Afrofusion

Your Community Fashion Show

The Afrofusion Fashion Show is more than a runway—it is a high-energy declaration that Afro-culture has a permanent home in Simcoe County. Produced by the UPlift Black Artist Collective, this annual experience serves as a vibrant intersection where the African diaspora meets local landscape. It is a masterclass in style, sound, and storytelling, showcasing a thriving sub-culture of design and identity that is as local as it is global.

Redefining the Landscape Each year, Afrofusion brings together a curated selection of visionaries—from avant-garde designers to powerhouse performers—to prove that Afro-culture is expansive, innovative, and thriving right here. We invite our community to witness a movement of belonging and brilliance, bridging the gap between heritage and modern expression. At Afrofusion, we don’t just show fashion; we document the evolution of our community.

Watch the 2nd Annual Afofusion Fashion Show
Recep Reel Captured by the Visionary MOHTOHSOH

Meet The Curators

Behind the vibrant energy of Afrofusion is a dedicated core team of visionaries: Shelly-Ann Skinner, Randy Singh, Sheresha McIntyre and Keishia Abrams. Together, they serve as the creative and strategic architects of the UPlift Black Artist Collective’s flagship event. From conceptualizing the runway to curating the fine art exhibit at the MacLaren Art Centre, this team works at the intersection of fashion, community, and social impact to ensure that Afro-culture is not only celebrated but deeply rooted in the heart of Simcoe County.

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Shelly-Ann Skinner

Artistic Director

Randy Singh

Runway Curator

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Sheresha McIntyre

Technical Director

Keishia Abrams

Social Media and Branding

UPlift Black Artist Collective

Curating Community Through Creativity

The UPlift Black Artist Collective is an award-winning community of Black, racialized, and 2SLGBTQI+ "artivists" dedicated to dismantling systemic barriers through the power of creative expression. Anchored in the Ubuntu philosophy—"I am because we are"—the Collective provides a sanctuary of cultural care and deep belonging for individuals navigating systemic exclusion and marginalization. Beyond artistic creation, the Collective serves as a vital engine for economic resilience and professional sovereignty. It provides the holistic guidance and community support necessary for members to reclaim their narratives, settle into their identities, and build sustainable, independent careers. By fostering an environment where personal growth and financial stability go hand-in-hand, the Collective ensures that its members are empowered to lead, creating a lasting pipeline of success and inclusion that uplifts the entire community.

2nd Annual Afrofusion Fashion Show Designers

The Visionaries Behind the Runway

Every year, Afrofusion curates an elite lineup of designers who sit at the cutting edge of Afrocentric fashion. Our runway serves as a bridge between traditional heritage and modern innovation, featuring a mix of internationally recognized award-winners and rising local talent. From self-taught masters of craft to graduates of the world’s top fashion institutions, each designer is selected for their ability to tell a story through fabric, form, and identity.

Designer

Ariyo Clothing

Ariyo Clothing is a contemporary Afrocentric brand redefining modern African style. The brand celebrates identity, cultural pride, and global excellence through bold, timeless pieces designed for individuals who move with confidence and purpose.

Ariyo Adeoye is a business strategist and founder with a background in Business Management and Supply Chain & Logistics Management. She is the visionary behind Ariyo Clothing and several impact-driven ventures focused on culture, community, and economic empowerment.

Ariyo is passionate about building scalable businesses that merge creativity with structure and long-term
impact.

Designer

Sanka Crochets

Leonae Nichol is a Crochet Artist who uses creative problem solving to design functional clothing with no formal fashion studies or use of patterns.

What started out as a hobby has turned into a form of self expression drawing from past visual arts and architecture experience.

Leonae tries to carve his place into, challenges, and inspires what is possible for men in a typically female dominated industry designed for women. Leonae continues to learn and experiment after only 3 years of experience!

Designer

Ambition Brand

Ambition Branded is a Toronto-based lifestyle clothing brand that stands for purpose, confidence, and contemporary street style.

Built around the idea that ambition isn’t just spoken but lived, the brand creates apparel designed to reflect personal goals, intentional style, and everyday impact. Each piece combines comfort with purpose-driven design, giving wearers a wardrobe that looks good and inspires them to move toward their goals with confidence.

Built for those who set high standards and chase them, Ambition Branded represents a mindset as much as a fashion statement. Stylish, driven, and ready for whatever comes next.

Designer

KHAM!

KHAM! is a Toronto-based fashion designer raised in Simcoe County! Specializing in luxury streetwear known for bold messaging and innovative design. Currently a first-year fashion student, he is preparing for the official launch of his brand KSW Designs in Spring/Summer 2026.

His work blends political commentary with modern aesthetics, using fashion as a platform to highlight social issues and spark conversation.

KHAM!’s journey into wearable art began at just 13 years old, where he spent countless hours painting, cutting, and designing garments by hand. Today, that passion continues to evolve through his creative process.

When he’s not designing, KHAM! spends his time studying Art, Philosophy, and Writing — influences that can be seen woven into the deeper themes behind his collections.

Designer

Style Wand

We are proud to feature Uju Obinwa as one of the talented designers presenting at the AfroFusion Fashion Show.

Uju is the founder of StyleWand, a fashion-tech platform redefining personal style through innovation and cultural expression.

After leaving her career in banking as a legal counsel in 2012, she boldly followed her passion for fashion and launched House of Tarati — a brand known for blending African-inspired design with modern elegance.
A lawyer and HR professional, Uju represents the modern woman: intelligent, innovative, and unapologetically stylish.

Designer

BAD BRID

BADBRID was founded in 2019 with a focus on art, form, and identity. From the beginning, the brand set out to create clothing pieces designed to carry meaning, presence, and comfort, not just style.

Created by Nigerian-born creative Kelvin Ehiagwina, BADBRID entered a deliberate one-year pause to go deeper than surface-level fashion. That time was
spent refining the craft, designing garments that speak with purpose, balance comfort with structure, and reflect identity over trends. The brand returned with a clearer vision: not just fashion, but art; not just business, but mastery of craft. Every piece is intentional, built to
be worn, felt, and understood over time.

Designer

Kyle Gervacy

Kadeem Faustin is an award winning self-taught unisex fashion designer and the creative force behind the brand KYLE GERVACY, which he launched in 2015. His work blends African cultural influences with Asian aesthetic elements, creating bold designs that reflect his personal identity and inner expression.

Since its debut, the brand has gained recognition for its edgy, statement-driven pieces and unique artistic perspective. Today, KYLE GERVACY continues to stand out as a distinctive voice in contemporary unisex fashion, known for its cultural fusion and powerful storytelling through design.

Designer

Qweenfecy

Clothing

Omobolanle Abibat Adesiyan, professionally known as Qweenfecy and the visionary behind Qweenfecy Clothing, is an award-winning designer recognized by Black Designers of Canada and the Canadian fashion industry, her work celebrates Afrocentric storytelling through modern design.

Nigeria-born and Toronto-based, Qweenfecy is a proud graduate of George Brown College and the creative force behind an Afro-culture fashion brand rooted in identity, heritage, and bold expression.

IT LIVES HERE:
The Afrofusion Diaspora Exhibit

"IT LIVES HERE" is a visual anthology of a community redefined. Through 16 curated frames captured by six distinct lenses, this exhibit documents the 2nd Annual Afrofusion Fashion Show—a moment where the African diaspora met the landscape of Simcoe County. These images transcend the runway to reveal a thriving sub-culture of design and style that is as local as it is global. The UPlift Black Artist Collective invites you to witness a vibrant evolution of identity: a culture that isn't just arriving, but has officially landed. These photos tell a story of belonging, brilliance, and an afro-culture that is far more expansive and innovative than you ever expected.

Visit Maclaren Art Centre

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The Beneficiaries of the
2nd Annual Afrofusion Fashion Show

The Simcoe County Black Coalition

Simcoe County Black Coalition is a vibrant coalition of local Black organizations that united by a shared vision of empowering and Uplifting the community. Fueled by a commitment to address social inequities and celebrate their rich cultural heritage, these groups have come together to create supportive networks that provide resources, mentorship, and advocacy. Through collaborative efforts, educational workshops, and community outreach programs, they are fostering a sense of belonging and pride, while actively working to dismantle barriers and promote social justice. This collective effort not only strengthens individual organizations as they each work independently but they also weave a tapestry of resilience and hope throughout the entire community when united.

A Legacy of Gratitude

We extend our deepest gratitude to our lead sponsors, community partners, and media allies. Your commitment to cultural equity and artistic innovation has made it possible for us to move from a grassroots vision to a premier regional event. Together, we are not just hosting a show; we are redefining the cultural landscape of our community.