Afri Fashion, a proud extension of Afri Essentials, made an unforgettable impression at the United Colours of Fashion (UCOF) Canada, a prestigious event celebrating diversity, creativity, and cultural innovation in the fashion industry. The showcase brought together designers and brands from around the world, each telling their story through fabric, art, and design — and Afri Fashion stood out as one of the most captivating highlights of the evening.
Celebrating African Heritage on a Global Stage
Afri Fashion’s participation at UCOF marked a significant milestone for African-inspired design in Canada. Representing Afri Essentials, a leading African lifestyle brand based in Saint John, New Brunswick, Afri Fashion brought vibrant colors, bold patterns, and authentic craftsmanship to the runway. Each piece reflected the essence of Africa — its heritage, artistry, and spirit — while embracing modern fashion trends that appeal to a global audience.
From Ankara ensembles embellished with stones to Adire and Asooke-infused kimonos, the collection told a story of tradition meeting innovation. The brand’s designs celebrated not just African culture, but also the power of identity and self-expression through clothing.
A Statement of Diversity and Inclusion
The United Colours of Fashion (UCOF) has long been known as a platform that amplifies diverse voices in fashion. This year’s event focused on “Cultural Fusion and Global Identity,” making Afri Fashion’s presence both timely and symbolic. The brand’s participation reaffirmed the growing influence of African fashion in the Canadian and international style scene.
Speaking after the event, a representative of Afri Essentials noted:
“Our participation in UCOF is a celebration of where we come from and where we’re going. African fashion has a voice — bold, elegant, and timeless. We’re proud to share that voice from our base in Saint John, New Brunswick, with fashion lovers across Canada and beyond.”
Showcasing Craftsmanship and Sustainability
At UCOF, Afri Fashion also highlighted its commitment to ethical production and sustainability. Each garment showcased was handmade by skilled artisans, using eco-conscious materials sourced from African markets. This aligns with Afri Essentials’ broader mission — to empower communities while providing high-quality, culturally rich products to the diaspora and mainstream markets.
Attendees at the event were particularly drawn to Afri Fashion’s blend of traditional textiles with modern silhouettes, demonstrating that African fashion can be both globally relevant and environmentally responsible.
Connecting Cultures Through Fashion
Afri Fashion’s showcase resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom praised the brand for its ability to merge African elegance with contemporary aesthetics. The collection drew applause not only for its beauty but for its message — one of unity, pride, and shared cultural appreciation.
For many attendees, Afri Fashion represented the vibrant voice of Africa within Canada’s multicultural fabric. Its presence at UCOF further positioned Saint John, New Brunswick, as a growing hub for cultural and creative expression.
Strengthening Afri Essentials’ Vision
As the fashion arm of Afri Essentials, Afri Fashion continues to build bridges between Africa and the Canadian diaspora through its products, designs, and community engagement. Afri Essentials, already recognized for its range of African foods, beauty items, and lifestyle goods, now extends its reach into the fashion world with a focus on authenticity and elegance.
The success at UCOF marks an exciting chapter for the brand, solidifying its place not only as a retail destination but as a cultural ambassador for African creativity in Canada.
Looking Ahead
Following its successful UCOF debut, Afri Fashion plans to expand its presence in other Canadian cities and international showcases. Future collections are expected to include collaborations with Canadian and African designers, promoting cross-cultural creativity and sustainable production.
With growing recognition and community support, Afri Fashion is poised to become a household name for African-inspired fashion in Canada — and a proud voice for the continent’s artistry on the world stage.
About Afri Essentials
Afri Essentials is a Saint John–based African store and lifestyle brand offering authentic African products — from food items and beauty essentials to home décor and fashion. Through Afri Fashion, the brand brings African creativity to life in Canada, celebrating heritage, craftsmanship, and contemporary design.
For Media Inquiries:
Juliana@afriessentials.com
Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada