Angola Fashion Week (AFW) #AFW2016 #LUANDA was held 23 -25th June 2016 and it was a huge deal! Yet the coverage was not as it should have been for such a significant event on the African fashion calendar. As a result, we at Lux Afrique have chosen to revisit the spectacular show and share a little more.
Angola is located in the South Western regions of Africa, situated between Congo, Zambia, and Namibia. The country’s National animal is the rare Giant Sable Antelope, better known in Portuguese as the Palanca Negra Gigante. It is regarded as representations of magnificence, alertness, speed and beauty hence it was the chosen theme for this year’s fashion week. Organiser Teresa Sambo certainly delivered as the event appeared to have possessed all those qualities.
Designers and Shows
Jean AMAPO made the event fashionably fun by lighting up the runway with florescent colours and carnival vibes. Designer Parade Didi stuck closely to the theme, celebrating the Angolan heritage which is the Great Sable Antelope, adorning models with horns. Fiu Negru brought elements of extreme sexiness and glamour, whilst others focused on expressions of femininity and masculinity, confidently displayed by the models.
The dominant feature was that each designer stayed true to their African heritage, all of them showcased original collections that did not try to imitate Western international designers. Even with DuCarmo representing Tom Ford, that distinct African suaveness was not amiss.
With regards to the trends, beige, brown and black appeared to be the central colours, patterned fabrics was also highly visible. However, the prints used clearly differed from those usually seen at other African fashion events, which highlights the uniqueness of Angola Fashion Week.
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Models
Maria Borges and Sharam Diniz were the model faces of this year’s AFW. Collectively they have modelled for many High end international Fashion brands and are on the list of top African models.
Maria Borges: Angolan born 23 year old, IMG model, Victoria Secret veteran and a Givenchy favourite for the runway.
Sharam Diniz: Angolan –Portugese 25-year-old, Tom Ford 2016 campaigns, previously graced the runway for both Balmain and Victoria Secret.
VIEW INSTAGRAM VIDEO OF ANGOLA FASHION WEEK 2016 BELOW
Visit Angola Fashion Week page for more;
Nationally renowned Angolan models: angolafashionweek.com/modelos
Designer list: angolafashionweek.com/estilistas
