MMRAccording to the statement released by MMR 2014, ‘The African Edition’, states that participants were selected this year’s strictly on the consideration of brand aesthetic, innovation and overall impact on the creative industries throughout the continent at large.
“The vision of MMR Africa is to show the world these amazing talents, cultural diversity and innovative potential of the creative artisans who have attained international standards right here in Africa“ says Jennifer Olize, Founder of MMR.
The six designers who will showcase alongside some of the best artists in the African music industry are:
KikoRomeo was founded by Ann McCreath in Kenya in 1996. Ann is the Chair of FAFA (Festival of African Fashion & Arts), and has received international recognition for services to ethical fashion and the fashion industry in Africa. She has lived and worked in Kenya for 22 years. Her daughter Iona is involved in the business too, designing a young fashion line in aid of Hands Off Our Elephants campaign known as “Kikoti”.
Mademoiselle Aglaia (Nigeria)
Mariam Afolabi, founder and creative director of fashion label Mademoiselle Aglaia, which debuted inn 2009, is a young and upcoming designer. The brand has showcased locally in Nigeria and internationally and she has received awards for her contribution to fashion.
Sunny Rose (Nigeria)
Sunny Rose was founded by designer Maureen Ikem Okogwu-Ikokwu, a self-taught designer. The accessories and clothing brand was inspired by her travels around the globe aznd uses the first names of her father and mother. The collection has been featured in international press such as Vogue, Elle, Harpers Bazaar and many more.
Osei Duro (Ghana)
Osei-Duro is based in Los Angeles, CA and Accra, Ghana. The company was founded by two designers, Molly Keogh and Maryanne Mathias, after a research trip to Ghana in which they both fell in love with West African textiles. Their garments have been seen gracing the figure of celebrities such as Michelle Obama.
KolaKuddus Couture (Nigeria)
Kola Kuddus Yusuf is the Founder and Creative Director of KolaKuddus Couture, an Indigenous Nigerian Menswear fashion brand. He has over the years carved a niche for himself as one of Nigeria’s most outstanding Fashion Designers by providing bespoke services to men of different ages, sizes, cultural backgrounds and social classes. He is well known for his ‘Urban African’ designs, which is a unique blend of African authenticity and Western creativity.
Neville Masondo (South Africa)
Neville Siphiwe Masondo founded his own brand La Art Neviole Emporium in 2012, where he offers timeless unforgettable haute couture high fashion pieces for both classes of male and females. La Art Neviole Emporium continues to push the boundaries in terms of design by paying special attention to detail and always searching for new and innovative techniques to keep the brand’s look fresh.
