Africa Fair Takes Top South African Fashion Accessory Designers to New York and Paris
Cape Town, February 25, 2004 – Africa Fair has been making inroads into the US fashion market with its collection of contemporary accessories designed and made in South Africa. The company took its first collection to New York in December 2002 and now has outlets across the US including New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
In January this year the Africa Fair Collection was exhibited at Maison & Objet in Paris and a handbag from the Mielie line was selected by the French trends agency, Nelly Rodi, to appear in their seasonal style report. At the same time, the collection was shown at the New York, Atlanta and Chicago Gift Fairs. The Get Wired crocheted wire and bead cuffs were picked as a “What’s Hot” product at the Chicago show. There was an excellent response from buyers to the product at these shows; they were excited to see the designers’ modern and often unique interpretation of African style.
In December 2003, Africa Fair opened an office in New York in the design-focused Lower East Side. The company also has permanent representation in Paris. Africa Fair plans to participate in an further shows in New York and Paris later this year.
About the Collection
Through the use of contemporary styling and a clever combination of traditional and innovative materials, each designer brings a sophisticated urban slant to their line. The collection currently consists of work by six designers.
The jewelry range includes: SamJ’s whimsical floral necklaces and wire and glass bead lariats; Hanan Yanny’s cutting edge sequined and paper necklaces; Get Wired’s surprising combination of crocheted wire and bead cuffs and chokers; Alchemy’s delicately handcrafted pieces of semi-precious stones and antique beads; Savage’s stylish silver line worn by both men and women and recently seen on the runways of South African Fashion Week.
The handbag range consists of two lines: Get Wired applies the same technique used to create their jewelry to various styles of day and evening bags; the free-spirited Mielie line includes funky, one-of-a-kind, hooked rug bags and knotted, fringed leather bags.
About Africa Fair
Passionate about fashion, and inspired by the colorful creativity of Africa’s designers, Jennifer Fair set up Africa Fair in 2002. Her strong belief that local African designers could successfully sell their products in international markets, combined with a desire to move from a corporate venture capital job, motivated her to create a business that focused on matching the finest of African accessories with lovers of unique style. Africa Fair brings innovative African design to the global fashion accessory community thereby helping to preserve local crafting skills in Africa and providing much needed employment. Africa Fair’s first collection was launched in New York in November 2002. The company is currently based in Cape Town, South Africa and New York City.
< back
|
