The TechStitched Fashion Residency Program: A Celebration Of Innovation And Collaboration in African Fashion

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia –April 1, 2024, The TechStitched Fashion Residency Programme, an initiative by the British Council Ethiopia in collaboration with the Hub of Africa Fashion Week and Guzo Technologies, successfully concluded on March 28, 2024. Held in Addis Ababa and Arba Minch, Ethiopia, the programme bridged geographical divides and initiated co-creation among continental fashion weeks through the power of technology.

Embracing Cultural Exchange and Craft:
The programme brought together a diverse group of designers from the Hub of Africa, Accra, Swahili, South Africa, and Lagos Fashion Weeks. Through a rigorous selection process, these talented individuals embarked on a journey of exploration, craftsmanship, and collaboration in Ethiopia. The designers went on a hands-on journey, starting with cotton picking and progressing through the entire textile creation process. They learned spinning, weaving, and dying using reactive dye and natural dye techniques using mango leaves, avocado seeds, and other local materials. Traditional embroidery was also demonstrated This experience resulted in the creation of three unique outfits, each crafted from a different handwoven textile. Where the designers then proudly showcased their creations on the runway. Each designer was introduced by fashion week leads from each country Omoyemi Akerele- founder of Lagos Fashion Week introduced Pettre Taylor, Nana Tamakloe founder of Accra Fashion Week introduced Abigail Boison, Mustafa Hassanilli – founder of Swahili Fashion Week introduced Kulwa Njabuli and Mahlet Teklemariam founder of Hub of Africa Fashion Week introduced Meron Abraha, South Africa Fashion Week designer Kuhle Phumzile Zondo was introduced by Bezawit Damtew British Council Arts Director as the founder Lucilla Booyzen was not able to attend the runway show on March 28, 2024

Immersion in a Rich Cultural Tapestry:
Breaking conventional boundaries, the programme offered designers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Ethiopia’s vibrant culture and artisanal traditions. From the bustling streets of Addis Ababa to the serene landscapes of Arba Minch, participants embraced the country’s rich tapestry, steeped in a unique blend of heritage and modernity.

Reimagining Traditions Through Innovation:
Reimagining creativity in fashion with Guzo Technologies demonstrated an interactive experience, you can experiment with different cloth materials/fabrics and observe your workflow in real time on a 3D virtual model/avatar. This presentation served as a testament to the transformative power of collaboration and cultural
exchange.

Igniting Discourse on the Future of African Fashion:
Beyond the runway, the TechStitched Fashion Residency Programme had conversations about the future of African fashion. Roundtable discussions and curated Tech workshops saw stakeholders from Lagos Fashion Week, Accra Fashion Week, Swahili Fashion Week, and Hub of Africa Fashion Week founders and organizers explore innovative approaches to scaling the industry, creating and amplifying global visibility.

VR Technology: Ushering in a New Era of Fashion Showcasing:
Recognizing the importance of technological advancement, the programme also looked into the space of virtual reality (VR) fashion showcasing. A dedicated workshop equipped designers with the knowledge to leverage cutting-edge technology to present their creations to a global audience on a virtual platform. The 15 outfits curated from this residency programme will be showcased virtually on the continental fashion weeks in the coming year.

Celebrating Collaboration and Amplifying African Voices:
The TechStitched Fashion Residency Programme stands as a testament to the power of collaboration. The programme created a space for celebrating the richness of African cultural diversity and provided a transformative experience for participants.