THE COTTON ROAD - an exhibition by the Ethical Fashion Initiative

Partnering with the iconic concept store 10 Corso Como and with Spring Studios, Ethical Fashion Initiative (EFI) presents The Cotton Road – an exhibition around West African cotton, tracing its journey from field to fabric to fashion.

Running from September 25 to 28, the program includes live artisan demonstrations, African designer showcases and two public roundtable discussions exploring the future of fashion.

The Cotton Road at 10 Corso Como | 25–28 September

The exhibition takes visitors through the full lifecycle of cotton: from the farms of Benin and Burkina Faso to the hands of spinners, weavers, dyers, and designers shaping its transformation. It highlights not only the artistry of traditional techniques but also the innovation that is driving a more transparent and inclusive fashion system. Visitors will also be able to experience live artisan demonstrations, an opportunity to engage directly with different crafts, observe age-old skills in practice, and even try their hand at weaving on the looms.

Alongside these demonstrations, the exhibition presents the work of five African designers selected by EFI to create exclusive looks - a collaboration rooted in local materials and realized through traditional methods such as hand weaving and plant-based dyeing.

Featured Designers:

• Sean Nobayo, Benin
• Gaïnga, Burkina Faso
• Olooh, Côte d’Ivoire
• Numu D, Mali
• Feelinger, Chad

Their work spotlights the craftsmanship, reliability, and production capacity of EFI’s social enterprises, illustrating what is possible when design meets high-quality, ethical manufacturing on the African continent.

Public Roundtable – September 26

3:00 PM – BEYOND THE RUNWAY: Building Global Pathways for African Creatives Organized by EFI and 10 Corso Como, and moderated by Teneshia Carr of Blanc Magazine, this conversation explores the future of African fashion through the lens of visibility, ownership, and cultural storytelling. Featured speakers include leading designers and creative entrepreneurs from across Africa and its diaspora - Damien Ajavon, Edward Buchanan, Michelle Francine Ngomo, and Richmond Orlando Mensah.

Opening Night: September 25 at 6 PM
Exhibition Dates: September 25–28
Location: 10 Corso Como (Corso Como 10, Milan) - Project Room & Mezzanine

This event is produced with the financial support of the European Union (EU) and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and the Pacific States (OACPS) under the ACP – Business Friendly Programme.

ABOUT

Ethical Fashion Initiative (EFI) EFI is a programme of the International Trade Centre (ITC), a joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization. It works to connect artisans and micro-producers in emerging economies with the global fashion industry, creating supply chains that are fair, inclusive, and environmentally responsible.

EFI has been working in the cotton value chain in West Africa since 2012. Via its local partner CABES GIE, based in Burkina Faso, EFI’s efforts now support more than 4,000 artisans in the region – helping them strengthen their businesses, improve production, and access markets that value sustainability and heritage.

EFI’s work in West Africa specializes in a range of traditional and sustainable textiles by working with organic cotton to produce handwoven textiles, creating Mud Cloth, Indigo dyeing, Tie Dye, and Batik techniques, utilizing natural dyes, and providing comprehensive cut and sew services. In West Africa, EFI is supported since 2020 by the European Union (EU) and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and the Pacific States (OACPS) under the ACP – Business Friendly Programme.

10 Corso Como Established in Milan in 1991, 10 Corso Como devises and promotes the concept of bringing together culture and the latest trends, fostering a connection between the worlds of fashion, design and food. Regarded as the world’s first concept store, it transformed retail into a fusion of lifestyle and culture. With Tiziana Fausti’s leadership and business ability, 10 Corso Como is now taking full advantage of its evolution into a brand that symbolises Milan, Made in Italy and international creativity.

Spring Studios Spring Studios is a global creative agency and production company at the intersection of culture, luxury, and innovation. They partner with some of the world’s most visionary brands in fashion, beauty, design, and lifestyle, offering a unique combination of creative insight, strategic thinking, and production excellence. Through platforms like ODE, Spring actively supports emerging talent and fosters cross-disciplinary dialogue, championing bold new voices and challenging the industry’s status quo.