SUSPICIOUS ONLINE activity forced the organsiers of Africa Fashion Week London to suspend online voting for their Face of AFWL2020 competition this year, bringing the decision inhouse instead.

Eighty-four entrants from across the UK had entered the Face of AFWL2020 competition when COVID-19 paralysed the country.

With events across the fashion industry being cancelling left, right and centre, AFWL2020 had to make a decision quite quickly on whether or not they would continue with the competition or scrap it.

With a decision on whether or not cancel the main event event in August deferred until the end of this month AFWL had to decide if they would we be able to fulfil their commitment and deliver the ‘Face of’ winners’ prizes or not.

Organisers say eventual winner Abi Kasim, a 23-year-old tax consultant from London, was nowhere near a favourite of the public voting choice when it was discovered that there had been some suspicious online activity.

Stopping the voting system and moving to an executive choice of finalists, have them film an entry video, then a social media poll was the only fair way forward.

Four entrants were chosen to go forward:

Nadia:

Nadia, a proud Hijabi and seasoned modest model from London. #Gorgeous, engaging and in love with all cultures, Nadia represented our many Muslim followers and we loved her incredible sense of style.  Watch Nadia’s entry video here

Amani

Amani, from Bedfordshire, a half Kenyan, half British model. Stunning looks – and hair – Amani wanted to explore her culture in fashion.  Watch Amani’s entry video here.

Muni

Muni was our East African princess. Currently studying in Amsterdam, Muni was not only beautiful but full of love for the world. So popular with on our social media that there was a point where she could have snatched the crown.  Watch Muni’s entry video here

Abi

And the new AFWL queen, Abi Kasim.

Founder of Africa Fashion Week London and Nigeria, Princess Ronke Ademiluyi said: “We are so delighted for her. She’s thoughtful, intelligent, full of elegance and grace – she’s going to be a perfect ambassador.

“We can’t wait to introduce her to the AFWL family and network and have her part of AFWL’s 10th Anniversary celebrations.”

Assuming life goes back to normal soon, Abi wins:

• a photo and videoshoot; styled and dressed in AFWL designer outfits, hair and makeup and generally fussed over and pampered;
• a place on the model casting panel to chose who should be on the AFWL2020 catwalk; and
• her own place on the AFWL2020 catwalk. *

  *  Prizes to be deferred if Africa Fashion Week London has to postpone or delay AFWL2020 to another date.