M-Net’s Face of Africa model search isn’t only about unearthing the continent’s next catwalk superstar – it’s also about showcasing the continent’s finest fashion designers. No fewer than 22 designers from across the continent, including Ghana's own Kofi Ansah, will have their couture work showcased at the 2010 Finale, live from Lagos on Saturday February 6.
The M-Net Face of Africa 2010 Finale will showcase two of the brightest fashion talents from East and Southern Africa – Kenya’s John Kaveke and South African star David Tlale. Kenyan designer John Kaveke studied fashion design both in Kenya and in Spain and worked for four years as a designer for other labels before taking the plunge and setting up his own label. Kaveke has been involved in a number of prestigious projects including the International Smirnoff Fashion Awards, M-Net’s Face of Africa 2001, National Dress design Team, Sarajevo Fashion week, Catwalk Kenya and FAFA Kenya 2008 and 2009.
His style is a contemporary mix with a little bit of an edge. It can be classic or unstructured surrounded by notes of handmade beadwork produced by Maasai who traditionally use it as jewellery. Utilising fabrics like leather, denim, recycled fabrics, suede, knitwear, tie-dye cottons, linen and silk, Kaveke’s garments are designed for women who want to showcase their feminine charm and express vitality, passion for life and individuality. His new men's line plays heavily on conventional tailoring and suit a modern man who is driven by individual style and not trends.
Over the five years since he launched his brand, award-winning designer David Tlale has delivered designs that go far beyond expectations. 2008 was a fruitful one for the brand; a year in which Tlale was voted “Most Stylish Person” at the annual SA Style Awards, Mzansi’s Star Fashion Designer at the Mzansi Star Awards and also nominated at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Awards. He was also invited to judge the Elle New Talent 2008 competition, the place where he began his journey in fashion.
Both daring and dramatic, David Tlale is a brand that defies convention and employs unpredictable use and understanding of fabric, colour and texture. He was awarded Fashion Designer of the Year at the recent Arise Africa Fashion Awards, where he presented a Ready-To-Wear Collection that defied all expectations. This award gave Tlale the opportunity to showcase his collection at the Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week in September 2009, courtesy of Arise Magazine. His designs are often heralded by critics as innovative and creative, with bold use of colour and fabric.
In addition to John Kaveke and David Tlale, audiences tuning in to the Face of Africa 2010 Finale, will also see a special collection featuring 10 of Africa’s leading designers – Kofi Ansah (Ghana), Anna Getaneh (Ethiopia), Anisa Mpungwe (Tanzania), Gloria WavaMunno (Uganda), Chakirra Claasen (Namibia), Cathy Kathunzi (Malawi), Koketso Chiepe (Botswana), Liz Ogumbo (Kenya), Taibo Bacar (Mozambique) and Angela Mulenga (Zambia).
Meanwhile paying tribute to the home of this year’s Finale, the show will also feature a collection that includes 10 Nigerian designers, who will dress the TOP 10 M-Net Face of Africa Finalists to showcase the finest in Nigerian Haute Couture.
Contemporary genius Zizi Cardow, the design style of Frank Osodi, the artistic, stylish and exclusive haute couture of Odio Mimonet, the innovative Fati Asibelua Momo label, the style and elegance of Tiffany Amber by Folake Folarin-Coker, Ituen Basi’s contemporary take on classic style, the latest from the “King of Couture” Adebayo Jones, the avant-garde Lanre Da Silva-Ajayi, Lisa Folawiyo’s brightly-embellished Ankara signature style and Yemi Osunkova’s Kosibah label, worn by some of the world’s most famous figures, will dress this year’s finalists in what is set to be a fashion extravaganza.
The M-Net Face of Africa 2010 Finale promises to be an unmissable showcase of the best in African fashion – DStv audiences can watch it, live from Lagos, on Saturday February 6 at 19:00 CAT, only on M-Net.
