Africa: a Fashion Do or Don't Essay

Submitted By chei707
Words: 3705
Pages: 15
Open Document
REBRANDING AFRICA: A FASHION DO OR DON’T
Earlier this year, Editor in Chief of Italian Vogue’s “L’Uomo”, Franca Sozzani spearheaded a “Rebranding Africa” campaign that took over Vogue’s May 2012 issue (Sozzani 2012). Several months later, in November, during the International Herald Tribune (IHT) Luxury Conference, the focus was on “The Promise of Africa.” Now, coming out in Spring 2013, will be Diesel’s newest collaboration with Edun, the brand promoting trade not aid in Africa. Not to mention the emerging African designers, the growing population and rising economy that seem to fill the newspapers and magazines, the inevitable question is asked; is Africa on the rise to becoming the next fashion hub?

Africa, a continent full of resources and people, it is a wonder why only now the world taken a serious look at its vast ability to become the next phase giant after Asia. With its growing market for trade, increasing economy, and a need for some sympathetic social grace, it would seem like a clear choice for businesses to invest. Yet, the continent remains almost untouched by investors due to the risks Africa poses from its troubled history and present issues. The country so rich in resources is historically known for war and famine. As one of the most politically corrupt continents with a mismanaged government, economic prosperity has been strained in Africa. But, as fashion houses are considering these risks, they are overwhelmed by the possibility of prosperity when evaluating the complex pros and cons of Africa as it gradually reveals itself to what could be, a fashion do or a fashion don’t.

AFRICA: A FASION DO- TAP INTO AFRICA’S VAST RESOURCES, GROWING ECONOMY, AND TRADE
Africa used to be seen as a defenseless and poverty stricken country, but now they are slowly growing away from their historic reputation and are turning their resource rich country into one that is known for growth in economics and trade. Results from, The Economist, in “Africa: Open for Business”, forecast growth to hit over 8-9% in some countries of the region of North, South, East and West Africa (The Economist 2012). Africa is currently at a growth rate that is faster than any other region in the world aside from Asia, specifically, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa (The Economist 2012). In Sozzani’s interview with Ban Ki-Moon, the Secretary General for the United Nations he states, “Africa does not need charity- Africa needs investment and partnership.” (Sozzani 2012)

Taking advantage of this growing market is the symbiotic partnership flourishing between Africa and Asia, especially from China and India. While Asia is reaching its peak in the economy, their growth is being sustained by Africa’s natural resources in oil, specifically from Nigeria and Angola (The Economist 2012). Within the past decade, trade between Africa and China has increased up to 12.4% of all of Africa’s exports to China (The Economist 2012). Although not only investing in oil from Africa, China is also already participating in the manufacturing industries within Africa, creating industrial parks in countries such as Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa (The Economist 2012).

Aside from oil, Africa is also still well known for their exotic mines filled with diamonds, copper, iron and chrome, and are being invested in from other countries worldwide especially within Europe. South Africa is still the European Union’s largest trading partner, in which Europe is expanding its investments and trade from sole commodities and diversifying into manufactured products like machinery and transport equipment (European Commission Trade 2012). Tantamount to this, was the recently implicated establishment of a free trade area that covers 90% of the trade between the European Union and South Africa (European Commission Trade 2012). Other than these known land mines, Africa’s trade in agriculture is also increasing and is forecasted to becoming a major food
Show More

Related Documents: Africa: a Fashion Do or Don't Essay

Essay on french communications

by profound historical events and by foreign and internal forces and groups. The capital if France is Paris. The city of Paris has served as a center of high culture since the 17th century. And has had an even more influential role in cinema, fashion, and cuisine since the 19th century. So many things have changed within the country throughout the centuries yet their passion for their own culture has stayed the same the French culture is defined by so many things yet in this paper we will…

Words 1250 - Pages 5

Essay on Dollar and Grandma Dee

various oddities collected over the years from previous voyages around the world, most derived from her travels in Africa and South America, others from times and places “too long ago to remember.” She was an individual of many contradictions, that being half delusional and realist to the core. She was awfully observant with a memory similar to that of Sherlock Holmes, and a taste for fashion similar to that of royalty. We called her grandma Dee Dee, Mama Dee Dee, or simply, Dee, but she strongly preferred…

Words 448 - Pages 2

Management Accounting Essay example

brand name African fashion bag. This bag originates in different shapes and sizes. Pricing African Fashion handbag Afterward complete perusing of the market to get what my supernumerary contestants are accusing for related product is am pleased to approximately that there is no near rivalry as such as my creation proposal more price and additional aim for clienteles to be eager to fee more. As understood from the list African Fashion handbag is the…

Words 1579 - Pages 7

Black Friday Research Paper

Black Friday 2017 Most shoppers are anticipatory of Black Friday to buy most of their needs. The reason is that people expect to buy most items at mind blowing discounts in online and stores. But what is Black Friday and what is it about? What is the History of Black Friday Sales Day? Black Friday retailers shopping tradition has a checkered history. From the story of the crash in the gold market on Wall Street to Thanksgiving shopping-related tradition, Black Friday is today known by many as the…

Words 1168 - Pages 5

English Study Guide Essay

William Faulker: * He is from the south and his writing is about the South. He identifies with the south. He is a modernist. He liked writing about old fashion things and his writing style experimented and challenged the traditional writing style. His great grandfather was a confederate and he joined the british ar force. * Created a fictional country called: Yoknapatawapha Reoccurring characters in many stories: Mr. Stoval, Colonel Sortoris Evening Sun: Summary * The reader dictates…

Words 1523 - Pages 7

Mean Girls Essay2

Raven Aponte 3/5/2013 PSY 346.RA Dr. David Chun “Mean Girls: A Social Psych Approach” Mean Girls is an American teen comedy that portrays the “typical” high school experience. Cady Heron is a 15-year-old girl who has spent most of her life in Africa, where she was home-schooled by her zoologist parents. When her family relocates to the United States, Cady finds herself attending a high school in suburban Illinois, where she gets a crash course in the various sub-strata of the student body: the jocks…

Words 2045 - Pages 9

Poverty In John Steinbeck's A Raisin In The Sun

Poverty is something no one wants to deal with. Poverty is not being able to stop worrying about money all the time, and when you don't know if you will have food to eat for dinner. I have never experienced poverty, and I have never really been involved with poverty, but I have seen what poverty is. The closest thing I have seen to poverty is the lives of some of my friends who live down the street. They live with their parents and grandmother in the same house. However, even they have food, water…

Words 2610 - Pages 11

Importance Of Religion Essay

we have lost the value in religion. Now and days religion has become less and less appreciated because of simple things like money and expensive possessions. People don’t do the same rituals and traditions anymore like praying and gathering at their place of worship and fellowshipping. Religion is not being idolized like people do material things in this world. Many have argued that it may or may not be losing main priority in people’s lives especially in the younger generations. One may say that…

Words 1572 - Pages 7

Case Against Western Honey Bees

Many people don’t even know that the Western Honey Bees are an invasive, and harmful, species. Another reason Western Honey Bees are treasured in North America is their worth as commodities. According to usgs.gov, “Honey bees now help pollinate many U.S. crops like…

Words 997 - Pages 4

Nicholas Kristof Bibliography Essay

schooling than others. Thank you for your ongoing coverage of children and families and what can strengthen their efforts to succeed despite adverse odds. If only the political debates would grapple with these issues and address them in a realistic fashion that includes adequate funding. When "investment" becomes a value beyond the stock market, hedge funds, etc., our society will have evolved effectively. Task Three: Comparison of two articles to "The Power of Hugs" "The Power of…

Words 1470 - Pages 6