Ancient tradition / modern fashion | Mahlet Afework | TEDxPlaceDesNations

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Combining ancient designs, traditional skills and a modern approach to fashion and entrepreneurship can lift women out of poverty and bring African fashion into the limelight.


Mahlet Afework is a fashion designer based in Addis Ababa. She started her career at 16 as a model and musician, while simultaneously studying nursing. She left school and quit modeling to follow her passion and become a professional fashion designer. She has since gained critical acclaim for her cutting-edge designs; winning the 2012 Origin Africa's design award, showcasing her work at African Fashion Week New York 2012, and winning the 2010 Designer of the Year award from Alliance Ethio-Française at European Fashion Day in Addis.
Mahlet works exclusively with hand-woven fabrics made by women. She creates clothing and accessories which are fresh and cutting-edge and at the same time very wearable. Working with hand-woven fabrics is a way for Mahlet to give back and to support women weavers who are often marginalized within the male-dominated weaving community. Mahlet is a beneficiary/participant of the International Trade Centre's Women and Trade Programme. The programme supports women entrepreneurs and help them connect to regional and global markets.

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