8 Female Designers Shaping African Fashion Global Style

African fashion has long been a source of inspiration, creativity, and innovation. In recent years, a wave of talented female designers has emerged, using their work to elevate African culture and heritage on the global stage.

These visionary women are not only redefining traditional fashion but also making bold statements about identity, sustainability, and empowerment As they continue to influence global fashion, these designers are shaping the future of fashion with their unique approaches, pushing boundaries and making African fashion an essential part of the global conversation

8. Thabo Makhetha – Lesotho

Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana’s eponymous brand, founded in 2009, seamlessly blends luxurious winter wear with a deep celebration of Basotho heritage. Known for incorporating traditional Basotho blankets into her designs, Thabo has garnered global recognition, including accolades from Women’s Wear Daily (WWD) and a feature on the BBC.

Her creations are not just about fashion—they represent a deeper cultural narrative, as she seeks to craft pieces that stand for something much more meaningful. The Lesotho-born, South Africa-based designer’s innovative approach, such as her recent augmented reality exhibition at the Iziko South African National Gallery, showcases her commitment to redefining modern African luxury while honoring the rich history of her heritage.

Also Read: Tessy Oliseh-Amaize’s Bold Vision for Luxury at Philly Fashion Week 2024

7. Christie Brown -Ghana

Christie Brown, founded in 2008 by Aisha Ayensu, is a Ghanaian luxury fashion brand that celebrates the legacy of African craftsmanship and heritage. Named after Aisha’s grandmother, a seamstress without a label of her own, the brand honors the ingenuity of countless artisans who have come before it.

Each piece is a tribute to the women who inspire them, blending tradition with modern luxury and turning global attention to African artisanship. As Aisha Ayensu affirms, Christie Brown is more than just a fashion label—it is a “movement in movement,” a celebration of African women and their heritage through meticulously crafted garments.

6. liya kebede -Ethiopia

Liya Kebede’s brand, lemlem, founded seventeen years ago, is a celebration of African craftsmanship, nature, and women. Born out of her concern for traditional Ethiopian weavers losing their jobs due to reduced demand, lemlem is an artisan-driven, Africa-made brand that beautifully combines vibrant colors and bold stripes in its resortwear and swimwear collections.

Kebede’s designs are known for their effortless, chic appeal, offering casual yet sophisticated pieces that can be worn for any occasion. With a strong emphasis on preserving traditional weaving techniques and empowering women, lemlem is not only a fashion brand but a platform for sustainable, culturally rich, and wearable art.

5. Rukky Ladoja – Nigerian

Dye Lab, founded in 2021 by fashion consultant Rukky Ladoja, is a small craft brand that seamlessly blends practicality with artisanal charm. Specializing in unique dyeing techniques, particularly tie-dye, the brand draws inspiration from the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people of Nigeria.

Embracing the principles of slow fashion, Dye Lab operates on a pre-order basis, minimizing waste and ensuring each piece is crafted with care and purpose. The designs feature vibrant, hand-dyed colors that reflect both tradition and contemporary style, offering a fresh yet timeless approach to fashion that celebrates craftsmanship and sustainability.

4. Studio 189

Ghanaian designer Abrima Erwiah, co-founder of the eco-friendly label Studio 189, creates garments that blend sustainability with traditional craftsmanship. Alongside actress Rosario Dawson, Erwiah collaborates with local artisans in Accra, where they use plant-based dyes, hand-batik techniques, and intricate kente weaving to produce each piece.

Studio 189’s designs celebrate African heritage while embracing ethical fashion practices, ensuring that every garment is both beautiful and responsibly made. The brand’s partnerships with organizations such as the United Nations ITC Ethical Fashion Initiative and NYU School of Business, as well as collaborations with major names like LVMH and Net-a-Porter, underscore its global impact and commitment to empowering artisans through sustainable fashion.

ALSO READ: Lagos Fashion Week 2024: Nigerian Designers Championing Afrocentric Fashion on the Global Stage

3. Sindiso Khumalo -South Africa

Sindiso Khumalo, a South African sustainable fashion designer, creates garments that are deeply rooted in African storytelling and celebrate the strength of historic women. Since founding her brand in 2015, Khumalo has worked with artisans to craft pieces using natural materials, handwoven and hand-embroidered textiles from South Africa and Burkina Faso.

Her designs honor her Zulu and Ndebele heritage, blending cultural significance with contemporary fashion. Known for their feminine and empowerment-driven qualities, Khumalo’s collections aim to evoke emotions, offering wearers a sense of strength, vitality, and empowerment. As a 2020 LVMH Prize finalist, her brand has solidified its place in the global fashion scene, showcasing the transformative power of clothing

2. Loza Maléombho -Cote D’Ivoire

Loza Maléombho has redefined the fashion landscape with her bold and innovative approach to design. As the visionary behind her namesake label, she uses traditional African elements with modern, cutting-edge aesthetics. Her creations, known for their daring silhouettes and detailing, celebrate the essence of African style, showcasing a harmonious fusion of cultural heritage and avant-garde fashion.

What sets Maléombho apart is her unwavering commitment to sustainability—she collaborates with Ivorian artisans to ensure fair trade practices while preserving time-honored craftsmanship. This dedication to elevating authentic African artistry within the high fashion world has solidified her as a transformative force in the industry.

1. Lisa Folawiyo

Lisa Folawiyo is a pioneering force in the African fashion industry, renowned for her ability to merge traditional West African prints, such as Ankara, with tailoring techniques. Through her brands, Lisa Folawiyo and Jewel by Lisa, she has redefined modern African fashion with designs that exude sophistication and creativity.

Her work stands out for its unique use of fabric, intricate embellishments, and sharp, modern cuts, creating a distinctive style that has captivated both local and global audiences. Celebrities like Lupita Nyong’o and Solange Knowles have graced red carpets in her creations, further cementing her status as a trailblazer in fashion.