Thanks to the success of their inaugural Exhibition and Fashion Showcase held in London March 2011 and being labeled as the event to highlight the talent from Ghana and Africa, FM will be back for season 2 scheduled for 26th May 2012 at the luxurious Hotel Russell, London. FashionMist is aiming to give emerging and established designers an opportunity to showcase their collection in an affordable and professional manner, in a luxurious venue. There is also the opportunity to sell to the general public during the exhibition

FashionMist 2012 is bringing together various designers who are of African origin and reflect this in their work and who have found success in the Diaspora as well as within Africa itself. It establishes an important connection between the African continent and the wider world, whilst simultaneously showing that African-influenced designs and textiles can be enjoyed in a number of contexts. The event seeks to showcase the fresh design talent whilst demonstrating that ethnic garments are not only an ephemeral trend but are a growing part of Fashion Retail consumer habits and thus something that must continue to attract attention and support.

FashionMist aims to particularly play its role in changing people’s conceptions of African textiles and highlight the wealth of creative talent that is developing everyday as well as promoting the idea that having an African identity is something to be proud of. Particularly in the west, there is a tendency for people to shy away from wearing African prints, either because they feel intimidated by the vivid colours or perhaps because they don’t believe they fit a certain image. The designers hosted by FashionMist aim to dispute these tendencies, showing the versatile range of textiles, colours and prints that can be drawn from the African continent as well as reshaping the image of those who wear these garments.

They raised funds for the charity Global Mamas (www.globalmamas.org) during their first event. This charity aims at empowering women to be independent through arts and crafts. It was amazing how much joy they gave these women with the funds raised.

With this second event they will be donating a percentage of proceeds to the charity ‘Akosua Odei’ which is in aid of young single women/mothers living harsh lives in rural Ghana and Africa. This charity will officially be launched during their event and they hope to raise as much funds as possible to support its cause.

It was founded by Miss Nana Afua Antwi (BEFTA best female model) who has been working hard in the fashion scene recently, she has graced covers of magazines such as Black Beauty as well as fashion spreads for numerous magazines and online publications including New African Woman.