Coming to Melbourne from the Victoria & Albert Museum in London Africa Fashion presents a dynamic survey of historical and contemporary designs from some of the most influential fashion designers in the region.

Running from 31 May 2024 to 6 October 2024, the fashion exhibition will feature designs from some of the icons of twentieth century African fashion scene, including Shade Thomas-Fahm, Chris Seydou and Kofi Ansah, along with creations by contemporary designers such as Imane Ayissi, IAMISIGO, Moshions, Thebe Magugu and Sindiso Khumalo

The exhibition, which reveals a thriving and dynamic fashion culture that is as diverse and varied as the continent itself, is structured into two parts. Starting with the African independence movement and the liberation years, Africa Fashion illuminates the important role of fashion – alongside art, film, literature and music – in the cultural renaissance of the mid-twentieth century, when African nations began to reclaim their independence.

The exhibition explores how these revolutionary ideas have shaped contemporary notions of African identity, politics and culture. Designers represented in this section include Alphadi and Näma Bennis, among others.

 Complementing this, the section titled Cutting Edge presents contemporary couture, ready-to-wear, made-to-order and adornment, offering a close-up look at the new generation of ground-breaking designers. Unique to the NGV presentation will be new works from recent collections by Imane Ayissi, Lagos Space Programme, Orange Culture and Loza Maléombho.