Technology, just like the first ray of light in the morning, has revealed that there’s no boundary to possibilities. For fashion in Africa and other places around the world, high-tech has been the vehicle for significant growth, empowering designers and artists to reach new heights of creativity. From e-commerce platforms to digital design tools, technology is revolutionising the way African fashion is made, marketed to the world, and consumed. With this, Africa is able to spread her tentacles of fashion all around the planet for people to experience and appreciate.
Digital Spaces/e-commerce
One of the most transformative influences of high-tech on African fashion has been through e-commerce and online marketplaces. These platforms have provided designers with the opportunity to introduce their creations to a global audience. Brand owners, through websites, mobile applications, and social media platforms, have been able to overcome the barriers of distance.
People on the other side of the continent can easily access products without limitations. Some even choose to operate strictly as an online market. Social media presence and branding have helped a lot of brands gain consumer attention and brand loyalty. Social media platforms like Facebook have become a strong marketing space for fashion brand owners. Brands are able to interact freely with customers who are far away and also gain helpful feedback.
Hanifa’s 3D Fashion Show
Hanifa Mvuemba, a Congolese fashion designer, made a groundbreaking move in the fashion world with her virtual 3D fashion show. The mind-blowing, brilliant event was during the lockdown, when fashion exhibitions were limited and many shows were either postponed, cancelled, or made an online event. Hanifa scheduled an online event too, but it was definitely not what we expected. She made a grand breakthrough. She exhibited her Pink Label Congo Collection on Instagram Live using 3D technology. No runway, no models—just her designs brought to life against a black background. Which of the blessings of 3D virtual technology can we deny?
Computer-aided design software
Design and manufacturing processes are made easier for designers with complex design software. High-tech has revolutionised the fashion game in an amazing way. These tools help designers experiment with designs, colours, and patterns, widening their spheres of creativity. African designers are able to achieve a fusion of traditional techniques and modern aesthetics. Innovations like 3D printing and laser cutting aid in faster and more efficient manufacturing. Stay up to date on the newest in the world of Fashion, Arts, Beauty and Lifestyle; Follow FAB on socials.
Andrea Iyamah with Waterproof and Cooling Fabric
Andrea Iyamah is another one of the numerous brands that are actively exploring the capabilities of technology to achieve the unimaginable in the fashion world. Who could have thought that a bucket hat could be used as a cooler for your drinks on a hot beach day? Andrea cracked the code. In her collaboration with Plume and Petal, Andrea created a bucket hat with a removable waterproof cooling layer inside to serve two purposes.
Technology has also crucially contributed to the growth of awareness about sustainable fashion. With increased awareness of the impact of fast fashion on the environment, designers are able to adopt safe practises and responsible sourcing of materials.
Imagine being able to virtually try on the outfits you plan to buy to visualise how they would look. Technology can only get better. The world of virtual reality holds wide possibilities for African designers to be able to sell their products and conduct accurate virtual fittings. We look forward to leading, innovative projects from African Fashion designers. Technology to the rescue! Get to know the best smart home gadgets to aid your sleep at night.
