At the recent Africa Utopia event at Festival Hall on London’s South Bank, we were really impressed by the broad range of African artisans that came to present their creations. One stall really grabbed our attention and we soon found ourselves in conversation with Nilare founder, Lisiane Ndong from Gabon. …
Read More »Salute to Nigerian Independence Day
Salute to Nigerian Independence Day 2015, which marks the 55th anniversary of the country’s independence from British colonial rule, into the territories that form modern-day Nigeria. So we all know Nigeria’s national colors are green, white and across the world there are a number of events taking place in celebration …
Read More »More cool Baffs arriving from Nigeria
With millions of t-shirts being produced in factories around the world all the time, what people choose to buy in the shops can often come down to liking the design on the front and believing that the brand is cool. Africa Fashion caught up with the folks behind a brand that …
Read More »Model Focus: Edwina from Osun State in Nigeria
Born in Osun State in 1996 and moved to the UK in 2013, Edwina has been building her modelling portfolio while laying the foundations for a business career in later life. We caught up with her at a recent catwalk training session and had the chance to find out more …
Read More »Designer Focus – José Hendo from Uganda
While the West only seemed to discover recycling and sustainable production over the last couple of decades, many Africans have been doing it naturally, since time began. When it comes to sustainability, there are few products in more abundance or as easy to access as tree bark. José Hendo has made a career from a caring approach to fashion design. We caught up with her at the opening of Sapelle to find out more.
Read More »Handcrafted bags from Sherene Melinda in South Africa
What happens when you take a woman with a unique perspective on bag design and couple that with a strong commercial head and desire to succeed? Sherene Melinda is a South African company, that specialises in all sorts of luxury leather bags – from clutch and crossbody to tote and multiway. We …
Read More »Model Focus – Jainaba Fofana from Gambia
It’s been a long journey from the market town of Farafenni, near the Gambian border with Senegal, to the London catwalk, but that is the kind of journey that Jainaba Fofana has successfully completed. Africa Fashion managed to catch up with her at a recent charity event, courtesy of the Black Afro …
Read More »Designer Focus – Zimbabwe’s House of Mucha
LinDi Mucha is founder and creative director of fashion label House of Mucha. Now based in Hertfordshire, Zimbabwe born LinDi has always had a passion for Afrocentric wear since her teen years. “I first got into art design whilst in law school”, she said. “Now I’m planning to study Fashion …
Read More »Designer Focus – Caroline Beyll
Combining classic 1950’s cuts with modern African prints is a recipe that Caroline Beyll is focused on. Whether it’s the ‘classic Hepburn’ or the ‘Golden Flare’ or ‘Royal Blaze’ – her clothes have an instant classic appeal. “I have designed and created what I truly call beautiful dresses”, says Caroline. “I …
Read More »Designer Focus – Alisha from Congo
The Alisha label is a brand for young and dynamic women. The clothes are very colourful, sporty and designed with an ethnic influence. Named after the founder’s great grandmother, the brand stands for ‘Make Fashion Not War’. A great sentiment given Congo’s recent history. Alisha was founded in 2014 by cousins …
Read More »In Conversation with DeeJay Homeboy at AFWL 2015
It’s impossible to imagine a fashion show without a great soundtrack. Bringing all of the designers to life at Africa Fashion Week 2015 was DJ Homeboy with a fantastic blend of tracks – from Afro Beats to Gospel. We caught up with him during a break in the action. They …
Read More »Designer Focus – KZN Fashion Council
Here at Africa Fashion, we are firm believers in commerce over charity. Naturally there are times when we all need to pull together to help fellow humans in a difficult spot, but – in the long term – there’s nothing stronger than a genuine economic uplift in a region to help …
Read More »Mali from Back2Black Empire Builds Schools in Gambia
We all have days when we look at our lives and wonder, “Am I doing enough?”. Be prepared for some serious inspiration as Africa Fashion speaks with Mali Morris about his work with the Black Fathers Support Group (BFSG), exchanging his programming job in the city for the life of …
Read More »Designer Focus – Tangerine
Tangerine is a ready-to-wear, couture brand based in Abuja, Nigeria. The brand has a reputation for designing timeless, simple and elegant pieces. Creative director Ibee Egbuson quit her 9-to-5 job 4 years ago to pursue a career in the Fashion industry. If you want to embrace vibrant colours and ditch the …
Read More »Interview with Kamari Ademiluyi Co-Founder of AFWL
From humble beginnings just 5 years ago, Africa Fashion Week London 2015 occupied an entire hall at London’s famous Olympia Exhibition Centre. We spoke exclusively with Co-Founder Kamari Ademiluyi about the show’s success and his company’s plans for the future. What started with 20 designers and 5 exhibitors has now …
Read More »Designer Focus – Njema Helena
Njema Helena is a fashion company from Nairobi, Kenya, which strives to create modern fashion with an African aesthetic for everyday life. Behind the brand’s unique identity is powerful story of love and loss. “All materials and fabrics are sourced from Africa and production takes place exclusively in Kenya”, they said. “This encourages …
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