8 African Women Designers Making a Statement in Fashion
AFI Insider
Women dominate fashion school classrooms yet remain underrepresented in leadership roles. Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, founder of AFI, highlighted this disparity in a recent opinion piece for Business Report, pointing out how systemic bias often prevents women from transitioning from 'designer' to 'leader'.
This imbalance is particularly glaring during International Women’s Month, a time meant to spotlight women breaking glass ceilings, while the fashion industry remains largely male-led at the top.
Only a handful of women hold creative control at the world’s top fashion houses: Maria Grazia Chiuri at Dior, Miuccia Prada at Prada and Miu Miu, Nadège Vanhée-Cybulski at Hermès, and Sarah Burton at Givenchy. Meanwhile, legacy brands like Chanel, Valentino, and Gucci remain under male leadership.
Donatella Versace's decision to step down after 27 years at the helm of Versace has only underscored this imbalance.
While the global fashion stage is slow to elevate women, Africa tells a different story. Across the continent, women designers are holding the reins and setting the tone for the future of fashion.
Designers like the LVMH Prize-winning Sindiso Khumalo, Sarah Diouf of Tongoro Studio, Palesa Mokubung, Deola Sagoe, Adama Paris, Anisa Mpungwe of Loin Cloth & Ashes, Marianne Fassler, Amanda Laird Cherry, Adele DeJak, Sara Chraïbi, Bongiwe Walaza, Londiwe Buthelezi-Ndaba of Malondié, Michelle Adepoju of Kiléntar, Veekee James, Héléne Daba, Alia Baré, Doreen Mashika and Dye Lab's Rukky Ladoga.
They are just some designers who have built brands that have stood the test of time and are celebrated continentally and globally for some.
The exciting thing is that several women designers from Africa are also taking the baton and are continuing to show the talents of women designers on the continent. While they may be known to fashion insiders, more people need to know about them, their brands, and the beautifully constructed clothing they create.
Meet The 8 African Women Designers Making a Statement in Fashion
Safietou Seck
Safietou Seck is the creative force behind SARAYAA, a brand that honours Senegalese tradition while embracing contemporary design. 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, where her commitment to sustainable practices and ethical production has earned her growing recognition. Her designs highlight the beauty of Senegalese craftsmanship, making her a standout name in the West African fashion scene.
Bathini Kowane
Bathini Kowane’s designs are a celebration of South African identity. Known for her use of vibrant prints and contemporary interpretations of traditional patterns, Kowane’s work with Bathini Designs, reflects the dynamic spirit of African fashion. Her pieces are designed to be both statement-making and wearable, blending artistic expression with everyday luxury. Her collections speak to both cultural pride and global appeal.
Judy Sanderson
Judy Sanderson has established a distinctive voice in the fashion world by blending her South African heritage with European elegance. Her designs are defined by minimalist silhouettes, luxurious fabrics, and a muted, sophisticated colour palette. Based in Portugal, Sanderson draws inspiration from both African and European influences, creating pieces that feel timeless and globally relevant. Her designs have been featured at international fashion weeks and are stocked in high-end boutiques across Europe.
Fozia Endrias
Fozia Endrias’s designs are a tribute to Ethiopian craftsmanship. She is known for her use of traditional Ethiopian textiles, including handwoven cotton and intricate embroidery. Her collections feature vibrant colours and detailed patterns inspired by Ethiopian art and culture, brought to life through contemporary silhouettes. Endrias’s work has been featured at Addis Ababa Fashion Week and Portugal Fashion Week, where her commitment to preserving Ethiopian techniques has earned her critical acclaim.
Mariam-Simone Sibidé and Gina Kakou-Marceau
IMAGE: Simone et Elise/Instagram
Mariam-Simone Sibidé and Gina Kakou-Marceau are the creative duo behind the Ivorian brand, SIMONE ET ELISE. The brand is known for its blend of African and European influences. Their designs are characterised by structured silhouettes, rich fabrics, hand-painted prints, and detailed embellishments. The brand’s refined aesthetic has gained recognition for its sophisticated take on African design, with pieces that feel equally at home in global cities like Paris and New York and on the streets of Abidjan.
Kibonen Nfi
Kibonen Nfi’s designs for her brand, Kibonen, reflect a bold fusion of Cameroonian tradition and New York’s streetwear culture. Her use of vibrant prints and contemporary cuts creates a playful yet refined aesthetic and has earned her famous fans like Lupita Nyong'o. Nfi’s work celebrates her Cameroonian heritage through her reinterpretation of traditional Toghu embroidery, which she adapts into modern styles. Her pieces have appeared at New York Fashion Week, making her a key figure in the African diaspora’s fashion movement.
Fikile Sokhulu
IMAGE: Fikile Sokhulu/Instagram
Fikile Sokhulu’s work focuses on intricate knitwear and sustainable production. Her designs are known for their clean lines, soft textures, and earthy tones, reflecting a connection to nature and African craftsmanship. Sokhulu’s approach to fashion prioritises ethical practices, with a focus on creating pieces that are both beautiful and responsibly made. Sokhulu’s commitment to sustainability and her mastery of knitwear give her work a unique point of difference. Her designs capture the growing demand for thoughtful, environmentally conscious fashion.
Their work challenges how we define fashion and identity, reminding us that the future of style isn’t just about trends—it’s about whose voices shape them.
IMAGES: Social Media Profiles of the Designers.