London is hosting its own Africa fashion week, showcasing the latest designs influenced by the continent:
Designers and models came into the BBC’s offices in central London to talk about their style. Mary Martin’s design was inspired by Cecil, the Zimbabwean lion famous for his black mane that was shot in July by a US dentist… Ms Martin (C) said that when she saw Cecil’s mane on a video she was filled with inspiration. Model Tasha wears an outfit from Kenyan fashion house Njema Helena that uses traditional fabric to make culottes. Here a model shows off a jacket very much like a kaftan with delicate detailing in the collar made by Nigerian designers Needlepoint Women. Model Nathalie gets into a dress from Nigerian bridal wear designers Athena Bride. Organisers, including Odette Steele (L), have been running the London Africa fashion event in London since 2011. Model Maggie Smith reveals she cannot sit down in her “very delicate” red feather dress by South Africa designers Beach Cult. The organisers of Africa Fashion Week London say the event, which runs for two days, is Europe’s largest catwalk event of African designs. It has showcased more 300 designers since 2011, not just from Africa but aslo from those living in the diaspora.
