Birimian, the newly launched operational investment firm, is all set to bring together African luxury fashion brands and heritage luxury houses with global investors to expose African designer brands and creators to global fashion.
The firm will provide $30,000 to $3 million worth of investment and support African designers with financial planning, production, and distribution, alongside connecting them with stakeholders in the global luxury and fashion industries.
Birimian will also provide brand consultation and coaching to integrate brand identity with each designer’s vision.
The firm is led by Laureen Kouassi-Olsson and Michelle Kathryn Essomé, the former chief executive officer of the African Private Equity. It launches with four designer labels: Simone et Élise (Ivory Coast), Christie Brown (Ghana), Yeba (Belgium), and Loza Maléombho (Ivory Coast).
In a statement, chief executive Laureen said that the firm will be investing in 10-15 brands by September and assist 20 more with mentoring without taking a stake.
According to the African Development Bank, the African clothing and textile market is estimated to be worth over $31 million. Many regional brands have not reached international fame due to inaccessibility to international press and buyers, lack of proper infrastructure and production capabilities.
