WSN, the organisation of the salons dedicated to emergent labels Who's Next, Première Classe, Impact, Traffic, Bijorhca, signed a partnership with Birimian, the first operational investment company dedicated to African luxury and premium heritage brand, and the Institut Français de la Mode, to support the African fashion.

The partnership between Birimian and WSN aims to increase the visibility of African brands and expand their opportunities for international distribution, especially under the acceleration program "IFM-Birimian Accelerator x Africa," dedicated to emerging African heritage brands in the fashion, accessories, and jewelry sector. Every year for ten months, the program supports ten to fifteen emerging designers selected for their talent, originality, and potential by a creative committee of experts from the international creative scene. As part of their participation to the program, brands will also benefit from funding and advisory services from Birimian. In addition, Birimian and WSN plan to organize events as part of the acceleration program launched with IFM alongside Paris Market Week and Paris Fashion Week, highlighting the brands and designers in the program.

The partnership focuses on several components: identifying emerging brands, inviting the selected brands to participate in events organized by WSN that bring together major stakeholders in selective international distribution, incubating and commercially developing the panel of brands supported by Birimian, organizing events to promote African fashion and savoir-faire.

“There is no doubt that the next wave of international fashion inspiration will come from Africa. This trend continues to assert itself, and our partnership with Birimian will allow us to actively monitor this exceptional pool of talent and creativity. We are eager to contribute to their international development in the largest distribution networks,” said Frédéric Maus, ceo of WSN.

Applications for the acceleration program "IFM-Birimian Accelerator x Africa" are open from Monday, June 28, to Tuesday, August 31, 2021.

Want to stay updated on what's new? Sign up to our free Modem weekly newsletter for the latest news to read from the fashion, art and design world.

SIGN UP

Courtesy Image