Breaking Barriers: Olori Atuwatse III: Redefining African Fashion with ‘Elevate Africa Fashion Prize

The Olu of Warri Kingdom and his wife, Olori Atuwatse III, have launched a groundbreaking initiative titled ‘Elevate Africa,’ aimed at promoting and preserving African cultural heritage through the medium of creative fashion. This initiative seeks to harness and spotlight the talents of individuals and groups within the African fashion and cultural sectors.

A key feature of the ‘Elevate Africa’ initiative is the ‘Africa Thread’ platform. This platform is specifically designed to provide a stage for emerging and established fashion talents to showcase their creativity and innovation. To further incentivize participation, the initiative includes a prize of $5,000, which will be awarded to outstanding contributors who demonstrate exceptional skill and vision in African fashion.

The Royal couple emphasized that African fashion, symbolized by its vibrant and diverse threads, has gained global recognition and acceptance. Through ‘Elevate Africa’ and ‘Africa Thread,’ they aim to continue this momentum, ensuring that African fashion not only retains its cultural significance but also thrives on the world stage.

This initiative is closely aligned with the Royal Iwere Foundation’s broader mission to accelerate social enterprise within the Warri Kingdom. By leveraging fashion as a cultural and economic tool, ‘Elevate Africa’ aims to create opportunities for talented individuals, foster a deeper appreciation for African heritage, and contribute to the social and economic development of the region.

Through ‘Elevate Africa,’ the Olu of Warri Kingdom and Olori Atuwatse III are not only championing African fashion but also reinforcing the importance of cultural preservation and innovation in the global fashion industry .

According to Olori Atuwatse III……”At @weelevateafrica, we recognize the vast potential within the African fashion value chain, spanning from textile production to cutting-edge design and global promotion. The world is increasingly embracing the rich heritage and bold creativity of African fashion. No longer just a fleeting trend, African style is evolving into a global lifestyle, celebrated through blockbuster films, major exhibitions, and a thriving market for contemporary designs.
As we continue to champion this creative revolution, Elevate Africa is committed to amplifying the voices and talents propelling African fashion to new heights.
In line with this mission, we are proud to introduce the
fashion prize themed: “Threads of Africa” designed to spotlight and reward the innovators and visionaries shaping the future of African fashion. I am honoured to have these exceptional judges on the panel with me @busiematsikoandan @tubo__ @ugomonye.official

It is quite refreshing to see more royals getting on the Nigerian platform to encourage emerging brands as well as create job opportunities for those in the creative industry .