As a fashion editor, I keep my eyes peeled for the next big trend and the brands redefining the industry. And let me tell you, the African fashion scene is ripe for the taking. With a vibrant mix of ready-to-wear, sustainable options, and both accessible and high-end luxury, African brands are redefining fashion on a global scale.
We’re excited to share some of the up-and-coming brands on our radar. Their growth has been truly impressive! Keep an eye on these names – they’re poised to make a big splash.
Look out for these emerging fashion brands:
Qreenade:
Hot girls assemble! Knitwear brand Qreenade is dedicated to creating sustainable pieces with contemporary designs that will define the next big trends. It’s the slow fashion train every baddie needs to hop on right now!
Knanfe:
A minimalist’s dream, Knanfe uses simple colours and subtle detailing to grab attention. Its use of linen fabric for most of its design is an eco-lover’s – like me – dream. They also incorporate lace and tassels to give the ultimate feminine silhouette.
Elpis Megalio Lifestyle:
This luxury fashion brand caught our attention for its structured pieces, frilly and fun textures, and bedazzled clothing. If you want to turn heads, an Elpis Megalio piece is for you! I call it a subtle attention grabber because it will keep you wondering.
Anike Ologe:
Like the pop culture saying, this brand makes dresses for the Sisi Ologe everywhere, the women who combine fun and grace and refuse to compromise on both. Anike Ologe is an affordable luxury brand that creates daring pieces for every woman.
Nitemi the Label:
I need to wear the Kachi dress … right now! And every other day. Nitemi the Label is a fast-rising slow fashion brand out of Lagos, and they’re turning heads one unique silhouette at a time. Their innovative use of layers, tassels, and fringes gets me every time. I would say this brand makes clothes that looks exciting to wear.
Hemadé:
Ghanaian Luxury brand Hemade’s use of clashing patterns is beautiful. The placement of the patterns is masterful, highlighting the intricate details that dance between delicate, feminine florals and bold geometric shapes, creating a sense of both softness and power. At first glance, you know these pieces are instant must-haves.
Andrew Tabitha:
This brand takes Aso Oke styling to the next level with its contemporary take on the fabric and even the colourways chosen. While many designers now use Aso Oke, Andrew Tabitha stands out because of its unique pairing and exciting use of seemingly opposing textures, like this jacket, party at the back and corporate elegance in front.
Studio Bonnitta:
The IT girls are on the rise, and Studio Bonnitta is here to meet your every need. Right in front of every trend, this ready-to-wear brand creates pieces that signify fun in a very Carrie Bradshaw kind of way. If you want to look like none of your problems, you want to be clothed in Studio Bonnitta. In case you just asked, yes, you will feel Bonnitta! (Pop culture references only the IT girls will understand).
Can you see? There are so many brands to choose from. The future of African fashion is indeed safe with the breakout labels at the front of the scene. We cannot wait to see more!