Thanks to the advance of the Black Lives Matter movement, the fashion world is taking steps to address its history of racism. Most recently, Milan Fashion Week was launched by a virtual show entitled ‘We Are Made in Italy,’ which promoted 5 talents of African origin, who have struggled to have a voice in Italian fashion. Joy Meribe, a 43-year-old designer who was born in Nigeria, references to African culture and style through patterns, yet they are influenced by Western fashion. Born in Cameroon, 29-year-old Gisele Claudia Ntsama creates artisanal one-of-a-kind pieces with hemp textiles. Fabiola Manirakiza is a 50-year-old designer who was born in Burundi, she founded her label Frida Kiza in Italy and describes her designs as a “mix between Africa and Italy.” Morocco-born Karim Daoudi picked up the local craft and created his collection of high heel sandals and boots after working with companies like Chanel and Hermes. Mokodu Fall is a designer born in Senegal who also brings his African identity into his creations. The 45-year-old artist worked as a cartoonist, actor, painter and now a designer of up-cycled garments. His textiles are hand-painted with African-inspired images.
SOURCE: DEUTSCHE WELLE