AFI Founder and Executive Chair, Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe with fellow BoF 500 members, Omoyemi Akerele and Ayo Amusan at the BoF 500 2022 Gala in Paris.
As Africa’s creative industries—fashion, music, film, and art—continue to garner international recognition, African designers are seizing the spotlight on the world stage. From winning prestigious awards to collaborating with iconic fashion houses, the continent’s influence is unmistakable.
Among Africa’s fashion luminaries, figures like Thebe Magugu, Kenneth Ize, Sindiso Khumalo, Lukhanyo Mdingi, and Adeju Thompson have won major international accolades that have made them household names in the fashion industry.
Fashion is just the beginning. African music, film, and art are also captivating global audiences, with talents like Tyla, who has captured the attention of major players in the fashion industry, including LVMH.
Here's a closer look at these visionaries driving the conversation in the world of fashion.
Laduma Ngxokolo
South African designer Laduma Ngxokolo, the creative genius behind MAXHOSA AFRICA, has gained global acclaim for his vibrant knitwear that blends traditional Xhosa aesthetics with contemporary flair. His work celebrates African heritage, and he continues to redefine luxury with an African sensibility. In 2024, the designer opened a store in New York City, is on the Paris Fashion Week schedule and recently opened his first store in Sandton City, the richest square mile in Africa. He counts Michelle Obama as a fan of his work.
Lukhanyo Mdingi
Known for his mindful, sophisticated approach to fashion, the Cape Town based Lukhanyo Mdingi is one of Africa’s rising stars. His focus on craftsmanship, community, and storytelling has earned him a place in the global fashion dialogue, making his inclusion on the BoF 500 no surprise. Mdingi is renowned for his sustainable practices and thoughtful design philosophy, which have earned him critical praise internationally. The designer was the recipient of the Karl Lagerfeld Prize at the 2021 LVMH Prize and also won the inaugural AMIRI Prize in 2023.
Stephen Tayo
Nigerian photographer Stephen Tayo brings an unparalleled eye to fashion and culture. His work captures the essence of Nigerian street style and everyday moments with a unique vibrancy, offering a refreshing and authentic perspective on African life. Tayo's photography is not just visually striking but deeply narrative, shining a light on the beauty of the ordinary. His work has been on Teen Vogue, Numero, the New York Times, Time magazine, amongst other prolific publications.
Tyla
The Grammy winning South African music sensation Tyla is a name to watch, not just in the music world but also in fashion. Her unique style and sound have caught the attention of global fashion heavyweights, and her inclusion in the BoF 500 cements her status as a cultural force. Tyla’s presence on the list highlights the cross-pollination between music and fashion, especially in how she represents African talent on the global stage. Her standout fashion moments this year include the Balmain sand gown she wore at the Met Gala, the Gap's Linen Moves campaign for Spring/Summer 2024, and being invited by LVMH to perform at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games pre-party.
Wandia Giuchuru
Kenyan fashion entrepreneur Wandia Giuchuru is the Co-Founder and CEO of Vivo Fashion Group. Since launching Vivo in 2011, she has grown the brand into a leading retail fashion business with 25 stores across Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, offering stylish, functional, and affordable clothing tailored for modern Africans. Through her work, she is driving the narrative of African design as a global competitor, elevating both emerging and established talent from the continent.
Aya Nakamura
French-Malian singer Aya Nakamura is a music powerhouse and fashion icon. The most-streamed singer in France, her songs have become the soundtrack of many a fashion show. Her fashion accolades started when she graced the inaugural cover of the relaunched Vogue France in 2021, which then saw her become a global ambassador of Lancôme in 2023. Few can forget her performance at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony where she wore a gold custom Dior feather dress.
Iretidayo Zaccheaus
Iretidayo Zaccheaus, a Nigerian-British fashion entrepreneur, has cemented her place in the global fashion industry as a visionary force behind some of Africa’s most exciting streetwear movements. As the founder of Street Souk, an annual fashion convention in Lagos, Nigeria, Zaccheaus has built a thriving community that celebrates and elevates Africa’s emerging and influential streetwear brands. Since its inception in 2018, Street Souk has become the premier platform for showcasing the creativity and innovation of Africa’s next generation of designers.
Maryse Mbonyumutwa
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1 comment
Great seeing the success of these African creatives, especially the global recognition. Now we need to do better and make sure they are given their flowers at home.