African Fashion Week Minnesota
Dressing the new generation in the power and pride of our heritage by stitching the threads of our past into the fabric of the future.
Our Mission:
To celebrate African fashion as a vibrant expression of our identity, a wearable form of our history, and a powerful platform for our creative community in Minnesota.
Our Vision:
To see the elegance, diversity, and spirit of African fashion celebrated on the world stage, recognized not as a trend, but as the timeless heritage it is, while promoting diversity and inclusion in the global fashion industry.
Our Values:
Creativity, Heritage, Elegance, Identity, Inclusion. We believe that every stitch tells a story, and that our attire connects us to the legacy of our ancestors.
Our Strategy:
Through our flagship annual African Fashion Show and the broader African Fashion Week Minnesota (AFWMN) platform, we provide a premier stage for designers, models, and entrepreneurs. We foster a supportive ecosystem that nurtures local talent and facilitates international economic partnerships.
The African Fashion Show: The Heart of the Festival
A centerpiece of our annual Minnesota African Cultural Festival is the spectacular African Fashion Show, held during our elegant Gala Night. This is where our mission comes to life on the runway.
It is a vibrant platform showcasing not just clothing, but the rich tapestry of our culture, art, design, history, and heritage.
The fashion show is our most powerful stage for cultural expression, bringing the community together for an unforgettable night of style, music, and celebration.
Where Tradition Meets Trendsetting
We understand that for our heritage to thrive, it must speak to every generation. That is why our fashion philosophy is centered on a beautiful fusion of the past and the future.
We know that to some modern youth, traditional fashion may feel distant. Therefore, we champion designers who masterfully blend modern, trendsetting attire with the timeless patterns, fabrics, and artistry of African fashion.
This approach ensures our traditions are not relics of the past but a living, breathing part of our contemporary identity, allowing our younger generations to stay deeply connected with their roots in a way that feels authentic to them.
Building Minnesota’s African Fashion Ecosystem
Our commitment extends far beyond the runway. African Fashion Week Minnesota (AFWMN) is a non-profit, community-based social enterprise dedicated to nurturing our local fashion ecosystem.
We actively support and provide a platform for Minnesota’s African fashion designers, models, fashion business owners, and cultural icons.
By creating this space for creativity, communication, and unity, we are bridging the gap and promoting a more diverse and inclusive fashion industry in our state and beyond.
This platform serves as a vital gateway, helping to facilitate international economic partnerships and create real opportunities for our talented community.
Join Our Journey - Become a Part of the Story
This is more than a mission; it is a movement of the heart, a celebration of the unity and strength of the African diaspora.We are the generation that is rebuilding bridges to our heritage and creating a powerful legacy for our children. Your support is the foundation of this work. Join us by donating to our cause, volunteering your time, or attending our events. Together, we can empower our community, preserve our cultures, and ensure the flame of our heritage burns brighter than ever.