How many African fashion designers can you name off the top of your head? One, two, three, or maybe none at all? Well, I think it’s time we change that. Especially in today’s dynamic fashion world, the continent has proved to have some talented designers who are finally seizing the global spotlight with their culturally rich and innovative creations. This rising interest isn’t just about their unparalleled creativity; it’s also driven by mega-celebrities embracing African fashion bringing much-needed attention to these extraordinary talents. Icons like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Lupita Nyong’o are wearing pieces by African designers, catapulting these talents into the international arena. And as African pop culture continues to shape global trends, perhaps it’s also time to celebrate and follow the African fashion designers who are redefining the essence of style. And in no particular order, starting with this list.
Sarah Diouf
Senegalese designer Sarah Diouf is the visionary founder and creative force behind Tongoro Studio. As a designer, she promotes Made-in-Africa luxury fashion, emphasising local craftmanship using only materials sourced from across Africa. As such she has become a notable figure in the industry.
©Diouf Sarah / Instagram
Meanwhile, her designs are known for their playful and accessible style, attracting global icons like Beyoncé. On several occasions, the singer has been spotted wearing Tongoro’s stunning designs, including a striking houndstooth dress she wore in her “Black Is King” visual album. Most recently, Beyoncé and her dancers also wore custom NARI bodysuits, gloves, and boots by Tongoro Studio on stage for her Renaissance World Tour.
©Lisa Folawiyo / Instagram
Lisa Folawiyo
Lisa Folawiyo is another fashion designer who is revolutionsising the African fashion landscape with her brands Lisa Folawiyo and Jewel by Lisa. Notably, she is known for her exquisite style that blends traditional West African prints like the Ankara and modern tailoring to create designs that stand out in the industry.
And her designs have not gone unnoticed either. Folawiyo’s creations have also caught the eyes of Hollywood with celebrities like Lupita Nyong’o, Thandie Newton And Solange Knowles (Beyonce’s younger sister) spotted in her clothes. Showcasing her designs in high-profile events like the New York Fashion Week has also helped boost her brand.
Rich Mnisi
Amongst designers shaping the future of African fashion is Rich Mnisi; who also is at the vanguard of contemporary African fashion.
His eponymous label Rich Mnisi, is a vibrant celebration of African heritage, artfully blended with modern aesthetics. And it’s easy to see why Mnisi’s fearless use of bright colours, striking patterns and avant-garde silhouettes set his work apart as a fashion designer.
©Rich Mnisi / Instagram
High fashion model Naomi and Singer Ciara are among those who’ve been spotted wearing Rich Mnisi. His creations have also been gracing the pages of prestigious fashion magazines like Vogue and GQ besides also being showcased on various Fashion Weeks’
Adebayo Oke-Lawal
©Adebayo Oke-Lawal / Instagram
You can’t talk about cutting-edge menswear without mentioning Adebayo Oke-Lawal. As the visionary founder of Orange Culture, Oke-Lawal is sure to set out to redefine what it means to dress as a man in the 21st century. His daring designs and fluid silhouettes are here to challenge traditional fashion norms and celebrate individuality.
In the past, he showcased his unique designs at London Fashion Week and Pitti Uomo, the renowned Italian menswear trade show known for its sartorial excellence.
Adebayo Oke-Lawal’s Orange Culture combines Nigerian influences with urban streetwear, creating vibrant, unisex designs. Notably, he has dressed celebrities like Hollywood actress Lupita Nyong’o and singer Dua Lipa.
Liya Kebede
Liya Kebede is not just a supermodel; she is also a trailblazer in the world of sustainable fashion
As the founder of Lemlem, Kabede has dedicated herself to promoting traditional African craftsmanship while supporting sustainable practices within the fashion industry.
As a designer, she creates designs known for their handwoven patterns, crafting garments with local Ethiopian artisans to tell a story of heritage and sustainability.
©Liya Kebede/ Instagram
Kebede’s influence meanwhile extends beyond the runway. She is featured in major fashion magazines like Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, where she advocates for health and women’s rights through various campaigns. Her work in sustainable fashion not only highlights the beauty of African craftsmanship, but also sets the standard for how the industry can move towards more responsible practices.
©Folake Folarin-Coker/ Instagram
Folake Folarin-Coker
When it comes to setting trends in modern African fashion, Folake Folarin-Coker is a name you can’t ignore. As the genius behind the luxury brand Tiffany Amber, she masterfully fuses traditional African aesthetics with contemporary elegance, creating vibrant, intricate, and fluid designs that continue to captivate the global fashion scene.
Her collections have dazzled at New York Fashion Week and Arise Fashion Week, earning international acclaim. Icons like Naomi Campbell and Iman have been spotted in her stunning creations, further solidifying her influence.
Folarin-Cockers dedication extends beyond design. She passionately mentors emerging African designers championing initiatives that nurture talent and propel the industry forward. Through her brand, she celebrates Africa’s rich cultural heritage while also driving modern fashion trends, making her a pivotal figure in both African and global fashion landscapes.
Laduma Ngxokolo
©Laduma Ngxokolo/ Facebook
Laduma Ngxokolo is another African fashion designer that’s been revolutionising the fashion world with his brand, MaXhosa Africa. He is known for infusing traditional South African Xhosa aesthetics with contemporary designs, to create vibrant knitwear and bold patterns.
Ngxokolo’s journey began with a mission to create premium knitwear for the amakrwala. The Xhosa initiates undergoing the rite of passage into manhood. His designs then quickly gained international acclaim, transcending their cultural roots. Today, his collections have graced runways at prestigious events like New York Fashion Week and Milan Fashion Week. Here he has showcased the beauty of Xhosa culture to a global audience.
Even stars like Beyoncé and Alicia Keys have embraced his striking designs, bringing MaXhosa Africa into the spotlight.
Selly Rabby Kane
In the world of fashion, few designers are as daring and innovative as Selly Raby Kane. As the founder of her namesake brand, Kane pushes the boundaries of creativity with her eclectic designs that fuse traditional Senegalese elements with futuristic aesthetics.
Her work is a bold departure from conventional fashion, characterised by surreal silhouettes, vibrant colours, and unexpected materials.
Kane’s unique vision has not only captivated local audiences but also gained international attention.
©Selly Raby Kane/ Instagram
Super fans of her designs include Erykah Badu and Beyonce. Both have embraced Kane’s distinctive style further amplifying her influence as a top designer. Beyond fashion, she is also a storyteller using her designs to explore themes of African identity, culture and mythology. Among African fashion designers, she stands out for her innovative approach as she redefines what it means to be an African designer in the contemporary fashion landscape.
©Loza Maléombho/ Instagram
Loza Maléombho
Talk about redefining the fashion landscape, and Loza Maléombho is a name that resonates with transformative creativity. As the mastermind behind her namesake label, Maléombho infuses traditional African elements with cutting-edge design.
Her pieces, characterised by daring silhouettes and intricate details, celebrate the rich tapestry of African contemporary sensibilities.
Her unwavering commitment to sustainability sets her apart. By collaborating with Ivorian Artisans, she ensures fair trade practices and preserves time-honoured techniques. This in a bid to elevate authentic craftsmanship within the high fashion realm.
Maléombho’s collections have graced global runways and exhibitions. This has also earned her prestigious accolades like the African Fashion Awards and a spot in the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund. A prestigious initiative that supports emerging designers through mentorship and funding.
ORIRE OMATSOLA
Orire Omatsola is one of the African fashion designers whose brand value has skyrocketed thanks to celebrity endorsements. And that’s because of the “Meghan effect” that was in full swing when Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex donned her design on a recent trip to Nigeria. As a result, this has brought global attention to Omatsola’s innovative work.
As the creative force behind Orire, Omatsola masterfully fuses minimalist silhouettes with rich African fabrics. Crafting pieces that are both striking and sustainable.
So it’s easy to see why Meghan chose to wear a dress from her collection, given the brand’s minimalistic elements.
©Orire Omatsola / Instagram
Meanwhile, Orire’s beautifully crafted collections have wowed audiences at many fashion shows and exhibitions. By blending traditional African elements with modern style, Orire is sure setting standards for contemporary African fashion in Africa and beyond.