At Shanghai Fashion Week, showrooms are buzzing with the merge of African prints and traditional Chinese silhouettes. Leading the charge is Kenyan entrepreneur and former diplomat Hannah Ryder, whose brand champions cross-continental creativity.
Fast forward to Changsha's China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, and the narrative gets even bolder. Here, Ryder's curated lineup of designers brings heritage to life on a global stage.
Take China-based staffer Chen Huiyi, for example. She effortlessly pairs a Rwandan-designed blouse with hanfu, showcasing effortless harmony. “The best way to preserve a traditional culture is to 'wear it out,' letting more people see it and fuse it with daily life,” Chen explains. “That's also what our African designers hope to do.”
Ryder and her team meticulously select talent that embodies both deep-rooted tradition and forward-thinking innovation. By spotlighting emerging voices, they're redefining what it means to wear culture with pride.
With each stitch and silhouette, this fashion movement is charting new territory—a blend of storytelling, craftsmanship, and global connection that resonates far beyond the runway.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
