The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s misfortunes have often eclipsed its good news, with ongoing armed conflicts and most recently an Ebola outbreak. Much of the world knows little of the country’s vibrant arts scene, and last weekend in the capital, Kinshasa, models showed off daring new looks dreamed up by local designers on the catwalk. (Photo by Olivia Acland/The Guardian)

Participants get ready ahead of a fashion show organized by Daspu, a fashion house founded and run by prostitutes, during the Women of the World (WOW) festival, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil November 18, 2018. (Photo by Pilar Olivares/Reuters)

A model displays a collection by graduates of the British Higher School of Art & Design during the Fashion Week at Zaryadye Park near Red Square in Moscow, Russia, Friday, June 24, 2022. (Photo by Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP Photo)

Adriana Lima seen backstage ahead of the Versace show during Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2017 on September 23, 2016 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Tristan Fewings/Getty Images)

A model presents a creation by Paradizia during Colombiamoda fashion event in Medellin, Colombia, July 29, 2015. (Photo by Fredy Builes/Reuters)

A model presents a creation by DB Berdan during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Istanbul, Turkey March 28, 2018. (Photo by Osman Orsal/Reuters)

A model models shoes at the Chloe Gosselin Presentation during Fall 2016 New York Fashion Week at Lori Bookstein Fine Art on February 14, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images)

Models wait backstage during Ukrainian Fashion Week in Kiev, March 17, 2016. (Photo by Gleb Garanich/Reuters)