Top 100 Women In African Fashion: Dr Moloi-Motsepe, Baré, Dejak, Seck Honoured
AFI Insider
Africa’s fashion industry stands apart from its global counterparts in one key way: women dominate leadership roles.
From founders and directors of fashion bodies to creative directors, retail platform pioneers, and leaders in fashion academia, women are thriving in African fashion. This is the inspiration behind the Fashion Law Institute’s list, 100 Women Redefining The Fashion Industry.
The Top 100 Women in African Fashion 2025 celebrates trailblazers across multiple sectors, including business, media, modelling, styling, education, accessories, advocacy, law, manufacturing, textiles, technology, finance, non-profits, social impact, and sustainability.
More than just recognition, this list highlights the women shaping the industry today and paving the way for future generations. Each honouree represents excellence, resilience, and innovation, ensuring African fashion remains a global force.
Among these influential women are Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, Alia Baré, Safiétou Seck, and Adéle Dejak—leaders who continue to drive the industry forward.
Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe
Few names command as much respect in African fashion as Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe. As the founder and executive chair of Africa Fashion International (AFI), she has spent nearly two decades championing African designers, fostering creativity, and ensuring the continent’s fashion industry takes its rightful place on the global stage.
Her leadership has been transformative. Under her guidance, AFI Fashion Week has become a cornerstone event, spotlighting African talent in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
The flagship event has evolved to the more bespoke AFI Fashion Experience, hosted in multiple cities across the continent, including Abu Dhabi. Cape Town, Joburg, Kasane and Abidjan.
Beyond the runway, she has built House of Nala, a premier retail destination for African luxury fashion, bridging the gap between designers and discerning consumers.
Dr Moloi-Motsepe’s influence extends far beyond business—she sees fashion as a powerful cultural and political force.
“African fashion is a bold statement,” she says. “It carries our history, our identity, and our future in every thread.”
Alia Baré
The Dakar-based designer of Nigerien descent has built a brand that fashion connoisseurs consider one of the most exciting on the continent.
A regular at AFI’s Joburg Fashion Week, Cape Town Fashion Week, and AFI Masterclasses, Alia Baré’s self-titled label has earned her a loyal following across Africa.
A former banker, she left finance to pursue her true passion—fashion. Beyond design, she’s a compelling speaker, having delivered a TED Talk and appeared at the Forbes African Women’s Summit.
This year marks a decade for the Alia Baré brand, which is available at House of Nala.
Safiétou Seck
Hailing from Dakar, Senegal, Safiétou Seck’s brand SARAYAA beautifully blends African heritage with modern Western influences.
Since founding her label in 2014, she has overcome numerous challenges, emerging as a true fashion entrepreneur and a symbol of resilience.
Her work is defined by the fusion of modern silhouettes and traditional textiles, particularly handwoven fabrics produced by local artisans. Seck’s collections have been showcased at Cape Town Fashion Week 2024.
Her ability to merge tradition with contemporary style has earned her widespread acclaim. Today, her collections are available at House of Nala.
Adèle Dejak
Ask anyone to name an African jewellery designer, and Adèle Dejak will likely be the first answer.
That’s the impact she’s made since launching her brand in 2008. Eighteen years later, her work—including collaborations with global stars like Beyoncé—has cemented her reputation.
The British-Nigerian designer, based in Nairobi, founded her brand in honour of her mother, who embodied style and elegance. Originally trained in typographic design, Dejak switched paths when she discovered her passion for jewellery.
A fixture at international trade shows and fashion weeks, she has also showcased at Cape Town Fashion Week and retails at House of Nala.
From the runway to retail, African fashion is thriving under the leadership of these remarkable women. Their creativity, resilience, and vision continue to shape the industry, ensuring that African fashion remains not just relevant—but essential—on the global stage.