FASHION
AFRICA
254

"Kubadilisha mawazo" Swahili
Changing minds

About FA254

Fashion Africa 254 is a Berlin-based Fashion Office founded in 2013. We introduce and promote African creative brands into the European market through Brand Consulting, Public Relations, and E-Commerce.

At Fashion Africa 254, we create strategic partnerships between talents from the African continent and established European entities.

Why 254? +2 is the area code connecting all 54 vibrant African Countries.

Our Mission

“Creativity, Exchange and Transformation”

A Creative mind is inspired by the past, shapes the present, and influences the future.

We aim to shift the conversation by casting a new light on the African continent. At Fashion Africa 254, we invest in creative talents by expanding their knowledge and providing visibility in the international fashion industry.

A Creative mind is inspired by the past, shapes the present, and influences the future.

OUR TEAM

Waridi Wardah

CEO/Founder

The brainchild behind Fashion Africa 254 and the Mtindo Book is former Top Model Waridi – Wardah.
Originally born in Kenya, Waridi has been living in Berlin since 1993. Over the past 25 years, Waridi built herself a thriving career in the international fashion business by branding Africa, discovering and promoting young and aspiring creatives via her ADFT series.

Yaw Dabanka

External Project Manager

Yaw Dabanka has 20+ years of experience in the fashion industry. His expertise ranges from brand development to consulting and strategic advisory. Born and raised in Germany to Ghanaian parents, he has worked and lived in various countries like Germany, Ghana, and the Netherlands, developing a sound knowledge of multicultural and functional business practices.

Lusanda Kori

Community Manager

Lusanda is a South African-born creative. She owns the fashion label Ntombobom
Designs, which celebrates Xhosa culture by giving traditional Xhosa attire a modern twist. She is also a filmmaker working as a freelance production Coordinator/Manager and has experience in the advertising industry as an Account Manager.

Mariami Apriamashvili

Communication Manager

Mariami Apriamashvili is a student majoring in International Relations and Development. Currently based in France, Mari is passionate about working in multicultural teams. Her responsibility at FA254 includes holding and maintaining communications between the team and the FA254 partners and document administration.

TESTIMONIALS

During the African Designers for Tomorrow jury, it was fascinating to see how young African designers incorporate their traditions in their work. That was what impressed me most about Doreen Mashika's designs. Her clothes are young, fresh, positive, and alive.

Christiane ArpEditor-In-Chief Vogue Germany

It is more than time that this exploited continent fights back with the weapon of creativity and style. This wonderful example of only one African country shows what is happening in the whole continent. A peaceful revolution!

Reiner OpokuCo-Founder, Art Consultant of Parley for the Oceans

Africa is in a creative evolution, and through Daniele's eyes, you can see how the new generation stands out and wants to show the beauty of this continent. Designers, artists, and all those people with a creative vision have a unique imagination, which is what is so special about scouting in Africa.

Sara MainoSenior Editor and Head of Vogue Talents at Vogue Italy

I am grateful to know Waridi for more than 15 years now. Her unstoppable energy and dedication to bringing awareness to Africa's beauty and immense creative potential are admirable. She shows that the future of Africa is now through belief, vision, hard work, and empowerment.

KATE MERKLEConcious and Transformative Consulting

With Mtindo - Rebranding Africa, the photographer Daniele Tamagi and Waridi Schrobsdorff provide a closer and more compelling view of fashion in Waridi's native country Kenya. Meet the Style Movers- young personalities at home in the arts, media, and digital world. See the creations of a new generation of designers. And understand why they all believe Africa is now.

Melissa DrierGerman Correspondent at Women’s Wear Daily