Wednesday, August 15, 2012 (Washington, DC) — On Thursday, August 29th, Africa Fashion Week Los Angeles (AFWLA) will host “Africa Is Rising,” a networking social highlighting Africa’s fashion and textile industries, at The Standard Hotel (550 S Flower Street) from 6-10pm. Tina Tangalakis of Della LA is our guest speaker, and proceeds from all ticket sales will go towards the MacDella Cooper Foundation.
When people hear the word "fashion," they immediately become immersed in the idea of glam—and all of the splendor the word signifies. And while Africa is a glamorous place for many, it can be a dark place for some members of African communities on the continent. These dynamics shape their experiences, their realities and, for some, their futures.
Africa Fashion Week Los Angeles aims to shed light on the many issues—the good, not so great, the beautiful, and the gritty—that affect the various designers who we will feature. With the help of Tina Tangalakis, we hope to stimulate conversations of change and transformation regarding the continent and within the context of the diaspora.
We also hope to encourage awareness surrounding Africa’s bustling fashion and textile industries. Tina has been able to turn a first-time trip to Ghana into an ethics conscious business that produces iPhone/iPad cases (carried by Apple, Nordstrom, Free People and Mod Cloth) and other major retailers) and other small accessories–each made of beautiful Ankara print.
We are pleased to have sponsorships by Arik Air, OPI, Face 2 Face Africa, Della LA, Clear Essence, Sassy Hair Extensions W.E.T PR, Miss Dunnie O and ETHNE Nightlife. Arik Air is a well-regarded African airline that has teamed with other Africa fashion weeks around the globe. Additionally, Face2Face Africa is at the forefront of African media in the United States.
In partnering with organizations like the MacDella Cooper Foundation, which provides educational, economic and social relief to Liberian orphans and children, we aim to incite a shift in the perception of African designers, African cultures and Africa as a whole. The continent is so much more than meets the eye. And much like New York Times op-ed columnist Nicholas D. Kristoff recently stated, in his article titled as such: Africa is [still] on the rise.
We are encouraging a minimum of $5 donations as 100% of all proceeds will go towards the MacDella Cooper Foundation. We will accept cash and all major credit cards at the door. For event registration, please RSVP with your first and last name and email address to events@afwla.org. The first 50 registrants will receive a gift bag featuring items from our generous sponsors.
