Congolese Model and Philantrophist Noëlla Coursaris Musunka Becomes an Africa Fashion Week 2013 London Ambassador

NOELLA COURSARIS MUSUNKA

Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) organisers are delighted to welcome model and philantrophist Noëlla Coursaris Musunka who joins fellow ambassador, Ghanaian model and philanthropist Menaye Donkor Muntari, and champion of African fashion, as a AFWL 2013 Ambassador for the third edition of the fashion event taking place from 1st to 3rd August, 2013.

Africa Fashion Week London 2013 will see over 100 African designers and exhibitors showcasing their designs at the event, taking place in the impressive Truman Brewery space, just off Brick Lane. This years’ AFWL is set to be bigger and better than ever, and will be the largest fashion event in Europe dedicated to African and African-inspired fashion. Organisers are expecting over 25,000 people to attend the event over the course of the three days.

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Noëlla Coursaris Musunka is the founder of Georges Malaika Foundation as well as an internationally renowned model who has graced the pages of a number of fashion magazines such as Vanity Fair, Arena Magazine, NewAfricanWoman, Arise Magazine and led a number of other fashion campaigns such as that of Agent Provocateur.

Born in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo and raised in Belgium and Switzerland, after achieving a degree in business management, Noëlla moved to London and embarked on a career in international modelling. Her successful modelling career brought Noella to New York where in 2007, in tandem with her active modeling career, she started the Georges Malaika Foundation, a non-profit organization founded by Noëlla, which is dedicated to providing all the tools necessary for young girls and communities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to unlock their potential through education.

A fierce activist who works towards the empowerment of African girls and women, Noëlla has spoken at the UN and at the Kinshasa Parliament, and has had her work featured on the BBC’s Focus Africa. She spoke during the Opening Plenary of the 2012 Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting and she hosted the 2013 Cinema for Peace Gala for Humanity, where Ben Affleck received an award for his work in DR Congo.

On her appointment as AFWL Ambassador 2013, Noëlla said: "I am honored to be an ambassador for AFWL 2013 as I strongly believe in the power of fashion to inspire and connect people. I am delighted to be representing African designers and to help them showcase their talents for the world."

Named as a “major modern-day activist” by CNN in 2010, Noëlla attended the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting 2012 addressing President Bill Clinton during the Opening Plenary, highlighting GMF’s work in the Congo. She also hosted Cinema for Peace New York 2013 in Los Angeles where Ben Affleck was awarded for his work in the Congo. In January 2013, Noëlla received one of the Diamond Empowerment Fund’s GOOD Awards honoring her for outstanding leadership and for GMF’s positive impact in the DRC.

Ronke Ademiluyi, the founder and CEO of AFWL welcomed Noëlla Coursaris Musunka back to AFWL with these words:

“Not just a pretty face, Noëlla is a talented, intelligent and passionate champion of Africa and a great role model for young Africans. We are delighted to have her on board and supporting this year’s event as one of our ambassadors and we look forward to hosting her at The Old Truman Brewery this August.”

With Mrs. Fifi Ejindu, the Nigeria-based architect and businesswoman and Yinka Shonibare MBE, the London-based globally celebrated Nigerian fine artist as patrons, with official hair sponsor L’Oreal Mizani and official media sponsor NewAfricanWoman, this year's event once again promises to be a huge success.

The tickets for AFWL are now on sale here: http://africafashionweeklondon.com/africafashionweek/tickets/ 

With still a few spaces left for runway and exhibition space, Africa Fashion Week London 2013 is accepting applications from designers who wish to showcase on the runway and/or exhibit their merchandise over the three-day exhibition.

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NewAfricanWoman is the Official Media Sponsor for Africa Fashion Week London 2013

 Aligning visions to create unique and reputable platforms for African talent, Africa Fashion Week London 2013 and the award-winning bi-monthly magazine NewAfricanWomanhave joined forces to make the third edition of Africa Fashion Week London scheduled for 1-3 August 2013 at Old Truman Brewery in Shoreditch a success.

The only women’s publication that covers the entire African continent and its Diaspora, NewAfricanWoman, also published in French, provides in-depth coverage on a diverse range of issues that truly speak to and resonate with the modern African woman worldwide. Following its launch in 2009, the magazine has become a popular must-read and is the only pan-African women’s magazine distributed in the 54 countries of the continent and its Diaspora in Europe, America and the Caribbean. The magazine truly celebrates African/black women’s beauty, fashion and culture with a deliberate and unique indigenous twist.

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The NewAfricanWoman has identified a new market of African women who are not only fashion and beauty conscious but also influential, affluent, and positively contribute towards making Africa a better place. These are women who not only take pride in their appearance, but also are groundbreakers and change makers. The magazine offers intelligent, meaningful and inspirational features and news in areas that embrace and celebrate the African woman’s diverse accomplishments and aspirations in all spheres, from fashion to politics, entrepreneurship to parenting, beauty to culture, health to women’s rights and empowerment.

“Our editorial formula is undoubtedly in its own league especially when it comes to supporting and highlighting African fashion design talent. No one does what we do. We have been keen and unapologetic supporters of Africa Fashion Week London from its very onset three years ago. And being asked to media sponsor this year’s event is so exciting because the AFWL ethos is very similar to ours. Its Africa’s time and we believe African fashion is no longer the much pigeonholed ‘source of inspiration’ but deserves right recognition and acceptance on its own merits by the international community and global brands, and we are proud that this is what the AFWL and its founder Ronke Ademuluyi are trying to achieve and we fully support that,” says the NewAfricanWoman editor reGina Jane Jere.

She adds: “Today’s African/Black women embrace fashion in very diverse forms and this is what Africa offers and what AFWL is bringing to the international stage. Global brands need to support platforms such as AFWL, because the benefits are not only diverse, but limitless.”

“We are extremely pleased to have one of our long-standing allies since our inception as our media sponsor for 2013. In their passion and endevours to consistently encourage, exalt and celebrate African fashion talent, NewAfricanWoman serves as a unique platform for emerging and established designers of African descent and as an organisation which strives to provide a platform for African design talent, we are delighted to have a media sponsor whose ethos and vision are strongly aligned with ours.”

With Mrs. Fifi Ejindu, the Nigeria-based architect and businesswoman and Yinka Shonibare MBE, the London-based globally celebrated Nigerian fine artist as patrons, this year's event once again promises to be a huge success which will see over 100 African designers and exhibitors showcasing their designs at the event, taking place in the impressive Truman Brewery space, just off Brick Lane. This years’ AFWL is set to be bigger and better than ever, expected over 20,000 people to attend the event over the course of the three days.

With still a few spaces left for runway and exhibition space, Africa Fashion Week London 2013 is accepting applications till 30 June 2013 from designers who wish to showcase on the runway and/or exhibit their merchandise over the three-day exhibition.

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AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON LAUNCHES FIRST CONCESSION STORE, STUDIO 29, 14TH APRIL 2013

 Studio 29 boutique, an extension of the highly successful AFWL brand is set to open it's doors to Lagos fashionistas from Sunday 14th April 2013.  The first of a series of concession stores in Lagos,  African Fashion Week London, the biggest African themed fashion event in Europe launches Studio 29 as a response to demand for the exclusive pieces featured in it's runway events. 

Opening at 29 Opebi road, Ikeja, with Lekki branch at 1 cottage drive off Durosimin Etti, Lekki phase 1 and the prestigious Oxford Street, London branch opening later in the year, the boutique will be stocking the best of African fashion designers around the globe. With London based multi award winning brands Adebayo Jones and AsakeOge already in store and other exotic pieces from designer brands such as Zebra Living, Kola Kuddus, Violet Couture, Mademoiselle Aglaia, Nene Kester and more designers signing up every day, the boutique caters to the everyday needs for the modern fashionista. From day to evening, casual to occasion, there's something for everyone in store. With it's contemporary deco and furnishing, Studio 29 will also be open for event bookings, fashion tea parties and product press launches.

The official opening is set for Sunday 14th April with press, media and celebrities invited. To get an invite to the exclusive opening simply send an email to studio29@africafashionweeklondon.com

 Founder AFWL Ronke Ademiluyi says, "Studio 29 was specifically set up to give women and men access to the runway pieces they fall in love without having to break the bank. We recognize the increasing rise of the ever savvy fashionista and we want to fill a gap in the market" As applications from designers and exhibitors continue to stream in, Ademiluyi is confident Studio 29 will create an affordable chic platform and designer's hub for established and emerging designers alike.

London based designer Asake Agoro of the AsakeOge brand says, "We always get enquiries from Nigeria about where our pieces can be bought, partnering with AFWL is a step towards giving our fans in Africa access to our ready to wear pieces and bespoke services"

Africa Fashion week London is set for 1st-4th August 2013 at the Old Truman Breweries in Shoreditch London  with over 100 designers taking part and 30,000 guests expected in a much bigger affair than the previous edition. AFWL is currently receiving applications from designers across the globe keen to reach an international audience in one of the quirkiest fashion capitals of the world. With other projects in the pipeline such as Africa fashion week Nigeria and Nigeria’s Next Top Designer reality Tv show The AFWL brand is pursuing it's vision to expose African Fashion to the world.

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BERRY'S COUTURE LONDON SHOWCASE AT THE AFWL 2012

Welcome to the world of Berry's Couture. Check out the beautiful showcase at the AFWL 2012 in London. The brand has been tagged Abuja's best kept secret, after we saw this collection and her showcase. We now know why the brand is so well celebrated.  picture credit-  

www.catwalk-capture.com

 

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You have read this article AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON 2012 / AFWL / AFWL 2012 / BERRY'S COUTURE / BOLA BALOGUN. FASHION AND LIFESTYLE with the title AFWL. You can bookmark this page URL https://sindyly.blogspot.com/2012/09/berry-couture-london-showcase-at-afwl.html. Thanks!

AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON 2012- MODELS CASTING CALL. ARE YOU READY???

The second edition of Africa Fashion Week London is getting nearer by the day. AFWL 2012 is on for August 3 & 4, 2012 at the Spitalfields Market Hall, a stunning venue that can accommodate 15,000 at a go.

The showcase would have 60 designers and about 40 exhibitors from all over Africa and Africans in the Diaspora. It would be a massive showcase during the London Olympics. Many are already preparing to have the best of showcase at the 2 days event.

So come this weekend, in preparation for the showcase in London, there would be a casting call at Adeyemi Lawson street, Ikoyi, Lagos. All models are invited.

Last year's edition was a fantastic experience and a glorious success, this year's would be bigger, better and definitely more successful.

You have read this article AFWL / AFWL 2012. / CASTING CALL / FASHION / LIFESTYLE with the title AFWL. You can bookmark this page URL https://sindyly.blogspot.com/2012/05/africa-fashion-week-london-2012-models.html. Thanks!

FRONT-ROW, BACKSTAGE AND GUESTS AT THE UBUNTU COLLECTION OF THE LFW 2012

If a show's success can be evaluated only via the number of guests, audience or on-lookers that came to cheer or just look, then the Ubuntu Collection, which had the Nigerian focus as its major highlight should be awarded the status of over-whelming success: 4 Designers from Nigeria showcased- Ayo Van Elmer who is based in Vienna, Austria, but makes her clothes and fabrics from Nigeria, there was also Zohi Taglit who is Abuja based, then there was Studio 24 and finally House of Jola, owned by Mrs. Joan Okorodudu . Like we had earlier reported, the event venue was totally packed out and many had to stand to catch a glimpse of the showcase.

Most importantly according to the feelers we got, many were not disappointed by what they saw on the catwalk. We were everywhere during the event, running from one spot to the other, trying as much as possible to get pictures of all that was going on, so in this package we have for your viewing pleasure, a mix of pictures of happenings backstage, some as the guests were arriving, a few pictures of fashionistas just outside the venue and those who had the privilege of sitting at the much coveted front-row bench. Enjoy!

All the pictures were taken by MM.

LONDON STYLE-1

THE GREAT ADEBAYO JONES

MRS. J. OKORODUDU & FRIEND

ADEBAYO JONES & FRIENDS

NIGERIAN MODELS-OLUCHI & SEYI

MR. VAN ELMER

MAKE-UP

OLUBUNMI ADEMOKOYA

MD-ZOHI TAGLIT

MD-AFWL-RONKE ADEMILUYI

MRS . JOAN OKORODUDU & TOP MANAGER AT BANK OF INDUSTRY

MRS JOAN OKORODUDU & WAHEED OLAGUNJU OF BOI

HAIR

DESIGNER JOSE HENDO & SINEM BILEN-ONABANJO OF FAB

JOSE,SINEM & RONKE

THEO MBALALA

MODEL BACKSTAGE

DESIGNER - CLIFTON

MD OF STUDIO 24 & FRIEND

VANGUARD ALLURE'S YEMISI SULAIMAN & NATION'S COLLEAGUE

SEYI, AISHA BELLO,IMADE,BUNMI & RUKAYAT

AISHA BELLO

DESIGNER CLIFTON & MODELS

2 OF THE MODELS BACKSTAGE

SINEM BILEN-ONABANJO & FRIENDS

A MODEL BACKSTAGE

UK BASED DESIGNER-NKWO & SINEM

SAM & TOLA ONIGBANJO

JULIET.YEMISI,FRIEND & RONKE

HELEN JENNINGS & FRIEND

EDITOR ARISE MAGAZINE-HELEN JENNINGS

LATOYA

HELEN JENNINGS

NKWO & FRIEND

A MODEL BACKSTAGE

A MODEL BACKSTAGE

You have read this article ADEBAYO JONES / AFWL / AISHA BELLO / AYO VAN ELMER / BANK OF INDUSTRY / BUNMI ADEMOKOYA / JOAN OKORODUDU / JOSE HENDO / LONDON STYLE / OLUCHI / SEYI / SINEM / STUDIO 24 / WAHEED OLAGUNJU / ZOHI TAGLIT with the title AFWL. You can bookmark this page URL https://sindyly.blogspot.com/2012/03/front-row-backstage-and-guests-at.html. Thanks!