1st edition of Fashion Weekend Angola

Make-up retouched, clothes fitted, a stunning catwalk and... lights, camera, action! Thus began the 1st edition of Fashion Weekend Angola (FWA), on the 27th and 28th of May, near the railway tracks, at Cool Train, in Luanda. 
From the creative personalities that rocked the social space to the celebrities in the first rows of the fashion show, the 1stedition was held under the theme «EVOLUTION», while the lens of Patrice De Lemos’ camera captured the presence of personalities, such as Fredy Costa, Carmen Mouro, Celma Ribas, Dji Tafinha and many others. The rest relied on special pieces, which came out of the wardrobe to mark their presence in an event focused on trends, inspired by the new realities and tools that have impacted the fabric of fashion around the world. And, in a harmonious relationship between the floral canvas as a backdrop and the beauty of the catwalk as the centre of the action, a real hype was generated around the FWA. As if floating on air, the models began to appear, elaborately winged, parading on behalf of multiple brands and designers, in a collective, children’s and bridal show. Eyewear, sportswear, classic fashion, prêt-à-porter, alternative fashion, trendy looks, gala dresses, in short, styles that resulted in bright colours, eye-catching ensembles and daring lace. In essence, a weekend dedicated to entrepreneurs, fashion enthusiasts and creators, who came together to showcase the potential of fashion in their country. 

The 1st edition was held under the theme «EVOLUTION»

Produced by B WORLD, Lda, Fashion Weekend Angola is a project created by Karina Barbosa, the creative and production director, who revealed some details of the two-day event in a conversation with V&G: «It went very well, the creators and brands presented beautiful, well-structured and striking collections. The public really got behind the event, which was broadcast live on Angola’s Public Channel,» she explained. During the course of the FWA, the venue provided a Pop-Up Store, where guests could purchase, in loco, the pieces that had been exhibited on the catwalk. «It was an extra platform to bring creators and brands even closer to the final consumer,» the creative director said. For those who were unable to attend, collections are available in online stores or in the brands’ own studios.

A weekend dedicated to entrepreneurs, fashion enthusiasts and creators

The end of the event featured the FWA Awards, at which awards in the categories of digital, music and television were handed over. «Music, digital and fiction on television are sectors that go hand in hand with fashion and which need it to compose the wardrobe and image of actors, artists and influencers,» Karina clarified. Much more has occurred behind the «curtain». In addition to the visual show, there were other activities aimed at education/training in the form of masterclasses, focusing on businesses aimed at the world of fashion. This is a strategy that will be maintained in future editions. To include more creators and Angolan brands, attract designers from the African continent and achieve greater visibility are Karina’s future prospects for next year’s edition, believing that Angolan fashion can become a competitor in the world market if it follows the path of training, promotion and sustainability. After all, Angolan fashion is like no other, starting with its sense of identity and creativity. But let’s wait and see what Fashion Weekend Angola has in store for the second edition. Until then, any guesses?