ADDIS ABABA, 11 NOVEMBER 2024 – The future of Ethiopian fashion is on display! The Creative DNA: Ethiopia 2.0 program invites you to an exclusive two-day pop-up event on November 16th and 17th, 2024, from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM at The British Council, Addis Ababa. This exciting showcase will feature collections from Ethiopia’s most dynamic emerging designers, each pushing the boundaries of fashion with bold, innovative, and sustainable creations. The Creative DNA: Ethiopia 2.0 pop-up brought to you by The British Council Ethiopia and iceaddis, will bring together designers, entrepreneurs, and fashion enthusiasts to celebrate innovation, sustainability, and the blending of Ethiopia’s cultural heritage with modern design.
The British Council is the UK’s international organization for cultural relations and educational opportunities. Through its arts programs, the British Council fosters creativity, collaboration, and global partnerships. It plays a vital role in providing mentorship and business training to emerging artists and designers, especially young people aged 18–35. In Ethiopia, the British Council’s programs nurture creative talent and support the growth of the local arts and culture sector.
iceaddis, Ethiopia’s first innovation hub and startup incubator, has been supporting tech entrepreneurs and startups since 2011. By fostering innovation and collaboration, Iceaddis has helped shape Ethiopia’s startup ecosystem. As a key partner, Iceaddis plays an instrumental role in promoting the intersection of technology, creativity, and entrepreneurship in Ethiopia, empowering both tech and fashion industries.
Creative DNA: Ethiopia is part of the SSA Arts Creative Economy Programme, a regional initiative supporting new art forms and fostering collaborations between the UK and East Africa. The program is committed to promoting innovation, creativity, equality, diversity, and inclusion within the creative industries.
Through a comprehensive incubation program, the participants received tailored mentorship, business training, networking opportunities, co-created campaigns, and access to market insights, equipping them with the necessary tools to succeed in the competitive global fashion landscape. Creative DNA: Ethiopia is proud to present its second cohort of ten talented fashion entrepreneurs, ready to make an impact.
Featured Designers at the CDNA: Ethiopia 2.0 Pop-Up:
- Reborn: A brand that celebrates hope and strength, blending Ethiopia and Africa’s cultural stories into inspiring, timeless pieces.
- DolMel: Merging Ethiopia’s historic ‘Shemena’ hand-weaving tradition with cutting-edge digital printing technology, DolMel creates innovative, seamless patterns that are revolutionizing Ethiopia’s textile industry.
- DAGMAWIT: A celebration of self-love and individuality, DAGMAWIT’s designs empower wearers by redefining beauty standards and promoting inclusivity.
- SÉRALESTI: A casual wear brand that highlights Ethiopian weaving techniques, sparking global conversations about Ethiopian artistry and heritage.
- Xufan: A streetwear and accessories brand that blends futuristic, tech-inspired designs with cultural storytelling, committed to sustainability and ethical practices.
- MESMER: Integrating Ethiopian and African cultural patterns with modern fashion, MESMER aims to foster cultural diversity through exhibitions, fashion shows, and workshops.
- MEAZA Clothing: A sustainable fashion brand using locally sourced, handwoven fabrics to bring contemporary African design to everyday wear.
- Nikisat: A casual wear brand focused on handwoven Ethiopian fabrics, founded by Eyerusalem Alemayehu to promote the country’s rich textile heritage.
- Demi Design: Empowering local artisans, Demi Design uses traditional Ethiopian handwoven fabrics to create modern, innovative designs that preserve Ethiopia’s cultural heritage.
- NEDፍ Design: Specializing in high-quality leather products, NEDፍ offers custom designs and monograms, allowing customers to express their unique stories.
The pop-up will offer attendees a chance to meet the featured designers, explore their creative processes, and experience their collections firsthand. This exciting event presents an opportunity to discover Ethiopia’s emerging fashion scene, known for its sustainability and cultural richness.
In addition to the pop-up/ showcase, the event will feature a panel discussion focusing on the challenges Ethiopian designers face in expanding their reach to global markets. Industry experts and stakeholders will address trade barriers, strategies for overcoming market entry obstacles, and how designers can leverage trade agreements and sustainability to gain a competitive edge.
Event Details
- Date: November 16th & 17th, 2024
- Time: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Location: The British Council, Addis Ababa
- The event is open to the public.
For more information, visit https://ethiopia.britishcouncil.org/ and iceaddis.
