‘Fashioning the Future’- A Fashion Show at King Charles III’s Birthday Celebration in Uganda

On Thursday, 14th November 2024, the UK High Commissioner to Uganda, Her Excellency Lisa Chesney MBE, hosted a grand reception at the British High Commission’s official residence in Nakasero to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty King Charles III. The event not only marked the monarch’s birthday but also emphasized the growing diplomatic and cultural ties between Uganda and the United Kingdom. The guest of honor at the event was Uganda’s Foreign Minister, Hon. Gen. Jeje Odongo, who joined other distinguished guests, including diplomats, business leaders, and cultural figures from across Uganda and the UK.

As part of the festivities, the event featured a remarkable fashion showcase, ‘Fashioning the Future,’ which was curated through the British Council’s Creative DNA (CDNA) program. The showcase highlighted the rich creative potential of Ugandan designers, drawing attention to the global opportunities they can tap into. The event underscored the impact that Uganda’s fashion industry is poised to have on the international stage, particularly in collaboration with UK-based platforms and partnerships.

Four notable Ugandan designers—Nina Mire, Veryldesigns, Njola Impressions, and IGC Fashion—featured in the fashion show, each presenting unique pieces that blend contemporary designs with rich African heritage. The designers’ works echoed the themes of innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity, key elements shaping the future of global fashion.

Nina Mire, founded in 2016 by model and designer Nina Mirembe, is a brand renowned for its handmade youthful crochet and knitwear. For the show, the brand added a youthful touch to their work by mixing denim with knitwear and colorful embroidery, creating garments that are both stylish and eco-friendly. Mire’s work reflects the growing trend within the fashion industry to embrace sustainability. Her designs celebrate both African craftsmanship and environmentally conscious materials, making them a perfect fit for the event’s emphasis on sustainability.

Veryldesigns, led by UK-based Ugandan designer Rachel Bashabe, is a slow fashion brand that specializes in creating and selling bold print African fashion aimed at showcasing the beauty of bold prints while encouraging both men and women to step out in confidence with modern, classy, and eye-catching styles. All pieces are sourced sustainably in Uganda and handmade by Rachel and her team of tailors in Uganda. For the show, the brand stayed true to their DNA with modern pieces emblazoned with rich bold prints, underscoring the unique beauty of Uganda and the United Kingdom.

IGC FASHION, founded in 2017 by Ugandan designers Kasoma Ibrahim and Katende Godfrey, is renowned for their forward-thinking approach to design with a unique aesthetic. The brand has showcased its collections at London Fashion Week and has gained international acclaim for its innovative designs. For the King’s birthday celebration, IGC Fashion presented a number of costumes inspired by African heritage, nature, and culture, further solidifying their reputation as a brand that bridges the gap between African traditions and contemporary design.

NJOLA, an eco-conscious brand, had one of the standouts showcases during the event with their presentation of recycled costumes. Grounded in the belief that waste can be transformed into beauty, Njola’s work emphasizes a process-oriented approach that celebrates sustainability and innovation. In their artistic journey, the brand transforms discarded materials into striking fashion pieces and visual artworks. Their sustainable practices align with King Charles III’s personal commitment to environmental stewardship, which he has championed for decades. King Charles has long been an advocate for sustainability and environmental issues, with a strong focus on combating climate change, promoting conservation, and supporting sustainable agriculture. His foundation, The Prince’s Trust, has worked on numerous projects aimed at fostering a more sustainable world, and he has consistently used his platform to promote these causes, encouraging industries, including fashion, to adopt more eco-friendly practices.

The UK fashion economy remains one of the most significant contributors to the country’s GDP, generating £35 billion in 2021 alone. This growth reflects the demand for diverse and inclusive fashion, including the increasing integration of sustainability practices. Ugandan designers, like those showcased at the King’s birthday celebration, have the opportunity to tap into these markets, which are increasingly receptive to global, culturally rich designs. Collaborations with UK-based platforms such as CDNA allow Ugandan fashion to reach international buyers and investors, creating a pathway for Ugandan talent to gain wider recognition.

The celebration of King Charles III’s birthday was not just a social event but also an important milestone in strengthening the cultural exchange between Uganda and the UK. With the world increasingly embracing diversity in fashion, Ugandan designers are positioned to make their mark, leveraging opportunities for cross-border collaborations and the growing demand for fashion that celebrates both culture and sustainability. The showcase marked a defining moment in this ongoing journey, as Uganda’s fashion industry continues to grow in influence and recognition on the global stage.

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