A Detailed Insight Into Ethiopia's TechStitched Fashion Program & The Participating Fashion Weeks & Designers

The TechStitched Fashion Residency Program is a project of the British Council Ethiopia in collaboration with the Hub of Africa Fashion Week, and Guzo Technologies, with an emphasis on innovation and partnership within the African fashion context. Set to unfold in March 2024 in the cities of Addis Ababa and Arba Minch, Ethiopia, the program signifies a concerted endeavor to bridge geographical gaps and cultivate Co-creation among continental fashion weeks through tech.

The Program embarks on the potential of creative exchange and cross-cultural engagement. Through a rigorous selection process, designers from the Hub of Africa, Accra, Swahili, South Africa, and Lagos Fashion Weeks will come together in Ethiopia, embarking on a journey of exploration, craftsmanship, and collaboration. This initiative transcends conventional boundaries, granting selected designers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Ethiopia’s rich cultural tapestry and artisanal traditions. From the vibrant streets of Addis Ababa to the tranquil landscapes of Arba Minch, participants will embrace the diversity and richness, steeped in its distinct blend of heritage and modernity.

As the designers embrace the traditional hand-woven techniques and explore Ethiopia’s
colorful palette of materials, they will refine their skills and deepen their appreciation for the country’s cultural heritage. Through weaving, spinning, natural dye techniques, and embroidery workshops, participants will experience a transformative journey, reimagining age-old traditions through a contemporary lens. The outcome of this experience will be a grand fashion showcase, where designers will unveil their creations to a live audience, seamlessly blending their unique design aesthetics with Ethiopia’s rich cultural fabric. From intricately woven textiles to creative designs, each piece will serve as a testament to the transformative power of creative collaboration and cultural exchange.

More Articles You Would Love

Beyond the runway, the TechStiched Fashion Residency Program aspires to ignite broader discourse on the future of the African fashion industry. Through roundtable discussions and curated workshops, stakeholders will explore innovative pathways for scaling up the industry and enhancing its global visibility.

In an era marked by rapid technological advancement, the program also explores new ideas in fashion showcasing. Through a curated workshop on Virtual Reality (VR) technology, designers will venture into the digital realm, leveraging cutting-edge innovations to showcase their creations to a global audience.

This collaborative effort seeks to amplify the voices of the fashion industry, celebrating the
richness of cultural diversity and providing a transformative experience for participants.

Participating Designers
Kuhle Phumzile Zondo – South Africa
Brand Name: E_mania (https://emania.co.za/)
PETER ACHA- Nigeria
Brand Name: Pettre Taylor (https://www.instagram.com/pettretaylor/)
Abigail Boison – Ghana
Brand Name: Style_Magrien (https://www.instagram.com/style_magbrien/)
Kulwa Njabuli – Tanzania
Brand Name: Jesakudo (https://www.instagram.com/jesakudo_/)
Meron Abraha Berhe – Ethiopia
Brand Name: Birabiro (https://www.instagram.com/birabiro_/)

Participating Fashion Weeks:
Hub of Africa Fashion Week – Ethiopia – https://www.instagram.com/hub_of_africa_addis/
Swahili Fashion Week – Tanzania – https://www.instagram.com/swahilifashionweek/
Accra Fashion Week – Ghana – https://www.instagram.com/accrafashionweek/
Lagos Fashion Week – Nigeria – https://www.instagram.com/lagosfashionweekofficial/
South Africa Fashion Week – South Africa – https://www.instagram.com/safashionweek/
For More Info: Contact: Mahlet Teklemariam / +251 988 201212 / mahletteklemariam@gmail.com

Follow Them Here
Follow Her Here
Get The Look/Outfit Here