“Ofuure” Designs captures coveted Student Designer Award at 2016 African Fashion WeekFashion designer Tehilah Abakasanga could barely contain her excitement on winning the Student Designer Competition held as part of the 2016 African Fashion Week (AFW) in Toronto, Canada recently.

The fourth edition of AFW featured several haute couture events, showcasing designers of African descent or with an afro-centric aesthetic, from August 18th-21st. The Student Designer Competition was held on Day 2 and saw several student designers go head to head in a battle of innovative, vivid and beautiful clothing lines.

The designers who competed included Cannonball Diva, Janae Welsh, Zoba Martin, We are Kings, Lexynelle Reveur, and S.O.K.I. Abakasanga’s line, “Ofuure” captured the top spot for being cohesive, vibrant and creative. Abakasanga spoke to TDN news shortly after the announcement and said the win was validation for her vision, “Getting to show here at African Fashion Week is such a great opportunity to promote my designs, and to win just makes all the hard work worthwhile!” she exclaimed enthusiastically.

Abakasanga’s energy and effervescent personality is evident in her latest collection with its bold prints, and innovative tailoring. As the winner of the Student Designer competition, Abakasanga was able to showcase her collection, amongst professional designer lines, in the High Fashion Runway Showcase which was held on Day 3 of African Fashion Week.

That event featured design lines such as House of Ruth, Soro’Bis, Kylve Gervacy, Kwesiya, Zna K, and Miss Beida Fashions amongst others. African Fashion Week wrapped up with the 2016 African Fashion Industry Awards, celebrating achievements in the Pan-African Fashion Industry; patrons were treated to the debut showing of the latest clothing line by “king of couture” designer Adebayo Jones. Events for African Fashion Week were presented by Fashion Ready Foundation and held at the Design Exchange at 234 Bay Street, Toronto.

Photos: Justin Bennett

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