Kolwezi, a city in the southeastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, declared itself differently between November 29 and December 2, 2025. A mining city with red earth, blue skies, and a history carved from beneath the soil suddenly glittered with fabric, music, colour, and creativity.
For four days, Kolwezi opened itself to the world for the inaugural Kolwezi Fashion Week, a gathering that reimagined the city beyond copper and cobalt, into a runway of identity, culture, and possibility. With the theme “Extraction of Style,” fashion became more than clothing, it became history, memory, elegance, and the loudest proof that beauty can rise from the ground just as resources do.
The four-day event highlighted Kolwezi’s heritage while embracing innovation. Designers brought bold prints, flowing silhouettes, and expressive textures to the runway, blending tradition with modernity. Live music, from Congolese rhythms to contemporary sounds, accompanied the shows, adding a lively atmosphere. Stages reflected the city itself, drawing on mining landscapes, urban streets, and Congolese cultural motifs to create immersive experiences.
The Fashion Village brought together artisans, emerging creators, and local entrepreneurs. Visitors explored handcrafted textiles, interactive exhibits, and workshops on sustainability, digital innovation, and fashion production.
Street-style presentations and evening showcases added energy, color, and rhythm to the week. Every segment emphasized creativity, craftsmanship, and the city’s emerging identity as a fashion hub.
The final shows radiated pride and vibrancy, leaving audiences with a sense of excitement for the future of fashion in Kolwezi, DR Congo, and Central Africa.
Kolwezi Fashion Week 2025 highlighted culture, creativity, and identity, establishing the city as a new platform for African fashion.
