At a Glance
- African designers are redefining global fashion with culturally inspired, sustainable designs that blend heritage and innovation, from handwoven fabrics to ethically made collections.
- Brands like Maxhosa Africa, Maki Oh, and Thebe Magugu are spotlighting African craftsmanship on global runways, earning praise for their artistry and cultural storytelling.
- The surge in demand for Black-owned and ethical fashion labels is elevating African brands in key markets including New York, Paris, and London.
African-owned fashion brands are gaining global prominence by blending traditional craftsmanship with modern design, carving out a distinct space in the luxury fashion industry.
The most recent Fashion Week, held in Paris and concluding on March 11, 2025, spotlighted Fall/Winter 2025 collections—many echoing this cross-cultural influence.
These brands are reshaping fashion narratives by honoring Africa’s cultural heritage through contemporary, wearable art that resonates worldwide.
From Kenneth Ize’s hand-woven Aso Oke to Maxhosa Africa’s bold, Xhosa-inspired knitwear, designers are reclaiming indigenous identities while setting global style trends.
The international fashion scene has embraced African designers not only for their unique artistry but also for their commitment to sustainability, storytelling, and innovation.
Brands like Thebe Magugu, the first African to win the prestigious LVMH Prize, and Maki Oh, whose pieces have graced Michelle Obama and Beyoncé, exemplify this blend of authenticity and avant-garde flair.
Their success underscores a growing demand for diverse voices in fashion and a shift toward ethical, culturally rooted production.
Moreover, the rise of African fashion houses aligns with global movements supporting Black-owned businesses and locally sourced materials.
As a result, these brands are gaining traction in markets from Paris to New York, positioning Africa not just as a source of inspiration but as a formidable force in shaping the future of global fashion. Here’s a curated list of the top 10 African-owned fashion brands chronicled by Shore.Africa:
1. Maxhosa Africa
Country: South Africa
Founder: Laduma Ngxokolo
Highlights: Founded by Laduma Ngxokolo, Maxhosa tops Shore Africa’s list, internationally renowned for its knitwear rooted in Xhosa culture, worn by global celebrities and featured in high-end fashion shows highlighting Xhosa heritage through bold knitwear designs; featured at global fashion weeks in London, New York, and Tokyo; maintains a strong presence in South Africa’s fashion hubs.
2. Maki Oh
Country: Nigeria
Founder: Amaka Osakwe
Highlights: Blends traditional Nigerian techniques with contemporary design; worn by global figures like Michelle Obama and Beyoncé; showcased at New York Fashion Week.
3. Thebe Magugu
Country: South Africa
Founder: Thebe Magugu
Highlights: First African designer to win the LVMH Prize; collaborated with Dior; opened flagship store “Magugu House” in Johannesburg.
4. Lisa Folawiyo
Country: Nigeria
Founder: Lisa Folawiyo
Highlights: Renowned for blending Ankara fabrics with modern tailoring; worn by celebrities like Lupita Nyong’o and Solange Knowles; featured in international publications.
5. Kenneth Ize
Country: Nigeria
Founder: Kenneth Ize
Highlights: Known for using traditional Aso Oke fabric; debuted at Paris Fashion Week; collaborated with Maison Karl Lagerfeld.
6. Iamisigo
Country: Nigeria
Founder: Bubu Ogisi
Highlights: Focuses on sustainable practices and cultural preservation; works with artisans across Africa; showcased at Lagos Fashion Week.
7. Studio One Eighty Nine
Country: Ghana/USA
Founders: Abrima Erwiah and Rosario Dawson
Highlights: Promotes African-inspired fashion; supports artisanal craftsmanship; partnered with the United Nations’ Ethical Fashion Initiative.
8. MUDI Africa
Country: Nigeria
Founder: Clement Mudiaga Enajemo
Highlights: Specializes in men’s clothing; expanded to Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, and Senegal; worn by notable figures across Africa.
9. Freak Vault Clothing
Country: Nigeria
Founder: Philip Ojire
Highlights: Offers a range of clothing lines; has a presence in Nigeria and the UK; known for urban fashion appeal.
10. Zashadu
Country: Nigeria
Founder: Zainab Ashadu Zashadu is a sustainable luxury brand crafting handbags and accessories from locally sourced leathers and exotic skins, expertly blending Nigerian heritage with contemporary aesthetics.
