Canex, an engine of development for Africa’s creative and cultural industries
Paris, the global crossroads of fashion and culture, is gearing up for an unprecedented event. From June 18 to July 8, Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann will vibrate to the rhythm of “Africa Now”, a unique pop-up store dedicated to contemporary African fashion. At the heart of this ambitious initiative, the collaboration with Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) is proving to be a strategic pillar, breathing new energy and international visibility into the continent’s talents. Thanks to the commitment of CANEX, the creative industries arm of Afreximbank, daring designers will see their creations exhibited in one of the temples of Parisian commerce.
A visionary program
CANEX, or Creative Africa Nexus, is much more than just an organization: it’s a visionary program launched by Afreximbank (African Export-Import Bank) with a clear and ambitious objective: to develop the Creative and Cultural Industries (CCI) in Africa. Its main mission is to support talent and businesses in the fashion sector, but also more broadly in all artistic and cultural expressions, by offering them the tools and platforms they need to grow and expand internationally. CANEX’s commitment reflects an awareness of the immense economic and social potential of CCIs on the African continent, which is often underestimated or under-exploited.
Canex x Tranoï
The history of CANEX speaks volumes about its effectiveness and growing influence. For the past six seasons, the program has occupied a dedicated space within the prestigious Tranoï fashion trade show, a key event during Paris Fashion Week. This strategic presence is not insignificant. It offers African designers valuable exposure on one of the most influential scenes in international fashion. It’s a way for them to make contacts, present their collections to a discerning public and gain a foothold in the world’s commercial circuits.
The collaboration with Galeries Lafayette, a world-renowned department store, is a natural extension and amplification of this strategy. It consolidates CANEX’s position as a key player in the development of African fashion, capable of creating lasting bridges between the continent and international markets. It’s a powerful synergy between CANEX’s vision for Africa and Galeries Lafayette’s desire to celebrate the diversity of global design.
The canex selection: excellence in sustainable and innovative African fashion
CANEX’s selection of designers for the “Africa Now” pop-up at Galeries Lafayette reflects a demanding, avant-garde approach. The brands chosen embody not only the creative richness of Africa, but also a strong commitment to sustainability, social responsibility and innovation. They demonstrate that African fashion is resolutely forward-looking, while drawing on a deep cultural heritage.
Late for work, a Moroccan brand, stands out for its approach to upcycling. By reinventing everyday wardrobes from existing materials, it proves that it is possible to create fashion that is trendy and desirable, while minimizing environmental impact. It’s a perfect illustration of creativity at the service of more conscious and responsible consumption.
Boyedeo, a Ghanaian label, is also committed to a more responsible approach. Its creations are a contemporary interpretation of African heritage, where traditional techniques meet modern design, offering unique and meaningful pieces. It’s a successful fusion of past and present, celebrating African identity with an ethical conscience.
Boyedoe
Wuman, a Nigerian brand, honors African craftsmanship through an equally responsible approach. The brand promotes the skills of local artisans, helping to preserve ancestral techniques while offering high-quality products that tell an authentic story. It’s a celebration of African labor and the richness of its heritage.
Finally, We are Nbo, a Kenyan jeweler, brings a unique dimension to this selection by creating jewelry from recycled materials. Their pieces are not just aesthetically pleasing; they carry a strong message of circular economy and sustainable creativity, transforming what could be waste into wearable works of art. Their work is a shining example of African innovation and ingenuity in design.
These four brands, carefully selected by CANEX for Galeries Lafayette, offer an eloquent panorama of African fashion that not only innovates in terms of style, but also embraces the values of sustainability, responsibility and the valorization of local craftsmanship.
Wuman
Galeries Lafayette, an international partner
Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann, with over 130 years of history, is a major player in event-driven retail and fashion. Their commitment to “bringing people together, inspiring them and making them dream” is fully demonstrated through initiatives such as “Africa Now”. By reaffirming their privileged links with the African continent, the department store acts as a historic springboard for African creation.
Welcoming this “new generation of contemporary fashion designers from the African continent”, as expressed by Alix Morabito, Director of Women’s Fashion Purchasing and Special Projects, is a testament to Galeries Lafayette’s desire to reveal Africa’s creative energy to the public. This visibility in such a prestigious venue is invaluable recognition for African designers, offering them a unique platform to reach an international clientele and consolidate their place on the global fashion scene.
It’s an unprecedented opportunity to break down stereotypes and present dynamic, innovative and profoundly contemporary African fashion, confirming Paris’ place as a capital open to talent from all over the world.
Pop Up Africa now, a must-attend fashion event in Paris
The collaboration between Galeries Lafayette and CANEX is an eloquent example of how established institutions can become powerful catalysts for the promotion of African cultural and creative industries. “Africa Now” is an invitation to discover unique pieces, exceptional know-how and inspiring stories. It’s an opportunity to support bold, ethical fashion rooted in a rich heritage, while looking to the future.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of contemporary African fashion. Visit Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann, from June 18 to July 8, to discover the collections of Late for work, Boyedoe, Wuman, and We are nbo, and take part in this vibrant celebration of African creation.
Read also
- Africa Fashion Up renews its pop-up with Galeries Lafayette
- Galeries Lafayette celebrates African fashion with Pop-Up Africa Now
