Bold Fashion Week to put African creativity on the runway in Kampala

What the report says

Kampala is set to host the inaugural Bold Fashion Week, a two-day event that will bring together designers from Uganda and other African countries to highlight creativity, self-expression and the business side of fashion. According to Sqoop Uganda, the event is being organised by Bold in Africa with Malembe Lifestyle and backed by Johnnie Walker.

The main runway programme is scheduled for Friday at Motiv in Bugolobi. Organisers say the showcase will feature 10 African designers, including Ugandan labels and at least one Nigerian designer, with the aim of presenting a broad range of contemporary African fashion. The lineup is intended to connect designers with consumers, industry players and potential new markets.

Sqoop Uganda reports that the event is meant to do more than stage a fashion show. It will also include mentorship sessions and panel discussions on topics such as design, branding, business development and market access. A retail marketplace, planned for August 22 in collaboration with Kampala Artisan Market, will give visitors a chance to buy pieces directly from designers.

The broader significance, as framed by the organisers, is that African fashion is increasingly being treated as both a creative and commercial sector. Bold in Africa is marking 14 years of supporting creative talent, and the Kampala edition appears designed to reinforce the idea that local designers need visibility, mentorship and access to customers in order to build sustainable brands.