On Thursday, December 6, 2024, the Emerging Designers Showcase, Part II at the Pullman Dakar Teranga gathered a remarkable group of talent from Senegal and across Africa. The evening was not just about fashion, but a powerful declaration of Africa’s creative energy, where tradition met innovation.
The designers presented collections that told stories of resilience, culture, and a bold future shaped by African visionaries. Each garment was more than clothing—it was a statement, a testament to the continent’s growing influence in the global fashion narrative.
As the night concluded with an exclusive cocktail reception, it was clear that Dakar Fashion Week remains a vital platform for emerging designers, guiding the way for a bold and exciting future in fashion.
Amazing Revolution: Joyce Makaya’s Bold Crochet Couture Empowering Women
Joyce Makaya, hailing from the Republic of Congo, took the stage with her collection Amazing Revolution, a tribute to sensuality, strength, and the unapologetic power of womanhood. Using the art of crochet, she spun a narrative that was both tender and revolutionary. “Every woman deserves to feel proud of her sensuality,” she says, defying the patriarchal codes that demand women conceal what they should cherish.
Through hand-crocheted garments made from wool, Makaya confronts the restrictive idea of modesty, encouraging women to embrace their bodies—not as a source of shame, but of pride. “Crochet, for me, is a language,” she explains, “one that speaks of strength, creativity, and freedom.” Each piece, painstakingly crafted, embodies the designer’s vision of self-expression. It is art that empowers, asking women not to hide, but to step into the light and own their beauty.
Mantra: Nongcebo Mchunu’s Prayer for Africa’s Healing
For Nongcebo Mchunu, the designer behind South Africa’s Mantra, fashion is an act of prayer. Drawing from the ancient ritual of praying for rain, a symbol of hope and renewal in African cultures, Mchunu created a collection that mirrors the struggles of the continent while also embracing the possibility of transformation. “Things are not going well for us—there’s division, xenophobia, and we are still colonized in our minds,” Mchunu says. Her collection, like an offering, is a prayer for unity, for healing, and for Africa’s rebirth.
The collection began with dark, somber tones—reflecting hardship and sorrow. Yet, as the show progressed, the palette shifted to brighter hues, culminating in a vivid yellow two-piece that symbolizes hope, prosperity, and the light at the end of the tunnel. Mchunu’s collection was not only a showcase of fashion but a heartfelt cry for Africa’s collective spirit to heal and unite.
Loulou Design: A Night at the Opera
Alioune Badara Ndione, the visionary behind Loulou Design, brought to life a collection that spoke to the deep, often untold, history of Black excellence. A Night at the Opera was not merely a fashion show—it was an immersion into a powerful narrative of Black pride, beauty, and culture. Alioune, with his intricate designs and masterful tailoring, uses fashion to honor the strength of the African diaspora.
“Every stitch in this collection is a reflection of our beauty, strength, and the legacy of our ancestors,” he shared. Dominated by tailored dark pieces, long flowing veils, and opulent sequins, the collection exuded a sense of drama and power. It was a reminder that fashion is not just about what we wear, but what it says about who we are and the history we carry with us.
KISSYWEARS: Bold Afrocentric Masterpieces with a Modern Twist
KISSYWEARS, crafted in Cameroon, stands as a testament to the fusion of tradition and modernity. Known for its audacious use of African prints paired with contemporary designs, the brand tells stories of culture, identity, and pride. The designer’s signature pieces—exaggerated sleeves and collars—are bold statements, making each garment not just an item of clothing, but an act of confidence.
“I want to celebrate African culture in a modern, bold way,” the designer explains, blending vibrant patterns with luxurious fabrics to create pieces that speak not just to the present, but to the future. The striking kimono-inspired garments stood out as symbols of empowerment, urging wearers to embrace their individuality. KISSYWEARS is more than fashion; it’s a celebration of African identity—loud, proud, and unapologetic.
Adama Paris: A Celebration of Chic Elegance and Sensuality
Adama Paris closed the show with a collection that embodied both sensuality and sophistication. Her latest line, a stunning array of sheer black garments, was a masterclass in balance—sexiness without compromise. With each gown, adorned with golden brooches, Adama explored the delicate balance between allure and grace.
“This collection is an ode to the power of grace and sensuality,” she said. The sheer chiffon gowns, strategically cut to reveal just enough skin, created an intoxicating blend of sensuality and refinement. It was the essence of chic—a balance of structure and fluidity that made each piece feel both bold and effortlessly elegant. Through Adama’s creations, we are reminded that true sensuality is not about revealing everything, but about revealing only what matters.
Trend Alert!
Sheer Fabrics: A Bold Trend at Dakar Fashion Week
At this year’s Dakar Fashion Week, sheer fabrics emerged as the boldest of trends. Designers embraced the alluring qualities of transparent materials, layering them over solid bases to create stunning visual contrasts. The sheer trend was a daring play on sensuality, offering glimpses of skin without ever losing an air of sophistication.
From panels of sheer chiffon to full-bodied transparent gowns, designers harnessed the power of these fabrics to create a new language of fashion—one that speaks of confidence, empowerment, and the fearless beauty of exposing just enough. Sheer fabrics were not just a trend; they were a testament to the boldness of contemporary African design, a style that embraces the beauty of both subtlety and power.
In this celebration of African creativity, Dakar Fashion Week reaffirmed its role as a powerful platform for the continent’s next generation of designers. With each collection—bold, fearless, and uniquely African—the designers proved that fashion is more than an industry. It is a movement. A movement that continues to shape the global narrative, one stitch at a time.
Keywords: #DakarFashionWeek #YoungDesigners #AfricanFashion #Sustainability #CulturalHeritage #FashionInnovation
