Creative DNA: Africa is an intriguing new cultural initiative that brings seven leading and sustainable designers from Sub-Saharan Africa to London for a London Fashion Week residence in February 2023. This British Council project, in association with Fashion Scout, allows designers to develop connections and forge new partnerships between creatives from the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa, while also showcasing their work during London Fashion Week (16–19 February).
Through this program, the featured seven designers from Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe will develop an in-depth grasp of the UK fashion industry, network, and present their work internationally. During the one-week Creative DNA: Africa residency, the designers will visit designer studios, workshops, fashion shows, and retail, giving them the opportunity to broaden their network and explore potential collaboration and business growth options. Let’s have a look at the designers who have had the honour of being featured in this edition.
#1 Ethiopia: Fozia Endrias
Fozia Endrias is an Addis Ababa-based ethical and sustainable casual wear brand founded on the forces of passion, enthusiasm, and the desire to create new things out of what already exists. Also, the brand is recognised for its use of pastel and earth tone colours, patches and stripes made of recycled and up-cycled materials, and structural, oversized, and kimono-based designs, all of which contribute to the brand’s distinct aesthetic. Catch up with designer via Instagram
#2 Ghana: Ekuaaddo
“History is not the past but a map of the past, drawn from a particular point of view, to be useful to the modern traveller.”
Henry Glassie
Ekuaaddo is a sustainable fabric label that creates ready-to-wear and alternative-style clothing and accessories with an afrocentric and pluricultural focus. It takes pleasure in bringing the past to life, as its slogan “fabrics that speak” suggests. The pillars that connect the brand together are family, history, and tradition, which ensure that stories from the past are not only preserved but also contemporised. The brand is inspired by the integration of Pre-Columbian, Caribbean, and Ghanaian cultural features. A perfect candidate for the Creative DNA: Africa programme. You shouldn’t miss New Wave Fashion in Ghana – Redefining the Concept of Luxury in an African Perspective. Explore more about Ekuaaddo: Website
#3 Kenya: Epica Jewellery
Sharon Wendo founded the brand in 2015 with the ambition of supporting women in building confidence through its edgy jewellery items. All of the pieces, which range from earrings to body jewellery, are handcrafted utilising raw materials acquired locally in Kenya. Remarkably, the brand is no stranger among local and international African celebrities and has been featured in a variety of media outlets. EPICA jewellery is inspired by African culture and contemporary fashion, and it takes pride in being environmentally friendly. Explore Epica’s Website
Meet 4 other leading Sustainable Designers from Sub-Saharan Africa featured in Creative DNA: Africa 2023
#4 Senegal: BAAX Studio
BAAX was founded as a fashion catalyst for talks about self-worth, human connectivity, and cultural identity by Sophie Nzinga Sy, who has dressed A-list celebrities and is the founder of the brand Sophie Zinga. This lifestyle and sustainable brand is heavily influenced by Senegalese workmanship and flair. BAAX denotes “heritage” or “tradition” in Wolof. Don’t miss why Senegal So Regal. Meanwhile, customers will be able to exchange Sophie Zinga pieces for BAAX to honour the brand’s sustainability beliefs, with the former being repurposed into BAAX’s sustainable collection. Follow on Instagram
#5 South Africa: Fikile Sokhulu
Another Creative DNA Africa selected designer is Fikile Zamagcino Sokhulu, a South African womenswear label, promotes African design and adorns African women with an aesthetic motivated by exceptional craftsmanship and the intention of incorporating femininity and movements into the design. The designer discusses the importance of sustainability and social impact in the brand’s existence in a feature with ColorBloc, which weaves a story of human connections. Follow on Instagram
#6 Uganda: IGC Fashion
IGC Fashion (Ibrahim and Godfrey’s Community Fashion) is a Kampala-based fashion and costume label that draws inspiration from African heritage, nature, and culture. Kasoma Ibrahim and Katende Godfrey, two Ugandan fashion designers, started the business in 2017. The brand sees clothing as living, breathing works of art that can be employed to communicate and critique cultural beliefs. Explore on Website
#7 Zimbabwe: Haus of Stone
The crowning designer for this year’s Creative DNA Africa, Haus of Stone, is a Zimbabwean slow-fashion brand founded by Danayi in 2018. It is established for fashion to be employed as a promotional vehicle for sustainable design practices, visual storytelling, and experimentation through handcrafted skills. Similarly, a platform for transmitting contemporary Zimbabwean narratives imbued with historical and cultural subtleties—It caters to the conscientious, aspirational global traveller looking for clothing that is subtle, experiential, and infused with a tinge of mystique. Haus of Stone is heavily influenced and inspired by the surreal. Follow on Instagram
