Bold Fashion Week Debuts in Kampala, Focusing on African Fashion Business

Bold Fashion Week made its inaugural appearance in Kampala, Uganda, spotlighting fashion talent from across the continent and emphasizing the burgeoning commercial landscape within Africa's creative sector. Held at Motiv Kampala, the event partnered with I&M Bank and Johnnie Walker, drawing designers, models, fashion enthusiasts, and industry stakeholders for an evening blending fashion, music, and networking.

Attendees showcased African-inspired attire, from vibrant prints to contemporary pieces, while African-themed music set a festive atmosphere. The runway featured Ugandan brands such as Axarya and Discreet Street x Local, alongside Nigerian designer Yemi Shoyemi. For the participating designers, the week offered a crucial platform to present their work to a broader audience and solidify fashion's position as a viable business and economic opportunity.

Lincoln Axarya, a participating designer, observed that the increasing number of platforms supporting African designers signals a growing commercial focus in the industry. "The fashion scene across Africa is improving and becoming more profitable. We are seeing more designers build strong brands and approach fashion with a greater commercial focus," Axarya stated. "There is still a lot of room to grow, but the industry is moving in the right direction. The talent is there, and with the right investment and support, fashion can create jobs, grow businesses and open up new markets."

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The fashion scene across Africa is improving and becoming more profitable. We are seeing more designers build strong brands and approach fashion with a greater commercial focus. There is still a lot of room to grow, but the industry is moving in the right direction. The talent is there, and with the right investment and support, fashion can create jobs, grow businesses and open up new markets.

I&M Bank's Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Annette Nakiyaga, affirmed the bank's support, viewing fashion as integral to Africa's expanding entrepreneurial and creative economy. "I&M Bank is proud to support Bold Fashion Week because we see fashion as more than creativity. It is a catalyst for entrepreneurship and an important contributor to Africa's expanding creative economy," Nakiyaga said. The bank aims to support entrepreneurs at various business stages, with a particular focus on women entrepreneurs.

The event also aimed to bridge the gap between fashion showcases and tangible commercial outcomes. By presenting collections on the runway, designers were able to connect with potential customers and industry players, highlighting the creativity and business acumen driving the African fashion industry forward.

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I&M Bank is proud to support Bold Fashion Week because we see fashion as more than creativity. It is a catalyst for entrepreneurship and an important contributor to Africa's expanding creative economy.