While designers like Kenneth Ize and Thebe Magugu are celebrated globally, there’s an entire ecosystem of behind-the-scenes innovators, entrepreneurs, and initiatives shaping the future of African fashion. These unsung heroes drive sustainability, foster talent, and ensure African fashion’s continued ascent on the world stage. Let’s take a closer look at the real players propelling the industry forward.
1. Champions of Emerging Talent
- Nana Addo Tamakloe, CEO of Accra Fashion Week, is a standout figure committed to elevating African fashion on a global scale. Representing Ghana at platforms like the BRICS+ Fashion Summit, Tamakloe advocates for African designers and emphasizes the importance of international fashion events in opening new markets and fostering collaboration.
- FashionEVO, led by Dr. Yetty Ogunnubi, provides a platform for emerging African designers. At the Africa Creative Market (ACM), FashionEVO’s event showcased talent through runway shows, masterclasses, and panel discussions. Key figures like Lanre Da Silva and Reze Bonna mingled with rising stars, promoting a sense of community and shared vision within the industry.
- Initiatives like the NBA Africa Triple-Double Accelerator also play a pivotal role by mentoring and funding startups such as Salubata, a Nigerian company producing modular shoes from repurposed plastic waste. These efforts support both entrepreneurship and sustainable innovation in African fashion.
2. Empowering Entrepreneurs
- Toyin Popoola-Dania, creative director of Cedre Expressions, addresses financial barriers in fashion by establishing a Ready-to-Wear (RTW) program that allows newcomers to launch their businesses without capital. This innovative initiative demonstrates how established fashion houses can empower emerging designers and strengthen the industry as a whole.
- Afreximbank’s Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) initiative actively supports the growth of Africa’s creative industries by providing financial resources and opportunities for designers to showcase their work at major platforms like Paris Fashion Week. Afreximbank’s backing is crucial in boosting African fashion’s global presence and economic impact.
3. Navigating Global Markets
- Tolulope Olafimihan, CEO of GNATION Company, stresses the importance of adapting to global market demands. By emphasizing quality, consistency, and understanding international supply chains, Olafimihan highlights the need for education and infrastructure to secure African fashion’s place in the global market.
- E-commerce is revolutionizing how African designers connect with international audiences. Brands like AfrisWish, founded by Toyosi Osobu, are leveraging online platforms to expand their reach. AfrisWish’s dedication to using sustainable fabrics such as Aso Oke and Ankara ensures that African designers stay true to their heritage while catering to global trends.
4. Embracing Sustainability
Diarrablu, founded by Senegalese designer Diarra Bousso, is renowned for its commitment to sustainability. By producing garments only after orders are placed, Diarrablu minimizes waste and ensures ethical production. This business model reflects a rising consciousness around environmental issues within the African fashion space.
A growing number of African designers are integrating sustainability into their fashion brands. OMÔL, founded by Cameroonian designer Nathalie Chebou Moth, leads by example with upcycled pieces and collaborations with local artisans. This model reduces waste and empowers traditional craftsmanship, benefiting both the environment and local communities.
