west african designers

Having Beyonc wearing her designs for the first time in 2016 was one of our biggest moments. Osakwes designs are celebrated for their bold prints and liberal applications of raffia and silk fringing, and made their debut at NYFW in 2017. with traditional techniques, her signature silhouettes play on the Savvy investors, pro-poor champions and mindful consumers find value in a virtuous circle that creates not just premium products, but also stable, dignified work, and creative and resilient women, men and communities., The EFIs Identity Building and Business Sharing Initiative showcases creativity and talent in fashion and beyond, in an effort to strengthen the cultural sectors including art, photography, cinema and music. The brand has grown from its initial conception as Jewel by Lisa into the contemporary Lisa Folawiyo which presents its very own African-inspired custom luxury prints, feminine and modern silhouettes with a story eye for tailoring and fit. Every finished, tailored piece is fitted, cut, and sewn from fabrics made in Africa, with high respect paid to the rich textile heritage and local craftsmanship that has been cultivated on the continent since the 16th century. Lagos Fashion Week X Koibird 2020 (2020) by Kenneth IzeOriginal Source: Lagos Fashion Week, 8. Born in Cameroon to a champion boxer father and Miss Cameroon mother, he toured the world as a member of the Ballet National du Cameroun before working as a successful male model for the likes of Dior, Yves Saint-Laurent and Valentino. Which is why our expression of fashion and design is varied and diverse. International luxury brands in Ghana, such as Versace Collection, have the capital to invest in software and can truly provide futuristic experiences to interact with clients.. My introduction to fashion was quite intimate, personal, and rather intuitive. Creative Inspiration or Pure Coincidence: Did New York & Companys Eva Mendes Spring Collection Rip Off Lisa Folawiyo Studio SS18. Using South African mohair and wool, the aesthetic is informed by traditional Xhosa beadwork patterns and colours. Ethiopian designer and fashion model Liya is the CEO of LemLem, a fashion label which describes itself as socially conscious. managed to bring all production in-house, producing sustainable collections with their team of in-house tailors from Bassam whilst sourcing most of their fabrics from local markets from within the African continent, contributing to the local community and creating relationships of trust., ta Studio is a community of artisans developing natural dyes and sustainable textile designs using traditional Malian methods with modern approaches that have a positive impact on people and the planet. art installations. The Xhosa ethnic group primarily live in the Eastern Cape and has a fascinating tradition for colorful knitwear. Profiled in fashion bible Vogue earlier this year, design duo Shelley Mokoena and Keneilwe Mothoa are part of a new wave of designers taking Johannesburg by storm. Nigeria and its. and well-cut suits in stripes, shimmery satins and unashamedly bold I feel really excited to be part of this great new adventure with EFI ! Ivory Coast Kassim Lassissi, a Beninese designer for the brand Alledjo, even found a live DJ to host his launch on Instagram. craftsmanship is celebrated as ferociously as designer Laduma vlisco clothing african ankara styles couture designs ugly princessa clothes haute powerhouse dresses nairaland dress face wear clara courtesy prints At the intersection of fashion and art, Selly Raby Kanes style is both surreal and eclectic. Studio 189 produces menswear, womenswear and children's wear that is as vibrant as it is impactful.

If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. We must develop a strong supply chain across the continent to turn it into a viable competitor on a global scale. Topics covered through a series of masterclasses includeCompliance, SDGs, Labour Rights & Supply Chain, Collection Plan Development, Market Positioning, Digital Marketing & Sales and Legal Frameworks., The selected finalists were placed into two groups depending on their specific needs and the operating time of their businesses. Now they are about to hit the global stage with the launch of Prime Obsession as an international contemporary brand with a minimalist design aesthetic watch this space. African grandchildren and constructed wedding dresses for the community, The founder offers minimalist and sophisticated clothing that will highlight the wearer and serve as an extension of their personality. heavily in his collections. The brand partners with communities that specialise in natural plant based dye indigo, hand batik, kente weaving and more. Maki Oh, Fall 2017 (2016) by Amaka OsakweOriginal Source: Lagos Fashion Week, 6.

Indeed, she believes that digital communication is a practical solution for African fashion. For this reason, I look, forward to the EFI Designer Accelerator. Growing up in Nairobi, Katungulu Mwendwa spent much of her childhood observing her late grandmother, who sourced materials from local artisans for her curio shop. This Tanzanian designer is the creative director of Nashona, a women wear clothing line that deals with 100% cotton kangas and kitenges. Salyel [is] an absolute crusha true invitation to empowerment and culture by wearing a cozy piece., I am extremely excited to witness how this young brand managed to acquire its loyal clientele across different countries in Africa. Fashion Week, hung on the rails of Bloomingdale's and had knitwear

This Baboa Menson, founder of BalmLabs, is a CLO3D specialist from Ghana. Following a 12-year design hiatus she founded her own label, I am I in Nairobi. used in elegant dresses and forward-thinking beachwear Murargy knows how to dress a woman. used as a symbol of freedom, while knitted lime-green crocheted pieces displayed in the Big Apple's Museum of Modern Art. From kimonos to suits, to chemises and turbans, Bernie creates bold fashion statements using the traditional Burkina woven loincloth, Faso Dan Fani. of Guinea. Orange Culture, Spring / Summer 2019 (2018) by Adebayo Oke-LawalOriginal Source: Lagos Fashion Week, Meet the African designers shaping the future of fashion. while her mother sewed 80s power suits from old Burda patterns.

The insider style & beauty essentials you need. Translated into a heady mixture of Nigerian inspired prints, fabrics and contemporary urban street wear. Fusing contemporary design experiences of black women in the 1800s and 1900s, with babydoll South Africa www.vestiaireoriginal.com/collections/nouveautes-de-la-semaine. Lagos Fashion Week has shown some of the most exciting fashion talents from across the continent over the last 10 years. They create pieces that will make you stand out anytime you enter a room., Based in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Karidja&Khadija is brewing up legendary tales, mainly from West Africa, which blur the boundaries between classical and contemporary. These designs are made using African prints, contemporary cuts and modern styles. subcultures that make up her heritage. Ive started to see a rise in designers wanting to incorporate 3D technology into their process. The brand has grown from its initial conception as Jewel by Lisa into the contemporary Lisa Folawiyo which presents its very own African-inspired custom luxury prints, feminine and modern silhouettes with a story eye for tailoring and fit. I know that the mentorship will be intense, of incredibly high, standards to serve my vision. I have always been intrigued by the innovative and expressive use of digital models like Kim Zulu and Noonoouri, and the possibilities that exist as we embrace technology even further to build more efficiency, right from the design experience to retail, she says. I feel grateful and lucky to be able to join this programme. blooms along the Osun River, which flows from Nigeria to the Gulf Studio 189was co-founded by Rosario Dawson and Abrima Erwiah. All rights reserved, Top 14 African Fashion Designers You Need to Know. Reni Folawiyo: The founder of Alra, a concept store in Lagos (designed by superstar architect Sir David Adjaye), seeks to redefine luxury fashion for Nigerians, stocking Western labels such as Stella McCartney and Dries Van Noten and African brands such as Maki Oh, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi, Kenneth Ize and Christie Brown. Lisa Folawiyo, Spring / Summer 2017 (2016) by Lisa FolawiyoOriginal Source: Lagos Fashion Week, 7. Nigerian born Ian is the creative director of the fashion mens wear, Tzar studios. Her sense of fashion is contemporary and modern with hints of African heritage highlights and persona. Vogue Business asked movers and shakers across the West African fashion scene to share their views. brought back from extinction and used to celebrate culture and Merging traditional prints and bright colors, the brands creations appeal to urban and international clientele. Selly is a new generational creative and designer who is passionate about redefining the perception of African design. Emerging designer and CLO3D artist Travis Obeng-Casper. In 2011, he created Maxhosa by Laduma, a fashion label for producing premium knit wear designs created with Xhosa beadwork aesthetics, South African mohair and wool. We produce now, we will transmit our methods. She calls this piece Ghana must go., What is interesting and fascinating with Gueras Fatim is the fact that Fatoumata is producing her pieces from. It was love though that brought her to Africa together with her husband she first relocated to his hometown of Juba, South Sudan, before taking on a fashion CEO role in Kenya. creators and African fashion houses that are pioneering sustainable

Born in Burkina Faso, Bernie is the creative genius behind the fashion label, De La Sebure. In 2012, she relocated her fashion studio from New York to Cote dIvoire and has partnered with more local artisans that are also passionate about pushing Ivorian traditions to the global front. his recent show in a striped trench coat), Kenneth Ize is devoted It will provide me with the keys to give my best and to represent the cultural richness of Mali. Oudy Keita is a successful Mali-based entrepreneur having both founded a concept store featuring garments, salon, restaurant, pool and co-working space in Bamako, whilst also launching an Afropolitan designer brand for men and women produced in the city. Sudan born Omer Asim launched his label, Omer Asim in 2011 and has since placed Africa in the centre stage. Percy Nii Okine: Hes a Ghanaian 3D visualiser, working with a variety of brands as well as emerging fashion designers. Kenneth Ize, Spring / Summer 2018 (2017) by Kenneth IzeOriginal Source: Lagos Fashion Week, Kenneth Ize has become famous with his use of traditional Nigerian textile aso-oke to create his designs. But the passion was there, and its now time to take it to a greater height. Group one consisting of Kente Gentlemen, Laurenceairline and Ohiri will receive targeted support, whilst the second group, made up of Atelier VO, Mata Studio, and Oudy K, will receive business development guidance and increased mentorship to guide the creatives in establishing their businesses and solidifying their unique vision through the creative medium of their choice., Atelier V.O is a brand created by VESTIAIRE ORIGINAL, both a concept store located in Cotonou, Benin, dedicated to lifestyle brands made in Africa, as well as an RTW designer label. After studying business and management in Paris, she returned to her hometown and created her brand in 2015. Shah led a nomadic childhood, moving from Oman to North America to the UK (where she trained as a Jeweller and Silversmith), before completing jewellery apprenticeship programmes in Mumbai and Jaipur.

Self-taught Lagos-based designer Adebayo Oke-Lawal uses his

BBNaijas Tega Dominic Channels Igbo Deity Ala in This Stunning Campaign, Alek Wek and Adut Akech Make Vogues Stars Who Continue to Shine on a Global Stage List. Christie Brown - A Ghanaian superwoman with a passion for African storytelling. Studio 189 - a sustainable lifestyle choice from the heart of Ghana. Apart from swim wear, Andrea Iyamah also sells custom made and ready to wear event dresses. A trailblazer for South Africa's LGBTQ community, designer Rich

history through meticulously designed clothes.

Make some room in your wardrobe; these are the labels you'll want to know. I will finally be able to honour the brand Oudy K. Ethical Fashion Initiative a flagship programme of the International Trade Centre, a joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization has been helping to bring African Fashion Design to the world stage since 2013, having previously mentored a number of African fashion brands and brought designers to events such as Vogues Fashion Night Out, Pitti Uomo and Altaroma.

Nigeria Although shes based in Baltimore, in the US, Anifa Mvuemba draws her design inspiration from her home country of Congo. Raw materials and the decision to produce locally (made in Mali) set the brand apart and reflect the integration of the UNs SDGs into their production and ethos.. concept of old and new, bringing together Ivorian tribal aesthetics Each pair is a statement piece that adds this notable sophisticated touch to your outfit.. The fashion line is an eclectic mix of dresses, bottoms, tops and accessories that are made from locally sourced materials and handcrafted by local artisans in Addis Ababa.

Every finished, tailored piece is fitted, cut, and sewn from fabrics made in Africa, with high respect paid to the rich textile heritage and local craftsmanship that has been cultivated on the continent since the 16th century. Week in February. Old African practices are continent's fashion capital, while traditional crafts are being Ivorian Loza Malombho created her fashion label in 2009 because she was passionate about blending Ivorian heritage with modern fashion. His recently released Azania design to create a new aesthetic. For this reason, I look forward to the EFI Designer Accelerator. Since she came in view in 2005, Lanre remains a force to reckon with in the African fashion industry. Kenya a degree in sustainable development economics, strives to do everything in her power to ensure that their project is sustainable and respectful of the environment and people.. South Africa, Magugu's home-grown production process remains Post-Covid-19, virtual shows wont become the new convention but [will represent] a good alternative to the physical fashion show., Baboa Menson: The founder of BalmLabs is a CLO3D specialist from Ghana who focuses on conceptual design and photoreal visualisation of concepts for fashion designers. fluid, her expertly tailored garments have a whimsical feel that The keywords that define her label are elegance, femininity, and effortlessness. Maxhosa Africa - A modern twist of South African Xhosa knitwear. with western Nigerian aso oke (a traditional Nigerian fabric) OHIRI is a creative studio that engages ancient arts and know-how in a contemporary universe.

Born in South Africa, Laduma is one of Africas finest knit wear designer. I started the adventure without any formal training, mentorship, or experience working in the industry. Laurenceairline managed to bring all production in-house, producing sustainable collections with their team of in-house tailors from Bassam whilst sourcing most of their fabrics from local markets from within the African continent, contributing to the local community and creating relationships of trust.. https://www.instagram.com/laurenceairlineofficial/, Based in Bamako, Mali, Mata Studio is a community of artisans developing natural dyes and sustainable textile designs using traditional Malian methods with modern approaches that have a positive impact on people and the planet. Born in Brazil and raised in Cte d'Ivoire, Loza MaXhosa's modernist knitwear has graced the catwalks of New York This is a real opportunity for OHIRI. Backstage at Lisa Folawiyo S/S20 show (2017)Original Source: Lagos Fashion Week. attention of fashion's front-row when he debuted at Paris Fashion Through the accelerator programme she will be developing a homeware collection using her textile designs made with natural dyes.. The definition of a multi-talented artist: Selly Raby Kane. Experimenting with innovative fabrics, traditional methods and modern techniques, her timeless casual and semi-formal designs are fast gaining an international following. Realising the necessity to reverse current consumption trends and the negative impact of improper management of the fashion industry, in 2019, the brand decided to make a turning point. South Africa Working with skilled artisans, Maleombhos designs fuse Ivorian tribal aesthetics with New Yorks urban fashion think tribal prints and futuristic cuts. The eponymous brand from the 2019 LVMH Prize winner caught the The programme will allow me to develop my brand with solid foundations. Workwear-style polychrome pieces Founder/Designer: Laurence CHAUVIN-BUTHAUD, Laurenceairline, of Bassam, Cte dIvoire, brings together a path between cultures, drawing contemporary and timeless silhouettes with deep African roots by highlighting both the designers care for the people and the environment. otential. Kenya To receive the Vogue Business newsletter, sign up here. handmade textiles are created using watercolour and collage. Her works have been considered afrofuturistic. - the first Mozambican designer to show, we may add - Eliana Brands will be assigned a production mentor, with the offer of one-to-one support meetings., The Designer Accelerator will fast track emerging African designer labels, identifying and strategizing areas for growth and development. Experimental, afro-futuristic, and artistic is Kanes signature. Orange Culture, Spring / Summer 2017 (2017) by Adebayo Oke-LawalLagos Fashion Week.

with urban New York grit. The brand is a social enterprise with sustainability at its core, specialising in sustainable textile designs working towards natural matters and using artisanal techniques. Passionate about Kenya, the budding designer returned home as soon as she had completed her fashion degree in London to start her own contemporary fashion line. clashing co-ords - think: Andy Warhol-esque Coca Cola-print suits artisans, Ize's previous collections saw him call upon Viennese Enter your email to stay updated with newsletters, event invites & promotions via email from Vogue Business. Operational in eight dynamic countries Cte dIvoire, Eritrea, Kenya, Mali, Uganda, Iran, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan this chapter of EFI works hand in hand with leaders from the private sector to generate trade and more importantly, social capital. Get your weekly dose of armchair travelling, straight to your inbox. Traditionally feminine silhouettes are African West African designers are gradually warming up to virtual possibilities with regards to fashion and are willing to imbibe new ideas to push African fashion on a global scale, he says. Maxhosa Africa is known for its knitwear designs reflecting the designers Xhosa heritage. African The Senegalese designer breaks down her own influences in the creation of a new universe. Highlighting the programmes commitment to African youth, sustainability and diversity, participants selected to enter the two-year programme which will begin in July 2021 are Atelier V.O, Kente Gentlemen, Laurenceairline, Mata Studio, Ohiri and Oudy K., The new call to join the EFI Designer Accelerator supported by the European Union after two successful seasons of the programme, was directed to talent operating in Benin, Burkina Faso, Cte dIvoire, Eritrea, Kenya, Mali, and Uganda and for the first time includes both fashion designers as well as entrepreneurs making their mark on the continent in varied creative mediums. Raw materials and the decision to produce locally (made in Mali) set the brand apart and reflect the integration of the UNs SDGs into their production and ethos., I feel grateful and lucky to be able to join this programme. Little did we know that there was a whole pandemic on the horizon, Obuobi recalls. Born in Port Elizabeth in 1986,Laduma Ngxokolo founded the brand Maxhosa Africa in 2011. Using three dimensional mould shapes, fake hair, PVC, Selly proves that design and art is all around us. Leading names in West African luxury fashion discuss the potential of digital fashion shows and marketing. Find out more at, Shudufhadzo Musidas Birthday LBD Will Inspire Your Next Date Night Look, 10 Nigerian-Owned Handbag Brands You Need To Invest In ASAP, Let Hamdiya Hamid Teach You How To Put A Chic Twist To Conservative Fashion Everyday, Elohor Elizabeth Isiorho Looks Absolutely Gorgeous on the Latest Issue of TheWill Downtown Magazine, The Workwear Looks BN Style Editors Are Loving This Week | Edition 81, Badeser Lagos Celebrates Traditional Prints in Modern Silhouettes with This New Collection. Using locally sourced materials like leather and raffia and engaging the work of local artisans, Akosua not only celebrates her Ghanian heritage but also creates employment for local artisans. Sunday best. Having perfected the art of wearing Ankara (local West African cloth) through the use of ornate embellishment, Lisa Folawiyo transformed the textile to create a highly covetable print. As we believe Africa is shaping fashions future, here are 8 designers who show the vibrancy and creativity the continent is quickly becoming famous for. and sport-luxe silk tracksuits decorated in geometric patterns and

Laduma Ngxokolo studied Material Futures at Central Saint Martins in London, and has won several awards including the Design Indaba Most Beautiful Object Award. The silhouettes celebrate the paradox of the old and new, cultural and futuristic.The brand is best described as a fusion between traditional cultures/ sub-cultures and contemporary fashion. Kenya Orange Culture was founded by Creative Director Adebayo Oke Lawal in 2011 during Lagos Fashion & Design Week.Orange Culture has been shortlisted for the LVMH Prize and is widely sold around the world through a range of stockists. The programme connects to the wider mission of EFI; creating and securing a virtuous, circular ecosystem of Made in Africa goods and services., EFI is a flagship program of the International Trade Centre, a joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization. The programme will support business planning, brand promotion and marketing, as well as collection planning and design. Mata Studio is an ethical and sustainable brand that fights against the conventional textile industry, and, also aims to become a virtuous business model and to develop the green economy. Laduma is passionate about pushing the Xhosa culture to the future. Dumebi Iyamah currently works in Ontario Canada. The Luxury womenswear brand aims to satisfy the stylish urge of the modern African woman with pieces ranging from beautiful bespoke gowns to practical yet statement ready to wear pieces inspired by art and African culture. stitched in Johannesburg. Studio 189, Spring / Summer 2019 (2019) by Abrima Erwiah & Rosario DawsonOriginal Source: Lagos Fashion Week, 3. He studied MA Fashion Design at the University of Applied Arts Vienna, and launched hiseponymous label at Lagos Fashion Week in 2013. displaying complex patterns in the colour of the South African flag A firm favourite of fashion royalty Naomi Campbell (who closed We will continue to be on the look out for new designers who are shaping the worlds perception of fashion in Africa. lace-makers in a nod to many West African women (including his As the creative scene across Africa booms, Lagos and Johannesburg are jostling to become the The selected brands this season include 3 ready-to-wear brands, a jewellery brand, a concept store and a textile designer., The creatives will receive mentorship from a team of experts with extensive experience working in Africa, fashion and business development including EFI head & founder, Simone Cipriani, co-founder of United Arrows, Hirofumi Kurino and actress and humanitarian Dakore Egbuson-Akande. Her designs have been worn by American diva queen Beyonc and Naomi Campbell. Back in May, Congolese designer Anifa Mvuemba, founder of fashion label Hanifa, staged a mould-breaking virtual fashion show over Instagram Live using beautifully conceived 3D renderings instead of models. After her graduation, she joined the Ecole de Cond in Lyon, later working for houses such as Chlo, Celine, and Givenchy. In my case, I previously learned 3D technology prior to Covid-19 and was able to amplify that experience in the form of a fashion show much later. Launched in November 2019, the programme was first created as a unique pioneering project unlike any other operating in the international fashion arena today. The studio has a vision is to democratise and preserve different forms of traditional know-hows threatened in West Africa and accelerate the transition to positive fashion industry in harmony with people and the planet. Innovation and creativity are with us, and virtual shows are now a way [forward] when we go back to our normal lives. The founder offers minimalist and sophisticated clothing that will highlight the wearer and serve as an extension of their personality. Learn how your comment data is processed. Her bags are characterized by bright colors, and unique styles each with a story to tell. initiatives while shattering stereotypes with a made-in-Africa He has worked with artisans in South Western Nigeria and believes in supporting the local textiles industry. colour palettes (think neon oranges and lime greens) feature The programme focuses on the specific needs of African fashion brands, with a business development approach that prepares its beneficiaries to become investment-ready., The selected designers will enter the rigorous curriculum of a two-year programme by working with EFI within the production capacity frame already established by each brand to begin developing one collection per year. Key takeaway: The African fashion world is keen to explore virtual fashion shows, for both practical and creative purposes and a new generation of designers is leading the way. Some of them are already established, while others are exploding onto the scene as we speak but if Vogue starts talking about you, you know you are hitting the global fashion stage.

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west african designers

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