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The global fashion industry is undergoing a profound transformation, as African designers, fueled by a blend of cultural pride and modern innovation, reshape the Western fashion landscape. From bold prints and intricate patterns to sustainable practices rooted in heritage, African fashion is no longer confined to its traditional contexts; it has become a vibrant force on the global stage. For decades, African textiles and designs were often celebrated within ceremonial or local settings. However, the narrative began to shift in the late 20th century when designers like Alphadi, the “Magician of the Desert” from Niger, and Nigerian-British icon Duro Olowu introduced African aesthetics to the global runway. These pioneers paved the way for a new generation of creatives who are transforming perceptions of African fashion in the West. Modern-Day Innovators Today, designers from across Africa are pushing boundaries. In Nigeria, Kenneth Ize’s reimagining of traditional aso-oke fabric has gained acclaim on global runways, with pieces worn by celebrities like Naomi Campbell. South Africa’s Thebe Magugu, the first African designer to win the prestigious LVMH Prize, incorporates themes of politics, identity, and heritage into his collections, blending traditional silhouettes with modern tailoring. Meanwhile, Ghanaian brand Christie Brown uses local craftsmanship to create elegant, ready-to-wear pieces that appeal to both African and international audiences. From North Africa, Selma Benomar of Morocco has reinvigorated the kaftan, a garment with centuries of history, by merging its classic aesthetic with contemporary luxury. In East Africa, Ethiopian designer Lemlem, founded by supermodel Liya Kebede, has popularized handwoven cotton garments, combining sustainability with effortless style. Evolution of African Fashion in the West African fashion’s journey to prominence in Western markets can be traced to cultural movements, migration, and increased global exposure. During the 1960s and 70s, Pan-Africanism inspired a wave of interest in African aesthetics, with styles like dashikis gaining popularity in the U.S. and Europe. In recent decades, social media, globalization, and initiatives like Lagos Fashion Week and Dakar Fashion Week have amplified the voices of African designers, allowing their work to transcend geographical boundaries. Future of African Fashion in the West As African designers continue to make their mark, their work not only enriches the global fashion scene but also redefines what luxury and innovation mean. By blending tradition with modernity, they challenge stereotypes and offer a fresh perspective on African creativity. From the bustling streets of Lagos to the ateliers of Paris, African fashion is a testament to the power of cultural exchange. As Blessing Ukpe of Adjoavi Style aptly puts it, “African fashion is not just about clothes—it’s about identity, heritage, and a future that’s full of possibilities.” With a rich history and a dynamic present, African fashion is not merely influencing Western markets; it is transforming them. Ukpe’s approach with Adjoavi Style exemplifies a shift in African fashion, carving out a unique identity in Western markets. At a recent fashion meet-and-greet in London, she showcased how aso-oke, historically worn during Yoruba ceremonies, can be transformed into contemporary blazers and dresses that resonate with modern consumers. This duality of tradition and innovation lies at the heart of African fashion’s appeal. Blessing Ukpe believes sustainability is a key driver of African fashion’s appeal. “We’re creating garments that are not just beautiful but meaningful,” she said. “Our designs reflect a commitment to preserving our culture and supporting our communities.” One of the defining characteristics of African fashion is its ability to merge cultural heritage with contemporary design. Fabrics like Ghana’s kente, South Africa’s shweshwe, and Mali’s bogolanfini (mud cloth) are being reimagined for modern audiences. Designers like Adjoavi Style are part of this evolution, using aso-oke’s intricate textures to create garments that feel luxurious yet accessible. These designs are also influencing broader trends. Western fashion houses are increasingly incorporating African-inspired patterns and techniques into their collections, acknowledging the continent’s creative contributions. From bold color palettes to geometric patterns, African aesthetics are shaping the global fashion landscape. African designers are also shaping the direction of the global fashion industry, particularly in sustainability. This commitment to sustainability resonates with Western consumers, who are increasingly drawn to environmentally conscious brands.
68-year-old congresswoman says she's retiring to 'set a better example' amid concern over aging politiciansNo. 15 Tennessee women beat Winthrop 112-50 for seventh 12-0 start in program historyREADER POLL: How would you grade the Orioles’ signing of Tyler O’Neill?
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'Made extensive efforts to improve lives': PM Modi, other leaders condole Manmohan Singh's death
Should AI be used to resurrect extinct species like the Neanderthal? | Mohammad Hosseini
As small and Northern rural municipalities levy hefty property-tax increases to cover basic services, the amount of hefty grants they receive from the province each year is also going up. The province announced on Friday it’s hiking the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund by $100 million over the next two years, bringing the total amount to be expended to $600 million by the end of 2026. “We have heard from small, Northern, and rural municipalities that they need more support to meet the financial challenges they face,” Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy, a Toronto-area MPP, said in a news release. Northern municipalities have come to rely on the fund heavily. The Municipality of Shuniah, for example, received nearly $880,000 from the program this year, an amount that wouldn’t cover the amount its spends on social and family services. Shuniah’s amount is expected to rise by just over $100,000 next year, its municipal chief administrator, Paul Greenwood, noted. Though the provincial fund amounts are due to rise in 2025 and 2026, individual municipalities have watched them go down slightly in other years. On Friday, the province claimed the overall amount allocated to municipal programs has spiked. According to a provincial backgrounder, “key provincial support to municipalities grew by over 45 per cent” between 2019 and 2023. “In 2023 alone, the government provided almost $10 billion to Ontario municipalities through key transfers,” the backgrounder said, to help municipalities cope with worsening problems, such as homelessness. Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association president Wendy Landry said the association “has been a long-time advocate for a permanent increase,” to the municipal partnership fund. Landry, who is also Shuniah’s mayor, said small municipalities like hers “greatly rely on this funding.” As rumours continue to swirl about a possible provincial election a year ahead of schedule in 2025, the Doug Ford government has committed to sitting down with municipalities to hold discussions about the partnership fund early next year. “We can work together to guarantee (the) fund meets the needs of small and rural municipalities across Northern Ontario,” Landry said.
Northern, rural municipalities get provincial boost
Should AI be used to resurrect extinct species like the Neanderthal? | Mohammad HosseiniF ormer Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, 92, passed away on Thursday (December 26, 2024). AIIMS in a statement said “With profound grief, we inform the demise of Former Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, aged 92. He was being treated for age-related medical conditions and had sudden loss of consciousness at home on 26th December 2024. Resuscitative measures were started immediately at home. He was brought to the Medical Emergency at AIIMS, New Delhi at 8:06 PM. Despite all efforts, he could not be revived and was declared dead at 9:51 PM.” Also read: Manmohan Singh, a gentleman politician Dr Singh had retired as member of the Rajya Sabha, representing Rajasthan, in February this year. Before this, he represented Assam in the Upper House for six terms since 1991. Showering praise on his last day in the Rajya Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called him an “inspirational example”. “The way Manmohan Singh guided the country for a long time... Whenever our democracy will be mentioned, he will be one of those few esteemed members whose contribution will be always remembered,”Mr Modi had said. Described as a reluctant politician, the high point of Dr. Manmohan Singh’s 10-year long Prime Ministership was his handling of the Indo-U.S. nuclear deal. The economist-turned-politician almost single-handedly turned the tables on the Left parties — providing outside support to the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance — by securing the support of Samajwadi Party (SP) in a crucial trust vote in July 2008 over the India-U.S. nuclear deal. Condoling former PM Manmohan Singh’s demise, the Lok Sabha Speaker in a post in Hindi said “Apart from being an eminent economist and an enlightened politician, he will always be remembered for his gentle and simple behaviour.” In a post in Hindi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said he was “extremely sad” at the news of the demise of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh “I express my condolences to his family and supporters in this hour of grief. May Waheguru grant peace to his soul and give strength to his family to bear this grief.” “The demise of former Prime Minister of the country Dr. Manmohan Singh is sad. He was a skilled politician and economist. Under his leadership, India’s economy got a new direction. The demise of Dr. Manmohan Singh is an irreparable loss for Indian politics. We pray to God for eternal peace of the departed soul.” Bihar CM Nitish Kumar on X.
First Commonwealth Financial (NYSE:FCF) Raised to “Hold” at StockNews.com
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