Thoughts provoked through threads. Stories told through stitches and seams.
Expressive, artistic, and entirely its own—explore the undeniable talent, boundary-pushing creativity, and storied context that lend the African fashion scene its one-of-a-kind allure.
Africa Fashion Week London Has Left the Chat!
Fifty-Four magazine’s Editor-in-Chief, Mwai Yeboah and Fashion writer Gene Just take us through their highlights of Africa Fashion Week London 2022, which took place in October.
Fashion is not just apparel, it’s a way of life for plenty of people. It is an expression of people’s culture or personal cultures right down to their identity and beyond. It is grandeur storytelling and who better to tell the story than the inherently expressive people of Africa?
Métiers d’Art travels to Dakar Senegal
Dakar, Senegal clears up its monumental halls at the Palais de Justice to welcome Chanel’s Métiers d’Art collection 2023, as the first European luxury brand to have a runway show in Africa.
Words: Gene Sibeko.Chanel Creative Director Virginie Viard and friends of Chanel who have lived and experienced Senegal’s wonder spent three years meeting and planning what is now a historic moment for luxury fashion.
Beyoncé and Olivier Rousteing Drop The Renaissance Collection
“I am sure we are all asking ourselves, why is the queen breadcrumbing us with her latest album rollout? Where are the visuals, my Queen? However, in true stan culture, we also know Beyoncé is an incredibly strategic artist in the way she works. Nothing is just a coincidence. Rousteing and Knowles-Carter spent 5 months working on this collection, and each piece is named after the songs on her latest studio-recorded album Renaissance.
Africa’s Stars at the 2023 Met Gala
Africans certainly showed up and showed off, looking suave as ever, for the New York Metropolitan Arts Museum gala evening. The theme this year was focused on paying tribute to Karl Lagerfeld and his great influence on the fashion industry. The continent’s most prominent stars stepped out in top-tier custom-made designer ensembles by Burberry, Carolina Herrera, and of course, Chanel.
Obakeng Rantlhane styles Bonang Matheba and Swanky Jerry for Young, Famous & African Season 2
Obakeng Rantlhane, a rising star in African fashion and media, has made a name for himself at just 25 years old. Known as a seasoned stylist and creative, he recently collaborated with Bonang Matheba and Swanky Jerry for the second season of the popular Netflix show, Young, Famous & African (YFA). Initially starting in marketing before transitioning into styling, Rantlhane demonstrates both business acumen and artistic talent. He is also the founder of Guide, a lifestyle platform that positions him at the forefront of fashion and luxury.
From Basketball Court to Savile Row: Kabiru Abu Crafts Bespoke Suits with Nigerian Flair
From the basketball courts of Nigeria to the illustrious Savile Row, Kabiru Abu has emerged as a true visionary, redefining luxury menswear one stitch at a time. Below, we have interviewed Kabiru Abu himself, gaining insights into his fascinating journey and creative process. Discover the mind behind the designs as Abu shares his inspirations, challenges, and his unwavering commitment to cultural representation in the fashion industry.
Bushfire Ignites Festival Fashion Culture
Eswatini, MTN Bushfire Festival, an event that left a trail of euphoria in its wake, has once again proven its unrivalled prowess in igniting the senses. With hearts still echoing with the rhythms of joy, we extend our deepest gratitude to the visionary organisers who crafted an otherworldly experience.
ASHLUXE: Lagos-Born Streetwear Brand Blending Luxury and African Heritage
ASHLUXE, the brainchild of Nigerian-born Yinka Ash, is emerging as a rising star in the luxury fashion scene. With a focus on streetwear, the brand seamlessly blends high-quality craftsmanship with African heritage and contemporary aesthetics.
The Evolution of African Attire: Traditional Influence on Modern Fashion
African fashion has a rich history that dates back centuries. Traditional African clothing was made using locally sourced materials and techniques that varied depending on the region and culture. Over time, African fashion has evolved to include new materials and techniques, and it has become an important part of the global fashion industry.
The Eternal Allure of Summer Co-ords: Timeless Matching Sets from African Designers
Summertime is all about effortless dressing, and nothing says “Out of office” quite like a matching set. We’ve curated a list from the crème de la crème of the continent’s designers that promise timeless looks for future seasons. Take a cue from us and be the best dressed at your soirees. It’s time to invest in summer co-ords that will keep you at the pinnacle of style for years to come.
Why Africa Holds the Secret Key to Truly Sustainable Fashion
In 2006, Egyptian academic and poet Tamer penned Yesterday I Lost a Button, Story of Garments, a collection of poems encapsulating the memories, desires, and personalities that African cloth and attire deeply imprint on our lives. An extract from the poem When Clothes Were Small details the journey of a pair of trousers, emphasising its utility beyond the realm of its original conception.
John Bruce: An Innovative Leader in the Fashion World
Embarking on a mission to revolutionise the fashion world, John Bruce, one of the forces driving PRM, a pioneering model agency celebrated for its unmatched cultural diversity, is redefining the norms of identifying tomorrow’s fashion icons while championing inclusivity. In the following article, we delve deep into John Bruce’s extraordinary journey and his steadfast commitment to challenging conventions through the Africa refugee sponsorship programme.
Nio Far by Milcos – Empowering African Culture through Handmade Shoes
In recent years, African designers have surged in global fashion, captivating with their blend of tradition and innovation. From clothing to footwear, this movement showcases Africa’s rich cultural tapestry and creative prowess. One standout in the African shoe design scene is Milcos Badji, the visionary behind Nio Far by Milcos. Below, we delve into Milcos’s journey, creative process, and his mission to preserve African heritage through handmade shoes.
Redefining Street Style: The Trevor Stuurman Effect
With a career that ignited after being crowned the winner of ELLE’s Style Reporter in 2012, Trevor Stuurman has intricately woven his name into the tapestry of global fashion and culture. His remarkable feats include capturing moments with the illustrious Barack Obama and collaborating with the Beyoncé-endorsed design house, Tongoro. The ascendancy of Stuurman in the creative realms is nothing short of meteoric.
Louis Vuitton taps Malawian artist Billie Zangewa for its next Artycapucine collection
Billie Zangewa’s inclusion in the Artycapucines collection doesn’t merely amplify her undeniable artistic talents but also serves as a testament to the global recognition of African artistry. Zangewa’s journey in the world of art is a storied one. She began her creative expedition in Malawi and, over the years, cemented herself as a formidable force in South Africa’s contemporary art scene.
Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2024: A Global Celebration with African Brilliance
As the global fashion community winds down, we reflect on the highlights of one of the top fashion capitals, which provided Africa with a space amid all the hustle and bustle. The City of Lights gleamed brighter as Paris Fashion Week for Spring/Summer 2024 morphed it into an epicentre of creativity and innovation. Beyond the glittering catwalks and celebrity-dotted front rows, let’s explore the intricate journey to this apex and spotlight the African luminaries that captivated audiences.
Confections x Collections: A Sweet Symphony of Sustainable Fashion
In the heart of Cape Town, the iconic Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, recently played host to Confections x Collections (CxC): a five-day extravaganza celebrating the fusion of intimate salon-style fashion shows, meticulously curated by Twyg, with bespoke confectioneries inspired by slow fashion labels championing community, care, and inclusion.