The fashion world's ever-watchful gaze has finally begun to move towards Africa and its emerging crop of fashion superstars. Some of them are already well-known, while others are just getting started. Continue reading to find more about our favourite African designers.
Romeo Hunt
He is a fashion creative raised in Brooklyn, New York. Growing up surrounded by women whose fashion lifestyle inspired him from an early age. In 2014, Hunte launched his namesake brand Romeo Hunte New York. His first celebrity client was Zendaya. Beyonce later wore his signature buffalo check shawl which went viral. Romeo has been writing and is still writing pages in the fashion world.
David Tlale
Tlale is a South African fashion designer, he has showcased his collections at Cape Town Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week, and Paris Fashion Week and has also designed collections for major retailers like Edgar's. He has not only grown his fashion empire but has also branched out in various other ventures including an underwear collaboration with Jockey. David Tlale has enjoyed outstanding exposure on both local and international catwalks, but his label goes beyond just fashion.
Ozwald Boateng
A British fashion designer from the root of Ghana, he is known for his trademark twist on classic British tailoring and bespoke style. Boateng sees himself as more than a tailor, and more than a designer, so he coined the term "bespoke couturier".
Fisayo Longe
Nigerian-born designer, Fisayo Longe is the Founder and Creative Director of Kai Collective, a womenswear brand of attainable clothing with luxury aesthetics that makes women feel like their most confident selves. In 2020, the brand released the Gaia print which was tagged as the print of 2020. Gaia has been featured in Vogue Netherlands, Vogue Japan, and also in ELLE UK. The brand is driven by sisterhood, feminism, femininity and female power.
Mai Atafo
Atafo has received numerous recognitions for his contributions to the fashion industry through his designs. He is a multi-talented creative who brings the vision of lavishness in style through luxury fashion.
Telfar Clemens
He is a Liberian- American fashion designer and the founder of the fashion brand TELFAR. His collection comprises of Unisex designs with the principles of comfortable sportswear and 'simplexity'. Clemens brand has embraced success, and he can be depicted as one of Africa's related creative designer.
Fe Noel
Real name Felisha Noel; brand name Fel Noel. She was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. She launched into the fashion industry in a pure and natural way. Her skills were self-inspired through application and hands-on experience. Her collection is a conceptual lifestyle brand created for the multifaceted woman that embodies a love for travel and style.
Dumebi Iyamah
She is a Nigerian-Canadian fashion designer, she is the founder of the fashion brand
Andrea Iyamah caters to bridal, swimwear and ready-to-wear lines. She developed a passion for clothing at a very young age. Her brand vision allows women to be part of a cultural affirmation through the pieces that dress their curves.
Kenneth Ize
He is a Lagos born fashion designer with a difference in style, his label is designed to
preserving cultural heritage; he draws a network of textile artisans across Kwara, Kogi and Lagos making adire (indigo resist-dyed cotton cloths) and handwoven aso-oke (top cloth), which he transforms into elegant tailoring in unexpected combinations of colour and pattern. He launched his eponymous brand at Lagos Fashion Week in 2013 and since then Kenneth has been making a name for himself and his
label.
Anifa Mvuemba
Anifa Mvuemba, the founder of the direct-to-consumer women’s apparel line Hanifa, is a self-taught designer, who launched Hanifa in 2012. She revolutionized the fashion industry when she had a viral 3-D runway show on Instagram in 2020.