PRESS RELEASE
ADDIS ABABA, 18 MARCH 2024 Creative DNA: Ethiopia, an innovative fashion incubation programme dedicated to nurturing early-stage fashion designers in Ethiopia, is thrilled to announce the launch of its second cohort. Building on the success of its inaugural program, Creative DNA: Ethiopia continues to foster creativity, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth within the Ethiopian fashion industry.
Creative DNA Ethiopia is part of the SSA Arts Creative Economy Programme, which supports the creation of new art and fosters partnerships between the creative sectors of the UK and East Africa. The Programme is committed to promoting innovation, creativity, equality, diversity, and inclusion.
The Creative DNA: Ethiopia program, initiative of the British Council, aims to provide invaluable support and resources to emerging fashion talents, empowering them to realize their creative visions and establish thriving fashion businesses. Through a comprehensive six-week incubation program, participants will receive tailored mentorship, business training, networking opportunities, and access to market insights, equipping them with the necessary tools to succeed in the competitive fashion landscape.
The selection process for the second cohort of Creative DNA: Ethiopia was highly competitive, with numerous talented designers vying for a coveted spot in the program. After a rigorous evaluation process, The CDNA team is proud to announce the acceptance of ten promising fashion entrepreneurs into the program.
“Through Creative DNA: Ethiopia, the British Council aims at not just incubating designers; we’re incubating a vision for a vibrant and diverse fashion landscape. As we launch the second cohort, we reinforce our dedication to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Ethiopian fashion. Through collaborative efforts, we aim to propel emerging designers towards global recognition, contributing to the cultural and economic fabric of Ethiopia.” Bezawit Damtew, British Council Arts Programme Director.
“Creative DNA: Ethiopia’s evolution underscores our commitment to nurturing the diverse tapestry of Ethiopian fashion. This year, we’re shifting gears to prioritize early-stage designers crafting timeless, day-to-day wear. Our focus on mass production-oriented designers highlights the vibrant spectrum of design aesthetics while paving the way for a new era of accessible, everyday fashion innovation.” Solome Daniel, Creative DNA: Ethiopia Project Manager.
The second cohort of Creative DNA: Ethiopia is poised to make a significant impact on the Ethiopian fashion scene, driving innovation, sustainability, and economic growth within the industry. CDNA is committed to supporting the success and development of these talented designers, further solidifying Ethiopia’s position as a hub of creativity and talent in the global fashion arena.
Designers joining Creative DNA Ethiopia 2.0 Program
Reborn: is a fashion brand that breathes hope and exudes strength. We poured hours of meticulous love and care into every stitch, ensuring that each garment carried an intangible magic that could uplift the spirit and inspire greatness.We embark on a journey to celebrate the rich cultural tapestry of Ethiopia and Africa, weaving these timeless stories into our masterpieces.
DolMel : is an Ethiopian fashion brand bringing a millennia-old tradition of hand-weaving into the 21st century.One of the focus areas of our startup business is the cultural heritage aspect it takes from the historic ‘Shemena’ hand-weaving industry. DolMel developed a solution to dramatically impact the textile industry in Ethiopia by using high-tech digital reactive printing on our hand-woven fabric to produce rolls of various kinds of seamless patterns to create innovative products that are the first of their kind in the country.
DAGMAWIT : Our brand is a celebration of self-love and individuality. With a vision to inspire confidence and empowerment, our designs weave together elements of culture, uniqueness, and the transformative power of self-appreciation. Each garment serves as a reminder of the wearer’s inherent beauty and worth, fostering a deep emotional connection with every piece. Committed to inclusivity and authenticity, we aim to leave a lasting impact on the fashion industry by redefining beauty standards and spreading the message of self-love worldwide.
SÉRALESTI : Is a casual wear brand that celebrates the weaving techniques of Ethiopia. We dream of seeing Séralesti adorning individuals worldwide, each piece not just an outfit, but a conversation starter, sparking curiosity about Ethiopian artistry and heritage.
Shadez Wear: is an ethiopian based streetwear and accessories brand that launched three years ago. It caters to both female and male customers, focusing on functional, futuristic(tech wear aesthetic/post modern)designs that incorporate color and pattern therapy, as well as artistic, expressive, and innovative styles. Dedicated to sustainable fashion, quality finishing and innovative product handling. With a commitment to ethical sourcing, innovative design and cultural exchange. We strive to tell a story with wearable art. Since our launch, we have been working in a team with the launch of ashara and africa mosaique magazine launch for 2021.
MESMER: is working towards the integration of Ethiopian as well as African cultural designs and tribal patterns in fusion with innovative modern fashion. The goal for the future is to set up a process of exhibition, fashion shows and entrepreneurial workshops for the rich cultural Diversity in Africa.
MEAZA Clothing : MEAZA is a sustainable fashion and lifestyle brand established in 2019 with a great vision to become embodiment of made in Africa to the world by intending to bring contemporary African touch in everyday wear using locally sourced handwoven fabric.
Nikisat : meaning ‘Tattoo’ in Amharic is a casual wear brand based in Addis Ababa Ethiopia established in January 2022. We produce different clothing made from hand woven Ethiopian fabrics made by skilled local artisans. Founded by Eyerusalem Alemayehu who was born and raised in Addis Ababa Ethiopia. started from a childhood dream and a passion for art and fashion.
Demi Design : Demii create exceptional and innovative designs that celebrate Ethiopian artistry, empower local weavers and artisans, and promote the use of Ethiopian handwoven fabric materials. We are committed to preserving the rich cultural heritage of Ethiopia by incorporating traditional weaving techniques into our designs, and by providing sustainable livelihoods for local communities. Through our work, we aim to showcase the beauty of Ethiopian handwoven fabrics to the world, while supporting the artisans who keep this ancient craft alive.
NEDፍ Design : Our slogan, “Crafting imagination!” encapsulates the core philosophy of NEDፍ design. We believe that everyone has a unique story to tell, and our leather sketches provide a canvas for self-expression. Whether it’s a hand-drawn illustration, a personalized monogram, or an intricate pattern, our customers can bring their ideas to life on our high-quality leather products.
About The British Council :
The British Council is the United Kingdom (UK)’s international organization for cultural relations and educational opportunities. Our work in arts and culture stimulates creative expression and exchange to nurture creative enterprise programmes that are underpinned by research, focused on young people (18–35-year-olds) via three programmatic areas which are Creative Economy, Cultural Exchange, and Cultural Heritage. We support Arts and cultural organizations to raise their profile, showcase their arts and increase their economic value and their partnerships, our programmes partners have the vision and understanding of their creative communities. They are best placed to lead and tell the stories of their local art sectors.
Further information can be viewed at https://ethiopia.britishcouncil.org
About Creative Hub Ethiopia:
Creative Hub Ethiopia supports creative innovators, designers, and SMEs in various fields by deepening their understanding of global design and industrial concepts, providing state-of-the-art working tools and resources, and enhancing the link between young innovators, and industrial and governmental entities.
Further information can be viewed at https://creativehub.et/
