The Pan-African Fabric: Ethiopia Designer Competition
WHO WILL REPRESENT ETHIOPIA @ THE GRAND PAN-AFRICAN FASHION SHOWCASE IN 2026?
Three fashion designers.
One fabric.
One National Opportunity to represent Ethiopia on an international stage.
PLEASE VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE DESIGNER BELOW.
The designers are:
- NATANLI
- METII
- YYASMINA STAR
Each designer was challenged to create original designs using The Pan-African Fabric by Shiri Achu Art, celebrating African unity, culture, identity, creativity, and craftsmanship through contemporary Ethiopian fashion.
As part of the competition, each designer was also required to complete one garment LIVE before the public and jury, showcasing their creativity, technical skill, craftsmanship, and ability to work under pressure.
🗳 PUBLIC VOTING IS OPEN!
Voting Period: June 16 – June 30, 2026
Voting closes at 12:00 PM EAT on June 30, 2026..
To vote, assign:
⭐⭐⭐ = Your favorite designer
You may also assign:
⭐⭐ = Your second choice
⭐ = Your third choice
🏆 Winner to be announced on June 30, 2026 World Social Media Day & National Outfit of The Day (OOTD)
📱 FOLLOW THE JOURNEY
Follow the Pan-African Fabric Initiative for more images of the designs, designer features, behind-the-scenes content, competition updates, winner announcements, and future Pan-African fashion and cultural events.
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thepanafricanfabric/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ThePanAfricanFabric/
One Fabric. Many Stories.
#ThePanAfricanFabric #EthiopiaDesignerCompetition #Africa #NextFashionDesignCollege #ShiriAchuArt
The Pan-African Fabric – Ethiopia Designer Competition 2026 was organized by Shiri Achu Art and The Pan-African Fabric Initiative, in collaboration with NEXT Fashion Design College, Addis Ababa, founded by Sara Mohamed.
Together, we celebrate African creativity, cultural exchange, fashion innovation, and the power of design to unite communities across the continent.
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OFFICIAL COMPETITION RULES
1- Objective:-
To select one fashion designer to represent Ethiopia at the Grand Pan-African Fashion Showcase 2026 through original designs created using The Pan-African Fabric by Shiri Achu Art, celebrating African unity, cultural heritage, innovation, and creative expression.
2- Participants
Three (3) selected fashion designers:
- NATANLI
- METII
- YYASMINA STAR
Each designer created original fashion pieces incorporating The Pan-African Fabric as part of the Pan-African Fabric – Ethiopia Designer Competition 2026. All but one garment was completed prior to the event, with the final garment created LIVE before the public and jury during the competition.
3- Voting & Scoring Structure (100%)
LIVE CREATION & FASHION SHOW – ADDIS ABABA (50%)
• 15% → LIVE Creation Challenge (Jury)
• 35% → Addis Ababa Fashion Show
(20% → Audience Vote)
(15% → Jury Evaluation)
ONLINE PUBLIC VOTING & JURY EVALUATION (50%)
• 25% → Public Online Vote
• 25% → Jury Evaluation
4- Public Online Vote
Voting is free.
Voting opens June 16, 2026
(International Day of the African Child).
Voting closes June 30, 2026 at 12:00 PM (EAT).
World Social Media Day & National OOTD Day
One vote per person/device where applicable.
5- Jury Evaluation / Judges' Criteria
• Creativity and originality
• Craftsmanship and finish
• Interpretation and use of the Pan-African Fabric
• Cultural relevance and storytelling
• Technical execution
• Overall presentation
6- Winner Announcement
The winning designer will be announced on June 30, 2026.
All scores and votes will be verified before final results are announced.
7- Fair Play
Vote manipulation, fraudulent activity, or misconduct may result in disqualification.
Organizers reserve the right to audit and verify all votes and to remove any invalid, duplicate, automated, manipulated, or fraudulent votes before final results are announced.
The decision of the organizers and judging panel shall be final.
In the event of a dispute, the organizers reserve the right to make the final determination regarding eligibility, voting validity, and competition results.