This event, sponsored by the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts, has become over the years the largest fashion event in Cameroon and one of the must-see events in the country’s cultural calendar.
Organized by the Cameroon Fashion Designers Center (CCMC), this edition is particularly important as it marks the event’s 15th anniversary. Since its creation in 2010, the Fashion and Design Careers Forum has highlighted Cameroonian and African talents in textile creation, fashion and design, thus becoming a true showcase for contemporary fashion on the continent. The CCMC, a key player in the training and support of young Cameroonian designers, wants to take advantage of this anniversary to take stock of its work and highlight the progress made by the designers who have been trained in its workshops.
The event, we learned, will take place in a sumptuously transformed setting, where the architecture and decoration will be carefully designed to highlight the elegance and refinement of the creations. The magical atmosphere planned for this anniversary edition promises to delight participants and visitors, while offering an immersive experience in the creative world of Cameroonian designers. The opening of this cultural event will be a large urban parade to be held in the gardens of the National Museum of Yaoundé on November 16. Visitors will have the opportunity to admire a multitude of innovative and avant-garde creations, while discovering the inspirations and creative world of each designer.
Throughout the week, many activities will be organized on the Forum site. Exhibitions will be dedicated to tracing the journey of Cameroonian designers, highlighting their developments, successes and challenges. Conferences and debates will also be scheduled, providing a platform to discuss current trends in design and fashion, the challenges faced by African designers and solutions to advance the fashion industry on the continent. In parallel, festive events will be organized to bring fashion closer to citizens and make this edition a friendly and accessible moment for all. The highlight of the Fashion and Design Careers Forum will be the grand fashion show scheduled for November 23 at the Hilton Hotel. This prestigious show will bring together CCMC designers, but also internationally renowned designers who will come to share their latest collections. The grand show will also be an opportunity to reward the most talented and deserving stylists during the awards ceremony. A jury of industry professionals, including fashion experts, journalists, designers and entrepreneurs, will evaluate the creations based on strict criteria such as originality, technique, innovation and sustainability.
This 15th edition of the Fashion and Design Careers Forum also offers the opportunity to highlight the importance of supporting young Cameroonian designers and recognizing their work. Many have overcome financial and logistical challenges to pursue their passion, and this anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate their efforts while encouraging them to go even further. For the Ministry of SMEs, this event represents an essential lever to develop the local fashion industry and encourage young talents to embark on creative entrepreneurship.