Africa Fashion Week Amsterdam proudly joins forces with New Silver Generation to present a magnificent Senior Fashion Show set to capture the essence of timeless elegance. Editor Kai Lutterodt reminisces on the fateful lunch in Soho that sparked the inception of an influential initiative to celebrate diversity in the fashion world…

Isn’t it incredible how time flies? It seems like it was just yesterday I had the pleasure of enjoying a delightful Spring alfresco lunch in Soho with my friend, Antony Fitzgerald, when I offered him the freedom to curate the Autumn Front Cover feature. Little did we know that from that inspiring conversation in 2021, a groundbreaking movement would be born – New Silver Generation (NSG)!

Antony Fitzgerald created New Silver Generation to address the lack of older models of color in the fashion and beauty industry. As an established model with international representation, Antony has witnessed firsthand lack of representation of those who look like him in fashion and beauty campaigns, editorials, and representation by premium agencies across Europe. Recognising the potential of older models who often “slip through the net,” NSG provides a creative solution to enhance brand campaigns and promote inclusivity.

New Silver Generation My Soho Times Autumn 2021 cover story | Photos: Ivan Weiss

Check out Jess King’s video coverage ‘Rise of the silver sirens‘ for the Mail+

Since its debut on the cover of My Soho Times magazine in Autumn 2021, NSG has gone from strength to strength, igniting the world with its powerful message. And now, it’s reaching new heights with an exhilarating international collaboration alongside Africa Fashion Week Amsterdam (AFWA). Together, they are set to revolutionise the fashion industry and challenge the norms surrounding agism and diversity.

Africa Fashion Week: Senior Show 30th August

In collaboration with renowned Nigerian contemporary artist, virtual reality curator, and film director Malik Afegbua, AFWA will dedicate an entire day to a Senior Fashion Show, set to take place on August 30th. This pioneering event will be hosted by Nollywood icon Ramsey Nouah and promises to be innovative, aspirational, and cutting-edge.

Malik Afegbua’s AI-generated images of older models adorned in exquisite garments have gained recognition from acclaimed costume designer Ruth Carter, an Oscar winner who discovered the captivating visuals on social media and admired the powerful message they conveyed. Afegbua’s vision seamlessly blends traditional African Nigerian fashion with an Afro-futuristic aesthetic, resulting in stunning and thought-provoking creations. As an unapologetic advocate for the use of AI in art, Afegbua firmly believes that technology can challenge societal norms and inspire the creation of a more inclusive and stylish world for older individuals.

Through this collaboration, AFWA and NSG aim to showcase the beauty, grace, and wisdom of older models of color, empowering them to redefine and reclaim their place in the fashion industry. It will challenge preconceived notions of beauty and emphasise the elegance and allure that transcends age.

I don’t know about you, but I am eagerly anticipating the opportunity to mingle with fashion enthusiasts, industry professionals, and and international guests for what is sure to be an unforgettable experience that celebrates the power of age and ethnic diversity in fashion… Prepare yourself for an abundance of style inspiration!

Have you got your tickets yet?

Written by Kai Lutterodt. Photos courtesy of AFWA