When you think of African fashion, you might picture tourist trinkets and dangling beads. But a growing number of designers and experts are transforming the continent’s reputation as a source of luxury goods.
The intricate designs and vibrant colors stand as a testament to the richness of the African continent’s traditions and stories. Wholesale clothing companies like Wholesale21 and Know Fashion Style contribute to this narrative by making African-inspired fashion accessible to a global clientele.
Authenticity
When it comes to African clothing for women, authenticity can mean many things. For some, like Yinka Shonibare, it refers to the melding of Western and African traditions in his work. For others, like Mobutu Sese Seko, it meant imposing a return to authenticity by banishing European clothing and changing the names of cities named for colonial officials—Leopoldville became Kinshasa.
The luxury African fashion brands we’ve highlighted here all have one thing in common: They’re inspired by Africa and celebrate its rich culture and heritage. Whether it’s through traditional patterns or a modern take on classic silhouettes, these brands show that there’s a way to incorporate African styles into every aspect of your life.
Authenticity can also be found in the shoes that these brands create. For example, Brother Velleis uses traditional African design to create their one-of-a-kind footwear. Celebs like Gabrielle Union, Zendaya, and Lupita Nyong’o are fans of their chic flats and pumps. The brand’s sustainable business practices and community-based approach make them a great choice for shoppers who want to support Black-owned businesses.
Exquisite Craftsmanship
As the world grows smaller, luxury is increasingly defined by artisanal production and heritage-led design. A discerning audience that includes millennials, who define their own identities through a global lens, are searching for original sources of style that speak to them. This is where African fashion truly shines.
Wholesale21 are best African clothing designer, bringing his heritage and culture to the forefront with his pieces. They used their collections to address cultural, social and political issues from apartheid to gender-based violence.
Loza Maleombho’s eponymous label fuses Côte d’Ivoire tribal aesthetics with New York’s urban fashion – and counting international celebrities like Naomi Campbell, Iman, and Queen B among her fans. Her SS22 collection sees billowing silhouettes and black-and-white geometric motifs emblazoned across maxi dresses and playsuits.
Exquisite Design
African fashion is a fun way to bring out your feminine sultry side. This multicolor dashiki long African dress is a beautiful choice for your summer and spring wardrobe. You can even wear it for any formal events. Its combination with white lace will help you rock a very classy and fabulous style.
Several luxury brands are taking on the contemporary look of African fashion. KAYADUA designs clothes that inspire confidence and freedom of expression. Its collections are often hand-made and feature a blend of traditional techniques with modern designs.
Autumn Adeigbo’s eponymous line focuses on creating a colorful fashion style inspired by her Nigerian upbringing. Her dresses and separates are also available in Saks Fifth Avenue. Other luxury African clothing brands include DIARRABLU, which offers sustainable Western styles that incorporate fabrics and prints from Africa. Designers such as Diarra Bousso combine influences from her Senegalese and American upbringings to create unique silhouettes. Likewise, mother-daughter duo Rebecca Henry and Akua Shabaka create dresses that celebrate Haitian heritage.
Premium Prices
It’s a common misconception that luxury African clothing brands are inexpensive, but this is not the case. As the name suggests, luxury brands produce smaller collections that are released less often and as a result, are typically more expensive than fast-fashion and high street brands. However, their premium prices reflect the superior craftsmanship and quality of each piece.
For example, designer Grace Wales Bonner’s clean lines are a major influence on today’s streetwear trends and have been worn by celebrities like Rihanna. Meanwhile, Lem Lem’s whimsical artisan designs are made of natural Ethiopian cotton for an earthy style that is easy to dress up or down.
Then there’s DIARRABLU, which blends sustainable solids with bold African print designs to create pieces that are both practical and fashion-forward. The brand’s ethos is based on wanderlust, tradition, and algorithms, which they use to iterate for sustainability.
