050. The Future Of Fashion Is Here - And It Is Based In Africa - With Entrepreneur Idelle Taye

Episode 50 of The Manic Metallic Podcast sees us interviewing Guzangs founder Idelle Taye, a rising star in the fashion space and a passionate advocate for the African fashion scene.

In this episode, we discuss a wide variety of topics, including:

• The Guzangs mission, and how Idelle came up with the idea for the company
• Misconceptions that Westerners have about the African fashion scene
• The challenges of entering the industry for people without a fashion background and that, consequently, have zero connections — and advice for those in this situation
• The company's recent partnership with Marist University on a very successful fashion exhibition
• How sustainability is baked into the African way of life and, therefore, into African fashion
• And so much more!

IDELLE’S BIO

Idelle Taye is the founder and style director at GUZANGS. Guzangs is considered to be the "Vogue/BOF of Africa,” tirelessly championing African fashion and design and art in unprecedented ways. Idelle is a trailblazer in discovering and celebrating talent from the African continent on a global platform. 

Across fields, biennials, fairs, and fashion weeks, there is a clear and growing sense that we are entering into an era that is Africa’s time – and Idelle has been a foundational part of growing, developing, supporting, and promoting the talents making that happen. She recently produced the 'Alternative Realities' fashion exhibitions in the U.S., spotlighting over 200 works from 14 designers across Africa – including Lagos Space Programme and Nkwo – to capture the energy, culture, and unique purview of African designers.

As Guzangs continues to grow, it’s followed by notable figures including Alicia Keys, Channing Tatum, Ava DuVernay, and Stefano Pilati, emphasizing the breadth and scope of its influence. It's also a testament to how this amazing content and stories from the continent are resonating with such a diverse audience, including Hollywood. 

Idelle is deeply immersed in the continent’s fashion ecosystem and champions its role in global culture and sustainable fashion.

RESOURCES AND REFERENCES

Essence Magazine interview:

https://www.essence.com/fashion/idelle-taye-founder-of-guzangs-platform/

Photos From The ‘Alternative Realities: Modern and Contemporary African Fashion’ fashion exhibition at Marist University in Poughkeepsie:

https://bfa.com/events/46525/share/243995326a7509

CONNECT WITH IDELLE TAYE

https://www.instagram.com/guzangs/

https://guzangs.com

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