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Contemporary African Clothing

black culture clothing'Haute Priestess', Dark Beauty magazine

Africa remains an exciting source of inspiration for designers as there is such a wealth of print and ornamentation.

Since tribal communities have always placed great value on the decoration of architecture, artifacts, textiles and utility items this means that there is a vast source of starting points to work from.


Mood boards are a starting point for designers to create their ranges from. 

techno tribe'Techno tribe' inspirational mood board for ladies fashion


In the range below, African motifs and ornamentation are combined with strong graphics, photo prints and vibrant colour combinations to create a dynamic and original fashion statement.

tribal printTribal print


Dutch wax fabric provides huge inspiration for many designers and is used by many in a highly contemporary way that allows creative expression of colour and mix-matching of prints. 


vlisco fashionFashionable Vlisco fabrics
shoe and bag set
crop top

Lisa Folawiyo from Nigeria is the Queen of the Ankara, embellished garment. Her stunning designs are exuberant, using mix and definitely-not-match fabrics in layers and structures that pay homage to her background while being excitingly very modern.

jewel by lisaJewel by Lisa
zuri dutchwaxZuri dutchwax fabric dress, Sandra Zhao and Ashleigh Gersh Miller.
mille collines ankaraMille Collines, ankara


Contemporary Designers

Below are some of the best contemporary designers working on the African continent who are creating their own unique styles and fashion lines. 

Maxhosa

Laduma Ngxokolo pays tribute to his African identity by producing an exciting and innovative men's knitwear range that pays homage to his past and to his own deeply personal traditions and cultural experiences.

The designs reflect the famed beadwork of his Xhosa clan.

ladumaMaXhosa tribal inspired knitwear, Laduma Ngxokolo
MaXhosaMaXhoso menswear

He has aimed it at young men who have come through their initiation rites to enter society as young men, culturally aware of their past but modern enough to pursue self-expression.

These are statement pieces of attire, befitting their wearer's passage of ritual.

Dumela Clothing Co

This Company custom makes Coats and Jackets from the traditional BASOTHO blanket. This iconic blanket is re-envisioned as contemporary stylish coats and jackets for both men and women.

Re-envisioned Red Basotho Blanket

Sindisi Khumalo

Sindiso Khumalo is currently at the top of her game, creating a unique range of Womens Wear which reflects both her architectural background and her Zulu and Ndebele heritage.

She uses bold, bright colours and geometrically styled prints in her fabrics while incorporating simple but dramatic outlines in her garments.

sindisi khumaloSindisi Khumalo, womens wear
sindisiSindisi Khumalo


Orange Culture 

adebayo runwayOrange Culture, coloured suits

Adebayo Oke-Lawal  is a Nigerian designer who recognizes that fashion can be a way to communicate status, wealth, personal taste and success.

orange cultureAdebayo Oke-Lawal, Orange Culture Label
Adebayo Oke-LawalAdebayo Oke-Lawal

His signature style includes bold, solid-coloured suits, printed fabrics and fila hats to adorn and complement the outfit. While fila hats are traditional attire and different tribes have different shapes, the styles have converged and anyone can wear any fit.

Selly Raby Kane

Selly Raby Kane’s collections are primarily focused on using bright colours with solid darks to create high contrasts. Quilted wax prints, patched, sewn and embroidered embellishment in the Sengalese bayefall style of her homeland makes her garments very individualised, allowing the wearer to express self expression and flair.

selly raby kaneSelly Raby Kane, Senegal
selly raby kane 2Selly Raby Kane


Ikiré Jones

Ikire Jones is a collaboration label between designer Wale Oyejide and tailor Sam Hubbler. It strives to successfully combine Western African heritage with Italian tailoring to produce a unique identity in all its menswear products.

Ikire JonesWale Oyejide, Ikire Jones
born between bordersBorn between Borders


The brand seeks to tell stories whenever it releases a new collection, hoping to have some sort of social impact as well as an aesthetic one.

After Migration  tells the story of African asylum-seekers living in Italy.

Ikire Jones squareSquare, Ikire Jones

Taibo Bacar

TAIBO BACAR is both a high fashion and ready-to-wear womenswear brand that is now fully established after being created in 2008 by the Mozambican male designer Taibo Bacar.

taibar bacarTaibar Bacar

The line is known for sensuous, cut away shapes that celebrate womens’ curves and luxury or dramatic fabrics that are often embellished with lace or beading. Small clutch bags accessorize the outfits.

taibar 2
taibar, clutch bag



Mille Collines

Rwanda based fashion label, Mille Collines is a sophisticated brand of clothing, accessories and jewelry for the modern woman who appreciates where she comes from but wants something... out-there. 

millecollinesMille Collines, white tonal print
mille collines duo
mille collines turbanMille Collines, turban


Fluid lines, turbans, strings of loose beads, embroidered glass beads on panels of dresses, layers of cloth, tonal prints, this all adds up to a luscious striking effect....truly eye catching.



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