Africa Fashion: A Story of Originality and Power at The McCord Stewart Museum

I recently had the incredible chance to visit the Africa Fashion exhibition, currently showing at the McCord Stewart Museum. As the only Canadian stop on this major international tour organized by London’s Victoria and Albert Museum (running from September 25, 2025, to February 1, 2026), it was more than just a fashion show; it was a powerful historical and cultural journey.

A Story Told Through Texture and Sound

I went in expecting beautiful designs, but what truly impressed me was not only the stunning textile patterns and designs, but the masterful way the curators presented the story. They used a rich mix of culture, music, photography, and video from the early 1960s to today to powerfully tell the story of African fashion's role in post-colonial self-expression.

The exhibition features nearly one hundred pieces, highlighting designers, makers, and photographers from across the continent. Seeing the vibrancy of early pioneers like Chris Seydou alongside contemporary innovators like Thebe Magugu (with his stunning Alchemy collection) and the bold designs of IAMISIGO truly connected the past to the present.

Radiating Originality and Power

The artwork, vibrant colors, and dynamic patterns just radiated pure Originality and Power, serving as a striking visual celebration of cultural identity. Moreover, the colors seemed to highlight a primal life force: a joyful, undeniable energy that emerged as nations gained independence and defined their own style.

I was particularly drawn to the historical context provided by the commemorative cloth honoring figures like Nelson Mandela, and the stunning archival photography by artists like Sanlé Sory, capturing the flair of 1970s African studio portraits. As Dr. Christine Checinska, the Senior Curator, notes, the exhibition serves as a "renegotiation of the geography of fashion," demanding that the world recognize this self-defining art form.

The Perfect, Defiant Conclusion: LOOKU

My absolute favorite moment was the exhibition's chosen finale: the video CreativeDNA presents LOOKU.

I really like the choice of this final video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfSwHs0uM90
This high-energy audiovisual piece is a vibrant celebration of Nairobi's street style, community, and defiant joy in Kenya. (LOOKU means style in East Africa). It was the perfect conclusion, showing that the themes of self-expression and creative innovation aren't just historical footnotes; they are alive, thriving, and loud on the streets today.

The Africa Fashion exhibition is a must-see for anyone interested in culture, history, or design. It successfully showcases that African fashion is a powerful global force, rooted in rich traditions yet always looking forward.