Maxsi Designs, showed formfitting gowns with dramatic slips and taffeta frills made of silks and luxury fabrics.
Sam likes to give back through her foundation, Operation Prom. It is a contest in which any high school senior with a 3.0 GPA can enter to win a custom-made dress, makeover and professional photographer for their prom. Sam works directly with the winner to create a tailored dress she can keep.
"The goal is to empower young women," Sam said. "I do it only for girls with higher grades, because I think by doing so it will encourage them to study."
Operation Prom is in its third year, and Sam is proud to admit that all of the winners have gone on to college.
Designer Sheila Denanyoh from Ghana is also dedicated to give back in her own way. Owner of Ill-La-La Designs, she prides herself in owning an ethical fashion brand.
Almost all of the fabrics she purchases are made in Ghana. She purchases them from her home country in an effort to contribute to the local economy.
"My whole life I've had this idea that whatever I ended up doing in life I had to give back," Denanyoh said. "I'm not a rich person, I'm not a politician, but I wanted to make a difference in my own way."
Denanyoh has been in many university fashion shows. Showcasing her fashion at a university is a way for her to reach young people in an effort to promote conscious and ethical consumption.
"Part of my goal is to build a generation of conscious fashion buyers," Denanyoh said. "What better place than at a university?"
Men's clothing was also featured in the show. Zeddi Loky, a Kenyan designer based in New York City and founder of Blackbird, creates menswear and displayed a number of suits, pants and vests.
"I have had a passion for fashion ever since I was young," Loky said.
Nigerian designer Tori Famuyiwa, founder of Toriola, closed the show with a debut of bold, sexy gowns from his newest collection, "Goddess."
"I want to be able to tell a story about where I'm from through clothing, fabric and color. I wanted to do something that would not pigeonhole me, but that would speak to everybody on an international level - Asians, whites, black, everybody," Famuyiwa said.
