The 2024 Hub of Africa Fashion Week (HAFW) was held in Addis Ababa from January 9 to 14, 2024. (Photos: Mekbib Tadesse via Vogue)
Tadias Magazine
Updated: February 2nd, 2024
New York (TADIAS) – Last month, the 14th edition of the Hub of Africa Fashion Week (HAFW) took place in Addis Ababa, capturing attention as a significant milestone. Vogue, in its coverage, highlighted the annual showcase of African and Diaspora designers in Ethiopia’s capital as surpassing the traditional boundaries of a fashion runway. Instead, it transformed into a “cultural crossroads” and a dynamic catalyst, fostering fresh connections and opportunities within the global fashion landscape.
Founded by siblings Mahlet Teklemariam and Natanem Teklemariam, HAFW has grown to become an artistic nexus for the continent, going beyond its original aim of featuring up-and-coming talent. Vogue’s coverage underscored the event as a platform for positive change, serving as a channel to build new connections and opportunities globally, seamlessly blending tradition with modernity and fashion with culture.
Natan Couture, Tibebu Collection and Samra Leather: by Mekbib Tadesse via Vogue.
At this year’s event, ten designers, including the Tibebu Collection, were prominently featured, earning recognition from Vogue. Tibebu, meaning wisdom in Amharic, encapsulates the essence of the brand. Bezawit Tibebu, harboring dreams of becoming a designer from a young age, directs her brand toward the modernization of traditional Ethiopian textiles with a couture and contemporary twist. The utilization of a pastel color palette, complemented by traditional hand-woven fabrics, imparts a distinctive and refined touch to Tibebu’s creations.
Among the other showcased designers were Mastewal Alemu, Natanem Couture, Afthoro, Afropian, Zemenay, Metii Upcycled Collection, Dann, Samra Leather, and Alexander Akande. Each designer brought their unique perspective to the runway, contributing to the diverse and innovative showcase celebrated by both the event and Vogue.
Photo: Courtesy of Hub of Africa Fashion Week (HAFW)
As HAFW continues to grow and evolve, it stands as a testament to the vibrancy of the African fashion scene, showcasing not only the region’s rich creativity but also its potential to influence and connect with the global fashion community.
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