The fifth annual Africa Fashion Week New York 2014 joined the New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015 calendar this year with a 3 day event showcasing rising African designers. Hosted at the United Nations Foundation building, the first day kickstarted AFWNY with a "Master Class: Off The Runway" conference. Guest speakers consisted of prominent, established designers and leaders who shared their journeys of triumphs and hardships in the global fashion industry. South African fashion designer David Tlale was among the list of speakers. He advised young designers to be proud of their African heritage. "Don't be afraid to trade with your name. Having a self-titled brand will push you harder, and make your brand more important to you," he expressed before showcasing his own SS15 collection Sunday at Lincoln Center's Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week.

Showroom presentations followed the conference at the Vogt Galleryfor Day 2 of AFWNY. Models were perched on cubed platforms showcasing works by designers Eki Orleans, Weiz Dhurm Franklyn, Dahil Republic of Couture Fashion House,Morocco Caftan New York, and Tiagbe of Kososhi all in preparation for Saturday's main event.

Saturday's runway show highlighted the diaspora's young African designers and emerging luxury African brands. Public relations and communications firm, Adirée successfully illustrated through their Africa Fashion Week New York 2014 events the capacity for transnational economic partnership among artists of the diaspora, bringing together photographers, journalists, designers, models and make-up artists from around the world. See the gallery above for photos from the full weekend.