Paris Holds First 'Black Fashion Week

Adama Ndiaye launched the event to showcase the best the continent has to offer but dismissed criticism that it excluded others who were not black.

Even when designers put together collections, they were often unable to sell them, she said, adding that fashion week was not just an opportunity for designers.

Ndiaye, who held a Black Fashion Week in Prague last year and will take the show to Montreal in November and Brazil's Salvador de Bahia next March, said the fashion was not only intended for black people.

Even when designers put together collections, they were often unable to sell them, she said, adding that fashion week was not just an opportunity for designers.

"For the models, the majority of them black, it's also an occasion to get on the catwalk since most of the shows look for more expensive white models -- some of whom dropped out of 'Black Fashion Week' to do better-paying gigs," she said.

Ndiaye, who held a Black Fashion Week in Prague last year and will take the show to Montreal in November and Brazil's Salvador de Bahia next March, said the fashion was not only intended for black people.

Ultra-feminine styles showcased came in a variety of cuts with elements such as puff sleeves and backless dresses. Fabrics ranged from silk and satin to embroidered cotton.

Around 15 black designers from Africa or living in France, Haiti or the United States, presented their collections at the chic Pavillon Cambon Capucines in Paris.