The Bold Fashion Week made its debut with a showcase of leading fashion talent from Uganda and across Africa, in partnership with I&M Bank and Johnnie Walker.
The runway show was held on Friday, August 21, at Motiv Kampala, attracting designers, socialites, fashion enthusiasts, critics and creatives, for a night centred on fashion, music and entertainment.
Guests arrived in eye-catching African-inspired looks, ranging from vibrant prints and flowing silhouettes to polished statement pieces. African-themed music kept the atmosphere lively as guests posed for photos, took in the looks around them and caught up ahead of the show.
The showcase featured Ugandan brands- Axarya, Discreet Street x Local, Good Fibre, Joan Jade, Kifahari, Kwesh, Lamara, Ofumbi and Shurea Yasmin, as well as Nigeria’s Yemi Shoyemi.
According to Lincoln Axarya, the increasing number of platforms for African designers reflects an industry steadily evolving into a sustainable commercial sector.
“The fashion scene across Africa is improving and becoming more profitable. We are seeing more designers build strong brands and approach fashion with a greater commercial focus,” Axarya said.
“There is still a lot of room to grow, but the industry is moving in the right direction. The talent is there, and with the right investment and support, fashion can create jobs, grow businesses and open up new markets.”
This growing economic opportunity is part of what attracted I&M Bank to Bold Fashion Week. The bank sees the creative sector as an important part of Africa’s growing economy, particularly as more creatives turn their ideas into businesses.
“I&M Bank is proud to support Bold Fashion Week because we see fashion as more than creativity. It is a catalyst for entrepreneurship and an important contributor to Africa’s expanding creative economy,” I&M Bank Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Annette Nakiyaga, said.
The bank also aims to support entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey, from establishing and expanding enterprises to exploring new markets and opportunities.
“We are especially encouraged by the strong presence of women in the fashion industry. Supporting women entrepreneurs as they start, grow and scale their businesses is an important part of our commitment at I&M Bank,” she added.
Meanwhile, on the runway, some of the continent’s top models presented looks from the participating brands. The show provided designers with a platform to showcase their work to a wider audience while giving guests a closer look at the creativity behind the brands.
Johnnie Walker was part of the experience, welcoming guests with cocktails as they arrived. Its involvement also connected with Afro Exchange, the brand’s platform for bringing together different players in Africa’s creative industries.
For the designers, however, the opportunity did not end when the final model left the runway. The following day, Bold Fashion Week partnered with Kampala Artisan Market for a retail marketplace, giving guests the chance to buy pieces from the designers featured during the week.
The marketplace connected participating brands directly with customers, creating an avenue to convert runway exposure into sales.
Africa’s fashion industry is evolving from informal tailoring into a structured economic sector. Driven by a youthful population, urbanisation, and digital innovation, designers and brands are increasingly positioning fashion as both a commercial enterprise and a powerful expression of culture.