Mahlet Teklemariam

Mahlet was born in Addis Ababa but was raised for most of her life in New York.  She returned to Ethiopia in 2008.  She always had a passion for fashion, which led her foray into the industry as a fashion editor at Tadias Magazine while living in the USA. In 2009, with friends in Addis Ababa, she came up with the idea that there is New York Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, London Fashion Week, why not Addis Ababa Fashion Week.  With that in mind Hub of Africa Addis Fashion Week was born. In bringing together the African fashion industry, HAFW is responding to the growing need for an annual event that focuses on sustainable development and growth in the industry. The goal for HAFW is for it not only to be a fashion show, but a platform for African Designers to get visibility in the international market. This included bringing in international buyers and fashion editors to its shows. Other activities as well are always part of HAFW, such as workshops, seminars, and round-table discussions in regards to the African Fashion Industry.