AFRICAN fashion is coming to Oxford this summer with a fashion show presenting the work of emerging designers.

African Fashion Roots Oxford Show (AFROShow) is the first of its kind in Oxford, being the only platform celebrating African culture in the city.

Its event on June 15 at Oxford Town Hall called The Runway Show, aims to highlight Africa’s emerging designers and apparel industry as well as helping people to feel empowered no matter what their shape and size is.

Laure Sylvie Loutala M'Polo, who lives in Oxford and is from the Republic of Congo, is the event organiser and founder of AFROShow and is on a mission to spread awareness about the value African fashion brings to Oxford.

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She said: “A lot of people don’t know about the show and want to know more. AFROShow is all about promoting diversity within the Oxford community. We want to present African culture, music and fashion while helping emerging designers to showcase their work and empower young people to embrace their beauty.”

Ms Mpolo also wants to ‘re-brand’ Africa and position it as a continent that also produces luxury products and services within the city.

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Last year, designers showcased their work including local designer Cecilia Dada from Nigeria who presented her brand called Chicadex Trendy.

Ms Mpolo, who is a Clinical Specialist Nurse at Churchill Hospital, has a team of students, friends and family who all volunteer to help her organise the show.

She said: “It can be difficult sometimes because it’s a lot of hard work but when you see the positives come from it, it keeps me going and people start to understand my vision.”

Since 2016, AFROShow has hosted three of The Runway Show events, showcasing 32 designers and exhibitors, from Africa and Europe.

As it requires people to model clothes, Ms Polo holds castings around the country to find models that will represent designers’ brands.

She said: “We have castings so that we can find models of all shapes and sizes. Young people especially get put down by the influencers that they see on social media, and I want to help them accept themselves and know that they are beautiful in their own way.”

To apply to showcase your brand, email info@afroshow.co.uk.