Models ready to showcase clothes by African designers at AFI Cape Town Fashion Week. Picture: Instagram.
African Fashion International (AFI) makes history as the first African partner of The Met Gala.
The Met Gala is one of the most prestigious events in the fashion calendar. World-renowned celebrities gather in exquisite ensembles to raise funds for charity organisations.
The Gala will launch “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”, a groundbreaking exhibition that explores the evolution of Black Dandyism as a cultural and aesthetic movement, beginning with its origins in enlightenment Europe and extending into 21st-century urban centres like London, New York and Johannesburg.
In this collaborative exhibition, the role of AFI is to demonstrate its belief in fashion’s didactic power - the ability to educate, inspire and challenge societal norms.
“AFI’s role extends beyond creating platforms; it leads with purpose. From cultivating young designers who draw from Africa’s rich cultural archives to partnering with international institutions to elevate African narratives, AFI is not just curating fashion—it is rewriting its global significance,” read the statement from AFI.
To best execute the theme, AFI must include African fashion enthusiasts who have used the art to gain power and showcase their identity.
Such will leave a remarkable statement because fashion means different things to different people but the pioneers have always used it as an expression to raise awareness.
"As Africans, our histories and identities have always been a tapestry of influences, woven from our interactions with the world. Our fashion reflects these layers—interconnected and constantly evolving," said Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe.
"At AFI, we are proud to drive this dialogue forward, ensuring that African fashion is seen, heard, and acknowledged on a global scale."
Taking place on the first Monday of May, The Met Gala 2025 will be co-chaired by a star-studded group, including musician Pharrell Williams, Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton, actor Colman Domingo and musician A$AP Rocky.