Decoding This Friday’s ASFAs Dress Theme: Post-Modernism Meets Africanism 

There’s no doubt that the Abryanz Style and Fashion Awards, is no longer just an event where fashion aficionados mingle in luxury fashion. The annual event has gained the status of a full-blown social platform where agenda-setting statements are made, of course with a lot of sass and glam involved. Themed ‘Fashion is Power’, this year’s festivities have been centered around the immense power of fashion in transforming the economy of not just Uganda, but Africa as whole.

It’s not surprising that Brian Ahumuza and his team chose to put a dress-theme, the first time since the event’s inception in 2013. The theme is ‘Post-modernism meets Africanism‘, let’s delve into what that means later on.

In true ASFAs style, come this Friday, everyone, fashion lovers or not will gather at Kampala Serena Hotel, on TV (event will air live on NTV) or on their phones to see what the stars are wearing. This time though, the banter will not just revolve around who wore what, but also how they’ll interpret the theme through their fashion choices. Who will get it wrong? Who will get it right? Who will pay no attention to it all? However, it won’t be possible to get those answers if we don’t know what the theme is about.

What is Post Modernism Meets Africanism?

Post-modernism is about challenging the ideals of perfection which have for long been popularized by the western world. It’s also about challenging the traditional cultural values of modern society. This is fashion that’s characterized by individualism and free thought. Comme des Garcons, Alexander McQueen, and Vivienne Westwood are some of the designers popular for their post-modernist approach to style,

This individualist approach to style is then merged with our African influences. During the ASFA business summit which held in October, South African designer David Tlale alluded to how Africa is the home of couture and luxury fashion. Our love for colour, prints and the vibrancy it all comes with is the Africanism here.

What outfits should we expect to see? 

Against the explanation above, we expect over the top designs, inspired by everything but what you define as perfect. We expect creations and designs we’ve seen nowhere before. One design brand whose Kampala Fashion Collection can help us paint a clearer picture is IGC Fashion. The design duo looked to our heritage to cultivate a collection that was unique and totally at odds with what western ideals dictate.

Besides inspiring a number sartorial innovations, this theme is poised to spark a new dialogue on the meaning of ‘African fashion. Well, because a lot of African designers seek inspiration from the west yet there’s pretty much enough inspiration here at home.

Are you excited? The event holds this Friday at Kampala Serena Hotel.

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