Call for Applications: CANEX Presents Africa @ Portugal Fashion Programme

CANEX Presents Africa @ Portugal Fashion provides a platform for the development of emerging fashion designers, by supporting the transfer of skills through mentorship from industry experts, while providing market access opportunities, to boost production, sales and distribution.  The programme aims to equip participants with the skills that will enable them to create financially sustainable businesses with the potential to scale, as well as provide support with go-to-market and internationalisation strategies.

The programme has a blended format, mixing physical events with digital elements to enable linkages and partnerships. It is designed to support a generation of entry to mid-level talent, through a customized approach, to up-skill and individually support the development and recognition of talent.

Since the inaugural edition that took place in October 2021, 70 African designers representing over 25 countries from the continent and diaspora have taken part in the programme. They have been able to showcase their collections on the runway, as well as on exhibition platforms designed to facilitate linkages between the designers and industry stakeholders including the press, investors, manufacturers and buyers. In addition to showcasing platforms, the programme also includes mentorship and networking sessions between the designers and key international industry experts.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants should be based in Africa or in Diaspora (including the Caribbean).
• Designers should have developed a strong signature style and able to compete at an international level.
• Designers’ company must be registered, well established and have been in business for a minimum of 4 years.
• This programme is open to menswear and womenswear designers.

General Assessment Criteria

• Applications will be reviewed against the following criteria:
  • Creative merit – applications need to demonstrate a coherent and strong aesthetic.
  • Originality – a nouveau African approach to design and sustainability
  • Commercial acumen, scalability, and innovation.
  • Readiness to establish the brand to a global market.
  • Proof of direct-to-consumer sales channels.
  • Clear commitment to sustainability.
  • Strong vision for the future of their brand with clearly defined business goals.
  • Overall quality of the application.
• Selected designers will fall in one of two Categories: Main Runway and Bloom Runway as below:
  • Main Catwalk Designers (5 Slots)
    • Portugal Fashion Week’s main catwalk is an international platform that is open to designers and brands who have produced at least five womenswear, menswear or unisex collections. The project is open to invited designers and brands, who, in addition to the general criteria, meet the following:
      • Stalwart of industry with at least 5 years in the industry.
      • Clear understanding of the business of fashion and its value chain.
      • Innovative approach to challenges in garment making on the continent.
      • Readiness to expand their manufacturing capacity and supply global markets.
  • Bloom Catwalk Designers (5 Slots)
    • BLOOM Portugal Fashion is a platform for young designers and is open to designers under 35, those who have produced at least two womenswear, menswear, or unisex collections and who, in addition to the general criteria, meet the following:
      • Recently penetrated the market (less than 4 years in the industry).
      • Cohesiveness and consistency in design and fabrication.
      • Commitment to independent design, adopting and/or using traditional crafts and sustainable methods of design
      • Appropriate, suitable and commercially viable products.
      • Demonstrate of the potential for growth and scale.

For more information, visit Afreximbank.