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)

A makeup artist works on a model during the Tunis Fashion Week 2018 in Tunis, Tunisia, 12 May 2018. (Photo by Mohamed Messara/EPA/EFE)

A model backstage before the Issa London runway show at London Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2012 on September 17, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Tim Whitby/Getty Images)

A model presents a creation at the Sophia Webster presentation during London Fashion Week in London, Britain February 20, 2017. (Photo by Neil Hall/Reuters)

A model presents a creation during the Vivienne Westwood catwalk show at London Fashion Week Women's A/W19 in London, Britain February 17, 2019. (Photo by Henry Nicholls/Reuters)

Fashionista poses for photographers during London Fashion Week in London, Britain on September 13, 2019. (Photo by Henry Nicholls/Reuters)

A model walks the runway at the Pam Hogg show during London Fashion Week September 2019 at Victoria House on September 13, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Splash News and Pictures)

A model presents a creation during the pushBUTTON catwalk show at London Fashion Week Women's A/W19 in London, Britain February 19, 2019. (Photo by Henry Nicholls/Reuters)