Consumer demand for African fashion brands is growing tremendously; and with the digital platform informing consumer’s of the latest brands, further broadening the African fashion market, shopping Africa has become easily accessible.
Consider shopping ‘Made in Africa’ products. Here is a list of some ‘must-know’ creative, daring and savvy ‘African made’ –clothing and accessory – brands, made by Africans.
Bantu Wax: Made in Africa
“Bantu is real beachwear from the real Africa”. Bantu uses traditional processes and works exclusively with local vendors and artisans in Africa to make quality products that are functional and authentic for surfers, urban nomads and afro-punks.
und kǝn: Made in Ethiopia
und kǝn is founded by a singer/songwriter/music producer, Kenny Allen. His latest venture, und kǝn is a colorful representation of his take on the continent. und kǝn offers locally sourced handmade bags, uniting the rich colors of Africa.
MODAHNIK: Made in DRC
Kahindo Mateene has emerged as a groundbreaking design talent. The Modahnik collection of clutch handbags with vibrant African-influenced prints intermixed with modern styles is 100% manufactured in the DRC, and assembled using Modahnik’s repurposed scrap fabrics by Congolese women.
SAWA SHOES: Made in Ethiopia
Mehdi Slimani is an Algerian-born Paris resident, and founder of SAWA Shoes. He manufactures his super stylish kicks in Ethiopia. The colorfully styled collection with a message has its inspiration, with a signature line from Public Enemy.
Horseman Shoes: Made in Ghana
Horseman Shoes is a Ghanaian based footwear manufacturing company. Their products include men’s dress shoes, unisex sandals and slippers, school sandals and safety boots.
PassportADV: Made in Ethiopia
Founder Mikhayel “MikJagga” Tesfaye offers PassportADV footwear. A collection of colorful African prints mixed with Ethiopia’s renowned high-grade leather, combined with artisanal shoe making.
BABATUNDE: Made in South Africa
Created in Johannesburg, Babatunde fuses African colors and prints with Western shapes. The brand stands and promotes strong African values and the progression of African through Afrocentrism.
Lisa Folawiyo: Made in Nigeria
Lisa Folawiyo (formerly known as Jewel by Lisa) is a multi-faceted global women’s wear and accessories collection. Fused with its very own custom luxury prints, Lisa Folawiyo delivers contemporary garments. With a strong eye for tailoring and fit, Folawiyo creates feminine and modern silhouettes with nods to traditional African aesthetics.
Kipusa: Made in Kenya
Anne Mpinga is the founder of Kipusa clothing. Her “She is Nairobi” collection is a celebration of the diversity of women in Nairobi. She draws her inspiration from various places from around the African continent. To purchase Kipusa products, please contact: anne@kipusaclothing.com
Doreen Mashika: Made in Zanzibar
(for immediate contact, please do so through her Facebook page, here)
Doreen Mashika, inspired by a deep affection for the immense cultural heritage that her native Africa offers, she combines this with a Western design philosophy learned from considerable experience of the Western fashion and luxury goods sector.