Beyond the glitz and blitz that naturally typify the ARISE FASHION WEEK, GLOBAL the industry players have commended the success of this year’s edition and noted that the initiative is sure to attract young talent from Africa and beyond to the fore of intense global competitions.
Worthy of mention is Artistic Director and Global Content Adviser of Conde Nast, and the Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue, Dame Anna Wintour, who connected with the event virtually.
Introduced by supermodel and partner of Arise Fashion Week, Naomi Campbell, Wintour established with clear conviction reasons she associated with the pioneering fashion show. Her words:
“One of the great joys of my job at Vogue has been to spotlight each new successive generation of designers. For the longest time, those designers came from the United States, and Europe and Asia. That’s why I am so honoured to be a part of this year’s ‘Arise 30 Under 30: The New Stars’. This initiative will bring young design talents from Africa and beyond to the fore, showcasing their work and allowing them the chance to receive business and development support.”
The very celebrated fashion editor, emphasised the importance of the fashion world to put a light on new voices “particularly, where those voices were not listened to before, to highlight not only new designers but photographers, videographers, stylists, art directors, models, and so many more.”
She also encouraged the young designers to see ARISE FASHION WEEK as a platform to showcase their excellence, unique talents to the world and to use the opportunity to “meet as many people as you possibly can be proud of, who you are and what you represent. That always should come first.”
Wintour also recognised the role played by Campbell in supporting the fashion event, saying: “I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Naomi Campbell, who has always understood the power of her voice especially when raising it in support of arts.”