Tropical getaways deserve fashion that’s as striking as the destination. This season, African designers are delivering resort-wear made for sun, style, and effortless elegance.
When I think of resort wear, African designers immediately come to mind because the creativity is currently unmatched. They deliver everything from luxury staples to vacation-ready pieces and unforgettable red-carpet moments. This year, our designers have left an indelible mark on the industry, constantly bringing fresh attention to the continent. We saw Thebe Magugu dress stars at the Met Gala and Beyoncé spotlight Tongoro on her Cowboy Carter tour, amongst others. The relevance of African creativity in the global fashion scene is undeniable.
Popular Nigerian designers like Andrea Iyamah, Banke Kuku, and Imad Eduso have built cult followings with their signature resort-wear collections. There are other African designers also redefining what vacation fashion looks like with resort wear pieces that are as luxe as the destinations they’re made for. So if you’re planning your dream trip to Mauritius, Zanzibar, Cape Coast, or the Amalfi Coast, these are the womenswear brands that deserve a spot in your suitcase.
Read also: Every summer, I make sure these five signature summer outfits are in my wardrobe
Ilàré
Founded in Nigeria in 2016, Ilàré has established a reputation for refined femininity through clean tailoring and modern silhouettes. The brand’s ready-to-wear line includes resort wear that is easy to wear and versatile enough to be restyled. I love how their designs strike a sweet spot between quiet luxury and high fashion. It’s perfect for an effortless yet striking look.
My top Ilàré resort-wear picks
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Tongoro
Established in Senegal by Sarah Diouf in 2016, Tongoro blends ethical West African production with bold, Americana-inflected design. Their “Resort 2024” collection, unveiled in September 2024, features flowing silhouettes perfect for cute evenings — think maxi dresses in sunset hues and co‑ordinated sets made for a golden-hour photoshoot. Beyoncé notably wore a custom Tongoro couture piece during her Renaissance World Tour in 2023 and her Cowboy Carter tour this year, amplifying the brand’s global visibility. Tongoro is definitely on my wishlist whenever I want an Instaworthy shot that makes a statement at Sunset. The brand’s designs capture elegance and ease perfectly.
My top Tongoro resort-wear picks
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Christie Brown
Since launching in Accra in 2008, Christie Brown has redefined modern African luxury. The brand elevates heritage craftsmanship through bold textures and soft, feminine silhouettes. Tina Lawson once publicly hailed the brand in 2020 while wearing the Christie Brown pinstripe suit. The mother of the Grammy award-winning singer, Beyoncé, praised the brand on Instagram, saying, “She mixes traditional African prints with pin stripes, and the pants are very cool.”
In 2025, the label debuted its Resort 25: ESCAPE collection in Accra. The collection is a dreamy blend of sheer layering, delicate appliqué, and pastel tones made for tropical escapes. I’ve always admired how their pieces blend culture and high fashion. It’s the perfect brand for a stylish getaway.
My top Christie Brown resort-wear picks:
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Moelle
Founded in Lagos, Moelle Essentials has carved out a loyal following with its made-to-order womenswear that flatters different body types. The brand’s tagline, “Custom RTW for Tall, Curvy and Regal”, sums up its inclusive ethos. I love how Moelle makes resort-wear feel custom. It’s perfect for when you want ease without compromising style on a tropical escape.
Read also: Trust me, you need these Afrocentric fashion staples no matter your travel destination
My top Moelle resort-wear picks:
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Oríré
Since launching in 2019, Nigerian brand Oríré has gained a following for its artful blend of texture, lustrous fabrics, and sculptural silhouettes. Think dresses in striking colours made to shine in tropical destinations. While global editorial features are still growing, Oríré gained traction in May 2024, when Meghan Markle was photographed in their red “Dire” dress during a visit to Abuja. This helped catapult global interest, making it a favourite. Oríré creates wearable artistry —pieces that feel deeply feminine and luxurious. That’s why I’m a fan of the brand.
My top Oríré resort-wear picks
lazyloadCIAR
Founded in 2022 by Nigerian lawyer-turned-entrepreneur Kiki Osibanjo, CIAR is where sharp tailoring meets soft sensuality. The brand is best known for its sculpted corsets, statement shoulders, and fluid silhouettes that flatter with intention. CIAR opened its first flagship store in Abuja in April 2024 and followed up with a second flagship store in Lekki, Lagos, in November 2024. This reflects the organic love the brand gets from our favourite fashion girls.
Kiki was recognised as SME 100 Africa Promising Female Entrepreneur of the year in 2020. CIAR designs resort wear for the woman who dresses to turn heads.. I have it saved for evenings where I want a showstopper look.
My top CIAR resort-wear picks
lazyloadRendoll
Launched in 2020 by Reni Abina, Rendoll has carved a niche for feel-good fashion that flatters a variety of body types. The brand blends whimsical femininity with romantic silhouettes and breezy, sun-loving fabrics. In April 2023, the brand made its debut at Lagos Fashion Week, with models strutting on the runway in its striking, artistic pieces. Their colour play is why getting them is a must for me. The resort-wear is beautiful and effortlessly striking.
My top Rendoll resort-wear picks
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As a fashion writer curating my resort-wear looks for my next tropical escape, these African brands are on my wishlist. Their pieces blend style, ease, and versatility in one luxurious piece. It just proves that African designers are not part of the conversation; they’re leading it.
