Fashion designers, the world over, take inspiration from nature to their own life’s experiences to create their fashion lines.
There is no straight jacket to how a designer should express themselves and that is the beauty of fashion.
African designers have so much to offer to the world of fashion but usually, their works do not leave the shores of the continent.
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Lately, the narrative is changing; African designers and African print clothing have been making waves and these designers are part of a larger group of designers taking African fashion to the world.
They have styled the likes of Beyoncé, Lupita Nyong’o, Idris Elba, Tracy Ellis Ross and Angela Bassett. There is so much talent on the continent and it’s only a matter of time before the world gets to enjoy the full range of works by these talented people:
Claude Kameni is a Cameroonian born designer. Photo: Asoebi Bella
Claude Kameni
LavieByCk founder Claude Kameni was raised in Cameroon but is now based in the U.S. Her love for fashion is rooted in her Cameroonian background and her passion is the driving force behind her works. Her works have been worn by Tracy Ellis Ross and Janet Jackson.
Tracy Ellis Ross in Laviebyck. Photo: Laviebyck
Laviebyck. Photo: Fabl’style
Kapasa Musondo hails from Zambia, Photo: Zimbio
Kapasa Musonda
Mangishi Doll is a Zambian based ‘Afro – Eclectic’ fashion brand for women by Kapasa Musonda. The designs are inspired by bold prints and the uniqueness women possess. Kapasa isn’t afraid to play with colors and intricate patterns for her designs. The likes of Angela Bassett have patronized her designs.
Angela Bassett in her Mangishi doll dress, Photo: Lusaka Times
Mangishi doll, Photo: News Break World
Sarah Diouf, the Senegalese born fashion powerhouse. Photo: Zimbio
Sarah Diouf
Senegalese designer Sarah Diouf wants to create the ultimate African fashion house with her 100% made in Africa clothing label, Tongoro. She aims to make high end African fashion at affordable prices whiles showcasing African patterns and designs through her work. She’s worked with Beyoncé and other Hollywood celebrities.
The Queen Bee in her Tongoro dress by Sarah, Photo: Twitter
Tongoro. Photo: African Fashion International
Nigerian designer Amaka Osakwe of Maki Oh designs. Photo: The Douglas Review
Amaka Osakwe
If you are into both African prints and contemporary western designs then Amaka Osakwe’s Maki Oh is the fashion brand for you. Known as one of Lupita Nyong’o’s go-to African fashion brands, Maki Oh caters for women with a strong sense of identity and culture who are not afraid to use their voice.
Lupita in her Maki Oh dress. Photo: Bella Naija
Maki Oh. Photo: Vogue
The brain behind Chocolate designs, Kweku Bediako. Photo: Swag of Africa
Kweku Bediako
This Ghanaian born designer started his line Chocolate as a women’s clothing brand and later went into designing for just men. Now he has merged the two and seeks to build the biggest fashion and lifestyle brand from his home country, Ghana. He’s styled Hollywood powerhouses like Steve Harvey, Idris Elba and Boris Kodjo.
Boris Kodjo in Chocolate. Photo: Chocolate
Chocolate. Photo: Glitz
