African fashion continues to be a powerful, innovative force that greatly contributes to the evolution of fashion traditions around the world. African style carries a unique blend of creativity, history, and culture that captivates the world. It is a fast-spreading gospel that has appealed to and inspired a number of non-African designers around the different continents of the world. On major runways, we have seen the blend of African prints and styles infused into western designs by notable world-class fashion designers.
What we do know is that African fashion has brought diversity and challenged the long-existing view of what the concept of mainstream fashion really is. Be the First to Experience the Exquisite Spring/Summer Issue of e-fab; Join the Fab community now!
African fashion is no longer confined to the shores of African states but has gone beyond the borders to become a force and a frontliner in terms of creativity, innovation, and sustainability. It is crucial that we celebrate the growth of inclusivity because it is evidence of all-around growth in the world. Embracing multicultural fashion also influences acceptance of race and cultural diversity. Now tell me, who says fashion discussions are a waste of time?
Shade Thomas-Fahnn
Shade Thomas-Fahnn decided to change the narrative when she arrived in England and discovered the possibilities in the world of fashion. She became the pioneer and ambassador of Nigerian fashion in the international community by promoting African fabrics and designs. Back home, folks favoured foreign fabrics and prints over indigenous ones.
Determined to change the narrative, Shade embarked on a mission to change the face of African style. She made creative changes to the traditional designs for easier wear and functionality. She invented the female agbada-like wear known today as boubou, and her designs walked the London Commonwealth Fashion Show in 1967. A lot of Nigerian fashion designers have walked her path, making it shine with each new discovery.
Lamine Badian Kouyaté
Known for the signature red thread stitching that hangs from his designs, the France-based fashion designer Lamine Badian Kouyaté is one of the renowned African fashion designers that promoted luxury fashion in the 90s. Born and partly educated in Mali, Kouyaté later moved to Paris, where he planned to study architecture. While he studied, he fell in love with fashion and decided to venture into it. His clothing brand, Xuly.Bët, founded in 1991, is known for upcycling and recycling dead-stock fabrics, taking on a sustainable and revolutionary style in the fashion space. Kouyaté is highly committed to sustainability and promotion of African culture and heritage. His designs are worn by celebrities across the world, including Kylie Jenner, Halle Berry, and Viola Davis.
Thebe Magigu, First African to win LVMH Young Fashion Designer Prize
The ‘firsts’ in history are always notable because they signify beginnings, and beginnings are unique. In 2019, Thebe Magigu became the first African to win the LVMH Young Fashion Designer Prize, earning him €300,000. It is valid to say that milestones in African fashion will continue forever. Thebe’s designs are mind-blowing and distinctive. He celebrates culture, folklore, history, and women through his inspiring designs.
Everyday, African designers promote the beauty of African fashion through textile prints, accessories, and hairstyles. Gradually, they have reshaped the world’s perception of African style with a vibrant force of diversity and inclusivity. African-inspired designs are being showcased on major runways and in major fashion magazines all over the world. The new generation of designers has a path already carved for them to explore the boundaries of creativity and beyond. Thanks to the forerunner, who did not only create beautiful garments but also championed the course of African fashion.
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