African fashion has never been more exciting. Here’s ten labels to prove it:
MAISON CHÂTEAU ROUGE is a French brand named after the famous black Parisian neighborhood in the 18th arrondissement. The brand uses African wax print in a contemporary way and is a cool mix of African and western culture.
The label is also involved in a social project called Les Oiseaux Migrateurs which supports the development of African SMEs. We love its edgy streetwear feel and the beneficial social cause!
Check them out on Instagram @maisonchateaurouge
Find out more at maison-chateaurouge.com
MAXHOSA BY LADUMA is a South African knitwear label created in 2010. Laduma is not only a designer but he’s an artist too and expressing his creativity through his fashion label.
Check them out on Instagram @maxhosa
Find out more on maxhosa.co.za
Chen Burkett New York was founded in 2013 by Chen Burkett. With family hailing from Ghana, Great Britain and Antigua, Burkett has used her cultural influences to create a vibrant and ingeniously fashionable aesthetic. Her collections feature rich, vivid African prints framed in beautiful silhouettes that easily work for day-to-day life.
Follow Chen Burkett on Instagram @chenburkettny
Find out more on chenburkett.com
ÒKUN is a menswear beachwear label bringing fun swimwear to buyers around the globe. The prints are vibrant with a contemporary African feel, prints and colours. It’s a must-have for this summer if you want to be noticed.
Follow Okun beachwear on Instagram @okunbeachwear
Find out more on okunbeachwear.com
A merge of African tradition and European modernism, Designer Bernie Seb has put the African print at the heart of his designs but with a modern cut. It’s totally wearable in everyday life with its very graphic and classic cut. Made in Burkina Faso, a part of the profits go to an association for Burkinabé women. Great!
Follow De La Sébure on Instagram @delasebure
Find out more on delasebure.com
By Natacha Baco is a designer working in fashion, decor and accessories. We love how chic the label is; it’s perfect for more up-scale events. The brand is often worn by Fatou N’diaye the famous French beauty blogger.
Follow By Natacha Baco on Instagram @by_natachabaco
Find out more on by-natachabaco.com
Each Bazara’Pagne piece is unique. Made with care by artisans, Bazara’Pagne embraces African craftsmanship to the max. We’re appreciating their unique approach to African print cutting it into contemporary, original shapes.
Follow Bazara’Pagne on Instagram @bazara_pagne
Find out more on bazarapagne.com
Selly Raby Kane is a Senegalese fashion designer with unbridled creativity. Cartoonish and surreal, Selly Raby Kane flips and mixes-up Senegalese fashion trends. She’s one of the few designers to really change traditional African fashion clothing in a new way.
Follow Selly Raby Kane on Instagram @sellyrabykane
Find out more on sellyrabykane.com
Kibonen NY was founded by Cameroonian designer Kibonen Nfi. Inspired by traditional Cameroonian clothing, West African fabric and New York’s vibrant fashion scene, Kibonen brings together all of the designer’s fashion ideals. Kibonen works with delicate and intricate hand-woven traditional fabrics made in the Western highlands of Cameroon in the Toghu. Definitely one of the more luxurious African fashion labels.
Follow Kibonen on Instagram @kibonen_ny
Find out more on kibonenny.com
Originally from Thailand, Suwannapha studied fashion in Paris then came to live in South Africa. Easily recognisable by the colourful print, his first menswear collection was launched last February in Cape Town. The collection was a huge success, loving the mix of culture, modern African print and bright colours.
Follow Chu Suwannapha on Instagram @chusuwannapha
Follow Chu Suwannapha on Twitter @chusuwannapha