Local design team is partnering with first Dubai edition
of the African-themed festival
Local company Ashante Design is presenting two exclusive collections, by international fashion designers Marie Hosatte and Thaimi OReilly, at the first Dubai edition of Africa Fest UAE, on 26 October 2018 at Emirates Golf Club, following on from the success of the debut Africa Fest UAE held in Abu Dhabi in May this year.
‘Fancy Waxy’ is the debut collection by Marie Hosatte and an ode to the women she was surrounded by, during her upbringing in Senegal. The collection is founded in Marie’s African roots, but with a ‘rock’ twist, giving it a contemporary feel.
“I design for the modern woman, who wants to look unique and feel both sexy and classy,” said Hosatte. “I design for women with colours and music in their heart.”
Thaimi OReilly, a Cuban-born fashion lover with Benin origins, has designed a special capsule collection under her label Luxethnik, for Ashante Design, to be debuted on the catwalk at Africa Fest UAE. The Psycodelic Ethnicia collection is a celebration of colour, places, flavours and pop culture.
Ashante Design merges Western style with African inspirations and was established by two Parisian expats living in Dubai, Anissa Boulahya and Camille Bernard. They source 100 per cent cotton waxprint fabrics from the markets of West Africa and give their designs to the best tailors in Dubai to be handcrafted.
The design duo now offers clothing and home décor collections.
“We are delighted to be partnering with Africa Fest UAE to showcase Africa talent in the region,” said the two co-founders of Ashante Design. “We chose these two female designers particularly, to bring their unique styles and conceptions to a new audience in the Gulf.”
The Ashante Design fashion show at Africa Fest UAE will start at 19:15, with the Dubai Marina skyline as a stunning backdrop. Ashante Design has also selected established brands by powerful designers to illustrate modern African fashion to the Dubai scene:
Ntombi Couture, by the Zimbabwean born Ndo, a fashion lover and designer already represented in leading fashion events such as Fashion Week Middle East. Ntombi Couture is a high-end ready-to-wear clothing brand. Inspired by the vibrant colours of Africa and her culturally diverse people, Ndo will be presenting Radiance collection at Africa Fest UAE, a celebration of the woman who has found herself, the woman who celebrates herself and other women with conviction.
Savanna by the Senegalese Eliane Sarr, a designer passionate about fabrics and the quality and story behind each piece. Savanna is a timeless and bold design brand based on a limited production. Through her first collection ‘Experimental’, Eliane is celebrating the Ikat and Pagne fabrics.
Hind Tahiri, by the eponymous Moroccan designer, is a chic, distinctive, easy to wear beach wear and ready-to-wear line, that highlights the essence and beauty of down-to-earth women, which led her to the motto, Not all Stars belong to the Sky!
For more information, visit: www.ashante-design.com
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