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)

A model presents a creation from the Fyodor Golan catwalk show at London Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 16 in London, Britain February 19, 2016. (Photo by Neil Hall/Reuters)

A model displays shoes during the Ryan LO Autumn/Winter show at London Fashion Week, Friday, February 19, 2016. (Photo by Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP Photo)

A model has her hair done backstage before a fashion show by Greek designer Mary Katrantzou during the Mercedes-Benz China Fashion Week in Beijing, China, 27 March 2016. The fashion week runs until 31 March. (Photo by How Hwee Young/EPA)

Models Felicia Verna and Crystal Boyd wearing Stacey Angela during the Fallen Hearts Fashion Experience at Symphony Space on May 31, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images)

Model presents a creation from the Agua de Coco por Liana Thomaz collection during the Sao Paulo Fashion Week in Sao Paulo, Brazil on April 21, 2018. (Photo by Nacho Doce/Reuters)