Haute Africa

'Haute Africa' does not refer to a geographical location but to fashion on the African continent. Haute couture is most frequently associated with Paris, Milan, London and New York. Connecting Africa to the associated luxury and decadence of the fashion industry in this way, creates a new and exciting concept that challenges traditional pre-conceived ideas and perceptions of Africa. 'Haute Africa' presents a different side of a continent where fashion and design, crucially generate wealth. This flourishing creativity is expressed within a vibrant and growing fashion industry. African artists, designers, fashion designers, entrepreneurs and photographers are increasingly visible within the fashion scene with their inspired take on African identity. This is a collection of some of the most exciting, innovative designs that are inspired by the land and its people, the colourful diversity of its cultural traditions, its beautiful landscape and sense of rooted identity. Text in English and Dutch. AUTHOR: Christophe De Jaeger is currently studying for a doctorate in Media Art of the 1960s and 1970s at King's College, London. Curator for the Fine Arts Palace, he organises projects on photography and media. Ramona Van Gansbeke is artistic co-ordinator of 'Sito', a creative studio that works on a range of projects combining art, social and exact sciences. She curated the Summer of Photography (2012) and Sense of Place: European Landscape Photography(BOZAR 2012). SELLING POINTS: A unique photography book on African fashion, including works by Martin Parr, Daniele Tamagni, Bauduin Mouanda, Nontiskelelo Veleko, Phylis Galembo, JD Ojeikere, Jim Naughten, Namsa Leube, Jhad Nga, Jodi Bieber, Zanele Muholi, Sabelo Mlangeni, Hassan Hajjaj, Shadi Gharidirian and many others 190 colour photographs