The Evolving Landscape of Fashion Talent in Africa

image source: lagosfashionweekofficial

Every year, the world celebrates the International Day of Education on January 24th, and this year's theme—AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation—couldn't be more timely. With the rise of technologies like ChatGPT and Gemini, it is clear that AI has disrupted various industries by helping people work faster and more efficiently with the fashion industry being one of those industries. 

While these advancements are groundbreaking and highly accurate, there is also an undeniable need to regulate them thoughtfully. As you know, one cannot regulate or even fully use something unless you have taken the time to understand it and it takes education to do that. 

As someone who has been integrally part of the fashion industry for over three years, I have seen firsthand how my own thinking and approach to work has evolved simply because I chose to adopt education in areas that are not often spotlighted.

If you are a Nigerian reading this, you will agree with me that the fashion industry has not always received the respect it deserves, particularly in some parts of the country. We have seen a long-standing focus on traditional fashion design as the cornerstone of the industry, but times are changing. Education is now paving the way for fashion talents in Nigeria and across Africa to recognize the breadth of roles and opportunities that exist beyond just design.

Just like AI helped us evolve in the way we do things, education has been the foundation that has primarily helped us evolve and grow in our chosen fields.

As fashion talents, it is crucial to understand that fashion design and styling are just a fraction of more than 100 roles available within the fashion industry. 

Organizations today are looking for fashion talents who possess a deep understanding of the industry and can apply themselves meaningfully to their roles. It is not enough to just know what you do; you need to know why you do it and how it contributes to the larger picture.

Apply Yourself to Knowledge: The Key to Growth

Investing in the right kind of knowledge is essential for your personal growth and the growth of the industry at large. Be intentional about your learning journey —choose to focus on areas that will not only benefit you but also propel the entire fashion industry forward.

Visibility Matters: 

Many talented individuals in the fashion space often go unnoticed simply because they are not intentional about making their work seen. Social media is a powerful tool, use it to showcase what you are doing and how you are contributing to the development of the industry.

The Takeaway:

The fashion industry is thriving, and as a fashion talent, it is essential to arm yourself with the knowledge and skills that will set you apart. The Fashion Industry is rapidly evolving into a well-respected industry, and education is the key that will open doors for you.

If you are a fashion talent based in Africa, and looking to upskill, I highly recommend checking out the amazing opportunities at @thebridgeprogramafrica and @lhaudeafrica . They are offering tailored programs and memberships that can truly make a difference in your career.