Kibonen Nfi, co-founder of the African Fashion Council, is set to return to New York Fashion Week (NYFW) to unveil her latest collection, “Bimbia II,” on September 11, 2024, at the Chelsea Factory, ten years after her debut at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 2014.
The African Fashion Council is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming Africa’s fashion industry into a global leader through innovation, talent development, and sustainability. By facilitating economic growth across the continent, the AFC empowers designers to thrive internationally while preserving and celebrating Africa’s rich cultural heritage.
According to Kibonen, this runway show marks a significant milestone in the designer’s illustrious career, showcasing her commitment to blending traditional African artistry with contemporary fashion. The collection honors the memories of pre-colonial Africa, ensuring their stories continue to inspire future generations.
Through “Bimbia II,” Kibonen illuminates these multifaceted histories, acknowledging their profound impact on contemporary African identity and culture. Rooted in the spirit of Sankofa, which encourages learning from the past to build a brighter future, “Bimbia II” explores the often-overlooked history of the African slave trade, particularly slavery within Africa by Africans. The collection pays homage to pre-colonial African civilizations like Mali, Ghana, and Great Zimbabwe, while spotlighting Bimbia, a historical slave port in Cameroon.
Kibonen, through her designs, provides a confluence of cultures, crafting stylish garments with a social conscience. Her return to the NYFW is an addition to her international appearance. She represented Cameroon at the Commonwealth Fashion Exchange and spoke on sustainable fashion at esteemed institutions like Columbia University, NYU, Wharton School, and Cornell University.
In her role with the African Fashion Council (AFC), Kibonen shares her knowledge and experience to uplift African designers and brands.
This year, the African Fashion Council is hosting a showcase at NYFW featuring the 2024 Jaguar South Africa x GiveHerACrown designers through a partnership supported by the South African Consulate-General to commemorate 30 years of South African freedom with a significant celebration of unity and collaboration. The five exceptional South African designers selected will be able to highlight their unique artistry to an international audience in the evening after the Kibonen Nfi show.
For those who may be aware, Kibonen Nfi draws inspiration from traditional Cameroonian garments, West African fabrics, and New York’s vibrant fashion scene and African stories. She is renowned for pioneering the revolution by giving fresh and modern interpretations of the Toghu, an intricate handwoven garment from Cameroon’s western highlands. Her passion for her native Cameroon led her to establish MADE IN CAMER in Bamenda in 2015, a garment production plant. Kibonen currently leads the Kibonen Sustainable Creative Hub (KISCH), which provides training and employment opportunities to enhance the brand’s cultural authenticity, empower the local economy, and utilize unique materials. This initiative strengthens her competitive edge in both African and global markets.
Kibonen also serves as a board member for AfreximBank’s Creative Africa Advisory Group, furthering her influence on the continent’s creative economy. In her role with the African Fashion Council, she remains dedicated to uplifting African designers and brands on the global stage. Featured in numerous prestigious publications such as Vogue, Vogue Italia, Cosmopolitan, GQ South Africa, Essence, Elle, and Forbes Africa, Kibonen has not only captivated critics but also worked with celebrities like Lupita Nyong’o, Gayle King, Justine Skye, Wiz Kid, and Drake.
