Here’s a glimpse at the vibrant African fashion industry

Think Luxury fashion Are you only able to find it in Europe or the U.S. Below is a list with designers and brands to admire, shop and follow.

What’s more? African fashion is not just about kente cloth or dashikis. While both have significant and historical meanings in West Africa, hundreds of designers from across the continent showcase the motherland’s beauty through other forms of fashion. Ekow Barnes, a Ghanian writer and creative producer, highlighted this fact on his panel at The 2022 Business of Fashion Voices Conference, Africa is often left out of discussions about inclusion.

“Whenever the West tells our story, it’s always a bit one-sided,” Barnes shared.

Many entrepreneurs, photographers, designers, and authors are actively involved in telling the rich stories from Africa today. There is an active African fashion scene. African fashion offers a fresh take on traditional designs and silhouettes. So, next time you’re in a heated fashion debate or simply looking to splurge on yourself, consider these brands and designers.

Made in Dakar (Senegal), Tongoro Fashion’s most innovative and playful designs are now available. Sarah Diouf founded the brand and it has been worn many times by Naomi Campbell, Naomi Campbell and Burna Boy.

This Nigerian-owned luxury footwear brand believes that “within every woman lies a diamond – unique, resilient, and imperfectly perfect.” Titi Adesa ’s collections balance understated elegance and modern femininity through redefined minimal silhouettes.

Travis Obeng-Casper founded the brand in 2018. It is a contemporary unisex brand from Ghana. Ajabeng Afro-minimalist styling combines bold colors and more relaxed silhouettes to create a unique aesthetic. The brand’s array of linen tunics, shorts, and pants make a statement all on their own but could easily be dressed up if need be.

Inspired by her African heritage and elements of nature, Andrea Dumebi Iyamah’s eponymous brand In 2011, was founded. Her bold colors, classic silhouettes and modern edge are sure to inspire the adventurer in everyone.

It was launched in 2017 by Aristide Lova. Kente Gentlemen is a clothing brand based in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, that places an emphasis on ethically sourced handmade high-quality blazers, pants, skirts, and dresses.  The brand’s in-house atelier designs and tailors contemporary clothing and accessories alongside local craftswomen and men.

Fruché The brand is a luxury fashion brand that has been based in Lagos since 2014. It was founded by Frank Aghuno, a self-taught designer. The brand is known for its distinctive silhouettes and 3D-quality designs. They also use mixed media materials.

Functional, sophisticated, and vibrant. Imad Eduso The brand is a womenswear company based in Lagos Nigeria. The brand was established in 2015 and creates timeless pieces that incorporate contemporary trends and colors.

Faith Oluwajimi, 2015 founded it. Bloke The label is from Nigeria and challenges the notion of art, culture, fashion. Bloke’s unique concept of luxury is for both men and women by combining contemporary design with handcraftsmanship, traditional patterns and modern design.

Jewelry designer Margaux Rusita’s brand Margaux WongBurundi-based company, ‘The Green Company’, is committed to saving East African materials from a fate of waste. Each piece of fine jewelry is unique and handmade by local artisans. They are made ethically from cow horns, brass and other materials.

For the rest of the world, designed by Nigerians NBDA Multidimensional fashion is the inspiration behind this footwear brand. On a mission to promote originality, self-discovery, and self-expression, the brand’s designs showcase the intersectionality between fashion, architecture, and the human experience.

A piece from Seta the Label . Each product is made in Lagos. The brand offers easy, trendy, and simple styles for modern women.

The women’swear brand demi-couture Onalaja is the result of founding creative director Kanyinsola Onalaja’s Nigerian heritage and Italian design influence. The brand’s motifs include texture-mixing, sultry silhouettes, and intricate prints.

Sometimes you just need some sun and this brand is based in Nigeria has all the gear you need to take your next vacation. Salt and Sunscreen High quality swimwear that is fashion forward for women and men.

Orange Culture, the Nigerian label that isn’t just a clothing line but also a movement, is in its twelfth year of production since its 2011 launch by Adebayo Oke-Lawal. While OC focuses heavily on menswear, via the brand’s website, Lawal says his garments are for anyone interested in telling a story with their style.

Cape Town-based brand for womenswear SelfiCeleste Arendse founded ‘Celeste Arendse’, which specializes in ethically sourced, custom-made items for modern women. These pieces can be used as closet staples because they are well-structured, straight, and come in neutral colors.

Are you looking for luxury from all over the diaspora? Ditto Africa The ultimate online marketplace that allows consumers to buy directly from African labels across the continent.

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The post theGrio Style Guide: A glimpse into the robust African fashion industry This article was first published on TheGrio.