FASHION
AFRICA
254

Kubadilisha mawazo
Changing minds

About FA254

FA254 is an international social business aiming to enhance the development of African and European fashion industries by being the unifier between both continents through style creativity and brand collaborations.

Founded in 2013 by Waridi – Wardah, FA254 believes in African designers and invests in their potential as enablers of change, or as we like to call them – Style Movers. We discover, connect, and channel Africa and Europe’s Style Movers to bring about an exchange of expertise and knowledge.

With more than ten years in business, FA254 has successfully worked with brands, designers, institutions to ignite a spark of change.

+2 is the code connecting the world to 54 vibrant African countries.

Our Mission

“Innovation and exchange as a channel for transformation”

Fashion Africa 254 believes in innovation and exchange as a channel for transformation. We are committed to our belief that creative minds are not only the future but they are also a robust force of inspiration for the NOW. Africa’s creatives emerge as leaders and enablers for this transformation.

We believe that initiatives surrounding education, business, and artistic collaborations are needed to sustain the viability within the creative industries. We continue in our mission to catalyse the conversation of change that will lead us to craft new narratives for Africa. In this journey, we want to inspire people to be part of the movement.

OUR TEAM

ANNE KAGURA

Project Assistant East Africa

Anne is FA254’s project assistant for East Africa. She manages tailors club and all aspects of social media including promoting and marketing. She has experience in fashion, marketing, social media, farming, communications, and tourism.

Daniela holguin

Project manager

Daniela is in charge of planning and reporting the different projects and initiatives that FA254 proposes. Daniela is the Sustainability expert, she is the one double-checking FA254’s projects and initiatives within the social, economic, and environmental aspects.

Lusanda Kori

Community Manager

Lusanda is a South African born creative, she is a filmmaker working as a freelance production Coordinator/Manager. She has experience in the advertising industry as an Account Manager. She owns her own fashion label called Ntombobom Designs, a brand that celebrates Xhosa culture by giving traditional Xhosa attire a very modern twist.

Faith Katunga

Communications

Faith is a Fashion & Culture Promoter, E-Business, and Content Writer whose expertise lies in Research, Compiling & Writing on various topics including Fashion, Art, Travel, and Culture for web & print publications.

Valentina quijano

Digital Marketing

Valentina is our Marketing Zen, she is the one behind FA254’s digital marketing strategies.

Valentina is passionate about helping entrepreneurs and visionaries with creative and social thinking making their projects work. She believes marketing and communications are powerful tools that should be used to develop great ideas and move people to pursue wonderful causes.

During the jury of African Designers for Tomorrow it was very interesting for me to see how young African designers incorporate their traditions in their work. That was what impressed me most from Doreen Mashika design. 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. What this wonderful example of only one country in Africa shows is what is going on 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 the eyes of Daniele 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 and this is what is so special of scouting in Africa!

SARA MAINOSenior Editor and Head of Vogue Talents at Vogue Italy

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

KATE MERKLEConcious and Transformative Consulting

With ‘MTINDO – Rebranding Africa photographer Daniele Tamagni and Waridi Schrobsdorff provide all of us with a closer and compelling view of fashion in progress in Waridi’s native 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

THE MIND BEHIND THE BRAND

Waridi – Wardah

The person who embodies and is the brainchild behind Fashion Africa 254 is former top model Waridi – Wardah. Born in Kenya and based in Berlin since 1993, Waridi has built herself a thriving career in the international fashion business with over 24 years of experience in the industry. Her journey from East Africa to the top fashion shows of New York and London is a glowing example of the pioneering spirit and how talents from developing countries can reach and succeed in the fast-paced international fashion industry. Her work experience and passion for Africa brought her to the realisation that more emerging talents should have access to international skills training programs and networks. With FA254, Waridi wants to contribute to her native country and the African continent, by delivering key knowledge and expertise from the international fashion industry. As an ambassador for many African projects, she is regarded as a trusted voice for Africa. Her mission, as she sees it, is to find ways that will drive Africa’s progress and to encourage a positive attitude of belief in the possibility of change. Waridi trusts in African Talents and believes that fashion is the perfect tool to brand the continent. She is also “Vogue Germany Contributor for Africa”

Kubadilisha mawazo
Changing minds