Having recently attended Africa Fashion Week London(AFWL) I wanted to share my experience and learnings whilstexplore ways in which we can tap into fashion, business and technology.
Fashion
AFWL was a great experience. Being able to tour the display of clothing, accessories and latest devices originating from African artists brought inspiration and peaked my curiosity.Speaking to one designer in particular proved a very fruitful conversation. She shared her journey of working in the fashion industry for top companies (Mulberry being one of them!) to launching her clothing brand. What I found the most interesting is how she brought the success of her brand down to the importance of quality. Whilst she spoke in the context of clothing it highlights that if you’re trying to sell or promote something, quality – producing something that adds value will, in her words, “bring customers back and their friends too”.
Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.
Albert Einstein
Networking – Business
Networking – many things come to mind when we hear this word. For many of us it can feel at the very least intimidating. Going into AFWL alone was not easy and it was especiallydifficult knowing where to start. However, the simple step ofapproaching a clothing rack, admiring and providing positive feedback on the clothes presented opened up a whole conversation with this designer. We even ended up connecting on Instagram and she offered further support if I had any more questions about fashion or business in general to ask her anytime. You never know what a simple interaction could lead to but just opening that door is always worth a go.
The Impact of Technology
As I walked around the space, I came across something different from all the designers – a table with ‘VR looking’headsets. As I browsed the items on the table, the table host greeted me and started telling me about some of the latest technology produced in Africa that was helping to enhance work within the fashion industry. Being sold on the idea of a virtual fashion show, he helped me put on the headset and enter into the virtual reality world of fashion. It was such an amazing experience – ‘walking’ around a fashion gallery and entering the fashion show space. Not only did I enjoy this, but it reminded me of how much value technology can add when used for the advancement of our work.
Key Takeaways:
• Interest – whatever you’re interest is, explore it, talk to people about it and most importantly work on it focusing on adding value
• Networking – connections are key for any endeavor – career or business. Opportunities to learn and collaborate are within your reach and people are willing to help
• Technology – there are so many exciting developments in technology that are making a global impact. Let’s continue to see how we can use them to our advantage
Thank you for reading!
Leave a comment and share what action you are taking in these areas so we can grow together.