Paris Fashion Week is a yearly spectacle that showcases designers, their exquisite clothing, footwear, bags, and stunning runway models, creating an exclusively thrilling atmosphere. This event stands out as one of the world’s most glamorous fashion debuts. Designers from across the globe gather in Paris each year to exhibit their remarkable creations and elegant models.
Runway Models at Paris Fashion Week 2023
Image Credit: Vivre Paris
The 2023 Paris Fashion Week spanned from September 25th to October 3rd, featuring a remarkable lineup of 108 designers presenting over 67 runway shows in eight exciting days. It is the most extensive among the four fashion editions hosted in Paris. This event prominently displays the creations of renowned French brands like Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel, alongside emerging talents ready to make a lasting impact with their Spring/Summer 2024 collections.
Image Credit: People Magazine
Taking place at the historic Westin Paris – Vendôme Hotel in Paris, the Paris Fashion Week is an exclusive event, accessible only by invitation to the foremost and most exceptional designers in the industry. This exclusivity ensures that it remains a platform for the top talents in the fashion world.
Imagine receiving an invitation to one of the most magnificent and prestigious fashion shows in the world! – how would that make you feel?
Notably, Paris Fashion Week is not limited to foreign designers. African designers are gaining recognition for their exceptional design skills and performances. This year, we celebrate the presence of the following African designers gracing the Paris Fashion Week stage.
In this year’s Paris Fashion Week, a roster of talented African designers graces the stage namely:
- Don Design
- Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa
- Jessica Jane Molebatsi
- Sumaiya Dzietror
- Chidinma Obairi
Notably, the first three designers hail from South Africa, while the latter two represent the creative excellence of Ghana and Nigeria, respectively.
DON DESIGN
Image Credit: styleafrique.com
Meet Tshediso Mokoko, also known as Don Design, a forward-thinking creative hailing from South Africa’s vibrant hip-hop scene. Don Design is a versatile artist who excels in various domains, including DJing, fashion design, music video production, and creative direction. He stands out as one of the top African designers selected to showcase their creations at prestigious events in Paris and Milan this year. Don Design recently unveiled a captivating capsule collection under his streetwear label, MondayToMonday.
This collection is a testament to his ever-evolving artistic journey, as he has transitioned from his original counter-culture roots to become a designer known for his profound artistic expression. According to Fashion Week Studio Inc, he has reimagined his work, solidifying his place in the world of fashion.
ENHLE MBALI MLOTSHWA
Image Credit: News24
Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa, a remarkable African designer, graced the Paris Fashion Week with her presence. Alongside her remarkable creation, Essie Apparel, which garnered widespread acclaim in 2019. Mlotshwa, known for her roles as a South African actress and TV presenter, is also a talented fashion designer. In 2015, she unveiled her maternity wear line, SE Preggoz, in both South Africa and New York. Her most recent showcase was her spring/summer collection at South African Fashion Week.
This new collection, entirely crafted in South Africa, challenges conventional notions of winter wear. Mlotshwa boldly introduced vibrant colors and daringly unconventional designs for both women and men.
JESSICA JANE MOLEBATSI
Image Credit: The Saga
Meet Jessica Jane Molebatsi, the last of the three talented South African designers gracing PFW 2023. Jessica is the creative force behind the JessicaJane label, a renowned fashion designer, and a firm believer in crafting garments that authentically celebrate a woman’s inherent value and feminine grace. Specializing in Feminine Couture, she aspires to empower women with confidence, beauty, and a sense of worth.
Jessica’s fashion prowess extends to dressing numerous celebrities, and she notably designed Winnie Mandela’s exquisite 80th birthday attire. Recognized as an African designer of distinction, she has earned the prestigious honor of being featured at PFW 2023, as acknowledged by Fashion Week Studio Inc.
SUMAIYA DZIETROR
Image Credit: pistisghana.com
Sumaiya Dzietror is the co-owner and creative director of the prestigious Ghanaian fashion label, Pistis Ghana. Founded in 2008, the name “Pistis,” which signifies “Good Faith” in Greek, was chosen after Sumaiya and her husband and co-founder, Kabutey Dzietror, completed their studies at the Vogue Style School of Fashion & Design.
Pistis now occupies a prominent position in the rapidly growing African fashion industry, and it continues to make significant strides in international markets. Sumaiya Dzietror’s exceptional and breathtaking designs have earned her an invitation to participate in PFW 2023.
CHIDINMA OBAIRI
Image Credit: styleafrique.com
Hailing from Nigeria, Chidinma Obairi takes the spotlight as the final designer on our list. With her entrance into the fashion scene dating back to 2012, she has firmly established herself, crafting a luxury brand known for its extravagant style collections. Fashion Week-Studio has showered praise upon Obairi’s work, describing it as “fabulous creations” inspired by contemporary art and luxury. According to the studio, her designs create an atmosphere filled with glitz and glamour, seamlessly blending couture techniques into ready-to-wear pieces that stand the test of time.
Notably, her Fall 2020 collection, Chidinma Obairi’s Fall 2020, has gained significant acclaim. This ready-to-wear collection epitomizes the luxurious lifestyle of strong, powerful, and fearless women. Beyond her fashion prowess, Chidinma is also the driving force behind the Chidinma Obairi Foundation. This not-for-profit organization is dedicated to making a positive impact by launching tuition-free training centers in underserved communities across Africa.
