In a spectacular fusion of culture and creativity, Q RISING (formerly QASIMI RISING) (Instagram) has premiered its transformative partnership with Lagos Fashion Week (Instagram), heralding a new era for emerging designers in Africa. The London-based luxury brand Qasimi (Instagram) has set the stage for innovation with a one-day mentorship workshop, seeking to ignite the aspirations of the region’s burgeoning fashion talents.
This initiative marks the first step in a global series aimed at scouting fresh talent in preparation for Q RISING’s next cohort, with applications opening in the summer of 2025. Designers fortunate enough to be selected for the 2026 cohort will bask in the glow of three years of funding—covering six fashion seasons—and an additional seven years of invaluable mentorship. It’s an investment poised to transform aspirations into reality, ensuring a strong foundation for long-term success.
As the sun rises on this exciting initiative, Q RISING will host intimate one-on-one sessions with eight selected designers hailing from various corners of Africa. From contemporary women’s wear label Abiola Olusola (Nigeria) to Kente Gentleman (Ivory Coast), and from the unique statements of Ajabeng (Ghana) and Boyedoe (Ghana) to the artistic flair of Lila Bare (Kenya), Oshobor (Nigeria), Pepperrow (Nigeria), and Y’Wandelag (Nigeria), these talented visionaries represent the diverse tapestry of African fashion. The workshops will delve into the intricacies of brand building, nurturing techniques, and igniting the creative spark that defines each designer’s journey.
The following day promises an engaging program of talks that will tackle vital topics such as community empowerment and sustainable practices in fashion. Supported by the visionary Omoyemi Akerele, the founder and executive director of Lagos Fashion Week, this program is designed to harness the creative potential of Africa while addressing the unique challenges designers face in the global marketplace.
Hoor-Al-Qasimi, Creative Director of Qasimi and president of the Sharjah Art Foundation, encapsulated the essence of this collaboration beautifully: “At Q RISING, we believe that meaningful design transcends borders, and our partnership with Lagos Fashion Week is a testament to that belief. By offering mentorship and resources, we hope to cultivate a new wave of designers whose work reflects both their local heritage and a broader global narrative.”
Q RISING has rebranded to carve a distinctive identity separate from the Qasimi label, emphasizing its commitment to nurturing creative talent from the Global South. Since its inception in Sharjah, UAE, in 2023, the incubator has provided a platform for budding designers like Omer Asim, who continues to flourish under its guidance.
Coinciding with Lagos Fashion Week, a month-long residency at the luxurious Temple Muse will showcase the talents of Omer Asim alongside QASIMI and the avant-garde menswear brand APAR, providing a vibrant glimpse into the future of African fashion.
As Q RISING embarks on this inspiring journey, it’s clear that the partnership with Lagos Fashion Week signals not just a celebration of fashion, but a commitment to elevating voices and visions from the continent—a bold statement that resonates deeply within the heart of the global fashion narrative.
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