Throughout the developed world African nationals are racing to build sustainable marketplaces for independent designers of Afro-centric inspired fashions. Numerous African inspired Fashion Week events have emerged setting the pulse for this movement. The World Fashion Organization’s agenda is to develop wealth creation and eventually free African societies from a dependency on world aid.

The ambitions of WFO is to foster fashion as a vocation; and further the development of ‘World Fashion’ by helping developing nations improve intercontinental trade. Overall, WFO aims to create a global market place for emerging fashion brands under the theme “We Fashion All”. According to the WFO apparel is the chosen market for economic development in Africa because of the high degree of influence African aesthetics has had in the western markets. “Rather than receiving financial aid from the international community, African nations need help developing commercially viable creative industries. The fashion industry has multiplying chains of vocation, which can create wealth. For example, the clothing industry creates jobs for Apparel Designers, Accessory Designers, Tailors, Weavers, Textile Designers, Pattern Makers, Wardrobe Stylists, Models, Fashion Photographers and Writers etc.”

Models are wearing TeKay Designs, an award winning international fashion label, based in Houston Texas, that offers custom designs and couture bridal gowns, formal attire and statement fashion jewelry.  Founded in 1998, TeKay Designs features handcrafted pieces that appeal to those who appreciate elegance with a contemporary twist. The company facilitates production in Ghana, Africa and Houston, Texas.

Crown Collection gowns by TeKayDesigns.com
Photographers:  Danny Gbawar, Christina Brown