The TechStiched Fashion Residency Program was a collaborative initiative between the British Council Ethiopia and the Hub of Africa Fashion Week, offering a distinctive opportunity for designers from Hub of Africa, Accra, Swahili, South Africa, and Lagos Fashion Weeks to converge in Ethiopia. The initiative aimed to cultivate collaboration, cross-cultural exchange, and hands-on craftsmanship through workshops, cultural experiences, and the creation of fusion outfits.
Scheduled from March 17th (arrival in Addis Ababa) to 29th, 2024, the residency spanned across the dynamic cities of Addis Ababa and Arba Minch, Ethiopia. Participants immersed themselves in traditional hand-woven techniques at Jano Handicraft Enterprise in Arba Minch, delving into weaving, spinning, natural dye techniques, and block printing.
In addition to crafting three pieces with Ethiopian fabrics, designers were requested to bring seven pieces from their existing collections. These pieces were showcased alongside the newly created ensembles during the final runway show on March 28th, contributing to a diverse and captivating presentation that highlighted the fusion of unique design aesthetics with Ethiopia’s rich cultural tapestry.
