11 African Fashion Brands Everyone is Wearing

African fashion has exploded on the global scene, blending rich cultural heritage with contemporary flair. Across Africa, fashion scenes are bustling, ideas are evolving and the need to deconstruct and reinvent conventional fashion trends is very much in vogue. From vibrant textiles to sustainable craftsmanship, African brands are not only setting trends but also reshaping the industry. Icons like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Lupita Nyong’o are wearing pieces by African designers, catapulting these talents into the international arena. 

In no particular order, STYLEAFRIQUE™•com rounded up a list of the top 11 African fashion brands everyone is raving about. By blending traditional craftsmanship with modern design, these brands are helping to shape a new, inclusive, and vibrant era in fashion that celebrates diversity and innovation. If you’re looking to make a style statement, these brands are the perfect place to start.

Selly Raby Kane

Selly Raby Kane, a Senegalese designer, is known for her innovative and surreal designs that incorporate African prints. Her brand is celebrated for pushing the boundaries of traditional African fashion with her eclectic designs that fuse traditional Senegalese elements with futuristic aesthetics.

Kane’s unique vision has not only captivated local audiences but also gained international attention. Erykah Badu and Beyoncé are among her biggest fans, each embracing Kane’s unique style and further amplifying her influence as a leading designer. More than fashion, her designs tell stories, weaving together themes of African identity, culture, and mythology. She distinguishes herself within the African fashion scene through her innovative approach, reshaping the concept of African design in today’s global fashion landscape.

MaXhosa Africa

Maxhosa Africa, created by South African designer Laduma Ngxokolo, is famed for its knitwear, which celebrates Xhosa culture. Using traditional Xhosa beadwork as an influence, the brand creates geometric, vibrant designs that make knitwear bold and fashion-forward. MaXhosa Africa’s designs have graced runways at prestigious events like New York Fashion Week and Milan Fashion Week. Maxhosa Africa has gained a global following for its stylish yet meaningful pieces that bring African heritage to life. Stars like Beyoncé and Alicia Keys have embraced his striking designs, bringing MaXhosa Africa into the spotlight.

Kenneth Ize

Based in Nigeria, Kenneth Ize’s brand is celebrated for its contemporary take on traditional Aso-Oke weaving. Known for bold colours and intricate patterns, Ize has quickly caught the attention of global fashion icons. His recent collaborations and runway shows at Paris Fashion Week showcase his ability to modernize heritage fabrics, creating pieces that balance African tradition with urban sophistication. Naomi Campbell, Tiwa Savage, Viola Davis and many more have been spotted in Kenneth Ize’s designs.

Thebe Magugu

Hailing from South Africa, Thebe Magugu became the first African designer to win the prestigious LVMH Prize. Magugu’s work blends traditional South African narratives with contemporary design. Known for his distinct color choices and refined tailoring, he often draws from the social and political landscape of South Africa. Magugu’s designs empower and inspire, making him a trailblazer in the fashion industry.

Lemlem

Supermodel Liya Kebede founded the sustainable fashion brand Lemlem, renowned for its handwoven cotton designs crafted by artisans across Africa. The brand, which features collections for men, women, and children, is committed to preserving traditional weaving techniques while supporting economic empowerment in Ethiopia.

Tongoro

Tongoro is a Senegalese brand founded by Sarah Diouf, known for making African fashion accessible and affordable. The brand focuses on contemporary African silhouettes and lively prints, with a strong emphasis on ethical production. Tongoro’s designs are playful yet chic, perfect for casual wear and special occasions alike. The brand has gained international recognition, with Beyoncé and Kelly rowland among its fans.

Christie Brown

Christie Brown is a Ghanaian luxury fashion brand founded by Aisha Ayensu. Known for fusing modern and traditional elements, Christie Brown’s collections include tailored blazers, intricately designed dresses, and statement accessories. The brand’s aesthetic celebrates African femininity with bold prints and refined cuts, making Christie Brown a must-have in every fashion lover’s wardrobe. Christie has dressed prominent African stars such as Lupita Nyong’o, Gabrielle Union-Wade and Angela Simmons.

Rich Mnisi

Rich Mnisi is a prominent designer shaping the future of African fashion, standing at the forefront of contemporary African style. Rich Mnisi celebrates African heritage through a bold fusion of traditional elements and modern design. Known for its fearless use of vivid colours, striking patterns, and avant-garde silhouettes, Mnisi’s work distinguishes itself as a vibrant, boundary-pushing expression of African creativity and artistry.

High fashion model Naomi Campbell and Singer Ciara are among those who’ve been spotted wearing Rich Mnisi. The brand’s creations have also been gracing the pages of prestigious fashion magazines like Vogue.

Tiffany Amber

Founded by Folake Folarin-Coker, Tiffany Amber masterfully fuses traditional African aesthetics with contemporary elegance, creating vibrant, intricate, and fluid designs that continue to captivate the global fashion scene. The brand’s collections have dazzled at New York Fashion Week and Arise Fashion Week, earning international acclaim. Icons like Naomi Campbell and Iman have been spotted in Tiffany Amber’s stunning creations, further solidifying its influence.

Lisa Folawiyo

Known for her brand Jewel by Lisa, Nigerian designer Lisa Folawiyo is a pioneer in transforming Ankara, the traditional African print, into high fashion. Her designs incorporate hand embellishments and detailed tailoring, transforming bold, colorful patterns into elegant, runway-worthy pieces. Folawiyo’s brand has gained international acclaim, and she has dressed Hollywood celebrities like Lupita Nyong’o, Thandie Newton And Solange Knowles. Showcasing her designs at high-profile events, such as New York Fashion Week, has significantly elevated her brand.

Orange Culture

Based in Nigeria, Orange Culture is a men’s and womenswear brand that brings a new perspective to African fashion. The founder, Adebayo Oke-Lawal, describes his designs as “for the brave.” The brand’s androgynous pieces combine high-quality Nigerian textiles with edgy, fluid designs, making Orange Culture a unique voice in the African fashion scene that resonates with a global audience. The brand has dressed celebrities like Hollywood actress Lupita Nyong’o and singer Dua Lipa.