LONDON — Qasimi Rising, the fashion incubator that grew out of fashion label Qasimi, is now known simply as Q Rising.
The rebranding comes in conjunction with the announcement of eight leadership candidates for Lagos Fashion Week, which runs until Sunday.
The shortlisted brands included Nigeria’s Abiola Olusol, Oshobor, Pepper Row and Y’Wandelag, Ghanaian fashion brands Ajabeng and Boyedoe, Ivory Coast’s Kente Gentlemen and Kenya’s LilaBare.
As part of a partnership aimed at showcasing and promoting emerging designers and creatives across Africa, Q Rising will help Lagos Fashion Week discover designer talent to join its 2026 incubation line-up. An awards ceremony will be held that year and the winners will be announced.
“By providing guidance and resources, we hope to foster a new wave of designers whose work reflects both local traditions and broader global narratives,” says the brand, founded by his late twin brother Khalid. said Khoor Al Qasimi, who currently heads the organization. In 2015.
“Through this partnership, we aim to highlight the region’s untapped potential by providing a platform for up-and-coming designers to express their unique perspectives. Our aim is to foster growth and ensure these talented individuals have the support they need to succeed on the world stage,” she added.
On Friday and Saturday, Q Rising will host workshops and talks with designers about the African fashion industry, sustainability, digital fashion, community building, and how fashion can be a catalyst for change. It will be held.
A month-long residency at luxury retailer Temple Mews also begins on Friday, showcasing the work of current Q Rising winner Omar Asim and Qasimi’s collection.
Every three years, Q Rising provides three years of funding and an additional seven years of mentorship to selected designers.
During the mentorship, participants will have access to Qasimi’s resources, including coworking spaces and studios, as well as support for business functions from production, product development, merchandising, marketing, and industry experts.
In the first edition of Qasimi Rising, announced last year, the brand selected emerging designers Omer Asim from Sudan and Salim Azzam from Lebanon as winners. Their work was featured at Qasimi’s Spring 2024 presentation in London.