SIGHT ON AFRICA: Qasimi Rising, the talent incubation arm of the London-based fashion label founded by Khalid Al Qasimi, is expanding its scope of focus to Africa under a partnership with Lagos Fashion Week.
To showcase and promote emerging designers and creatives in the African continent, Qasimi Rising will help Lagos Fashion Week identify designer talents and offer them a place in the 2026 incubation lineup.
Every three years, the incubator offers chosen designers three years of funding, along with an additional seven years of mentoring. Over the course of the mentorship, participants have access to Qasimi’s resources, including a coworking space and studio, as well as production, product development, merchandising, marketing and business function support from industry experts.
The designers will also have the opportunity to present their creations and join workshops with Qasimi Rising mentors and press during Lagos Fashion Week in October.
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Hoor Al Qasimi, founder of Qasimi Rising and twin sister to the late brand founder, said: “We are committed to fostering a thriving fashion community across many cities on the African continent and around the world, our partnership with Lagos Fashion Week is a testament to this commitment. Together, we aspire to nurture local talents, empower their creativity, and offer a gateway to global recognition.”
Omoyemi Akerele, founder and executive director of Lagos Fashion Week, will serve as regional ambassador and adviser for the Qasimi Rising program, as a cornerstone of this collaboration. With her expertise in the region, emerging designers will be provided with firsthand insights and guidance on navigating the local fashion industry.
“This partnership with Qasimi Rising will undoubtedly empower these designers and set them on the path to success,” added Akerele. The Qasimi Rising and Lagos Fashion Week collaboration aims to empower the region’s designers, bridging the gap between local talent and international recognition. This partnership marks the beginning of an exciting phase for African fashion, where innovation, creativity, and mentorship take the lead.
For the first edition of Qasimi Rising, which was unveiled last year, the brand picked emerging designers Omer Asim from Sudan and Salim Azzam from Lebanon as winners. Their creations were featured during Qasimi’s spring 2024 presentation in London.
