Africa, the home of the best traditional designs has continued to make its mark in the world’s fashion scene. From Akwete materials in Nigeria to Kente in Ghana, African designers and boutiques showcase trendy designs this festive season. In December, let’s look at African Designers and Boutiques making a mark on fashion shows and even in the everyday streets.
Instagram | @lisafolawiyo_studio
The Queen of Ankara, Lisa Folawiyo uses traditional African fabric called Ankara (a wax-resistant fabric of African origin) and a mixture of beads to create unique and classy designs. Her brand which is known as Jewel by Lisa has showcased designs on Fashion shows in London, Lagos, Johannesburg, Paris, and New York, and featured in publications like Vogue and the New York Times. Her showrooms are located in Nigeria and New York.
Thebe Magugu (South Africa)
Source: Instagram | @thebemagugu
For women who are looking for the next ready-to-wear design of African origin this festive season, South African stylist Thebe Magugu offers an array of exquisite designs that are tailored to meet your fashion expectations.
Based in Johannesburg, South Africa, Magugu infuses quality with a mixture of culture and freshness into his collections.
Instagram | @chocolateclothesglobal
Steve Harvey, Ziggy Ansah, Boris Kodjoe, Jussie Smollett, Idris Elba, and Mr Eazi have a thing or two to say about the brand Chocolate Clothes Global by Kwaku Bediako. The men’s fashion outfit which is based in Ghana was birthed out of a need by Ghanaians to dress in comfortable and distinctive African wear.
The uniquely tailored designs have gotten recognition from powerful individuals in the world and were one of the collections displayed by the President of Ghana during the visit of His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales.
If you are looking for that next bespoke outfit to gift your man this festive season, then Chocolate Clothes Global is the place to shop.
Beyond branded designers, Africa also plays host to some of the best boutiques in the world displaying innovative and unique designer collections of emerging and reputable African brands along with a selection of exquisite accessories.
Both offline and online, these boutiques offer an array of selections which are certain to make you stand out during this festive season.
The Space (South Africa)
Source: The Space
Located in Claremont in the city of Cape Town, South Africa, the boutique offers a diverse collection of African designers as well as non-African brands. Along with its collection of accessories, the space offers a unique shopping experience.
Rwanda Clothing (Rwanda)
Located in Kigali, the boutique offers custom-made clothing designed in Rwanda along with other well-tailored outfits for men, women, and children at pocket-friendly prices.
Alara (Nigeria)
Souce: Alara Lagos
Alara in Lagos, Nigeria showcases a wide selection of African and International design pieces. Along with a collection of accessories, the boutique exhibits design from emerging and recognized African designers.
Afrikrea is an online African clothing and accessories platform that offers an extensive range of African wears and accessories for men, women, and kids. Whether it is African fabric, jewelry, bags, etc, Afrikrea offers good shipping deals and discount prices.
Laviye (Online)
Laviye is an online clothing and fashion accessories store catering to the both sexes especially those in the diaspora who seek to own designs that reminds them of their African heritage.
In this festive season, African designers and boutiques are offering carefully curated pieces of bold prints, and vibrant colors, that continues to project the powerful beauty of the African culture.
Okechukwu Nzeribe works with the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, in Anambra State, Nigeria, and loves unveiling the richness of African cultures. nextquestservices@gmail.com
