Sanjo Lawal: The Artsman Traveler Melding Heritage, Art, and Fashion
In the heart of Lagos, Nigeria—a city that never sleeps—Sanjo Lawal found his rhythm amid the chaos. Known for its relentless energy, bustling streets, and a never-ending soundtrack of honking cars, Lagos is where Lawal’s artistic journey began. His story is one of color, culture, and creativity, a narrative that crosses continents and mediums, inspired […]
Asheri Masse’s Lady by Ash Redefines Sustainable Luxury with Effortless Simplicity
In a world dominated by fast fashion, I had the pleasure of speaking with Asheri Masse, the founder and creative director of Lady by Ash—one of Africa’s emerging slow-fashion brands committed to environmental sustainability. Our conversation delved into the brand’s journey, exploring how creativity and vision intersect with a conscious consumerism business model. Despite the […]
Don Estelle: Redefining Storytelling Through Costume Design
Zambian costume designer Estelle Don Banda is gaining recognition in the film world, most notably for her work on the critically acclaimed On Becoming a Guinea Fowl. Recently shortlisted for the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA) in the Costume Designer category, Estelle’s talent lies in her ability to weave cultural authenticity into compelling storytelling. “Costumes […]
Obinna Obioma Presents: “Ụdị Ejiji Ọktoba” – A Fashion Tribute to Nigeria’s Independence
Meet Obinna Obioma—a New York-based photographer, visual artist, and art director. His latest project, “Ụdị Ejiji Ọktoba”, reimagines the sartorial choices of Nigeria’s Independence Day, blending nostalgia with modernity to honor the nation’s journey. Through rich textures, bold colors, and dynamic silhouettes, Obioma celebrates the spirit of individuality, freedom, and unity passed down through generations. […]
Kente Gentlemen: Crafting a Legacy of Boldness and Culture Through Fashion
It began with two shirts. When Aristide Loua, a math graduate living in South Carolina, received two wax-print shirts from his mother in Côte d’Ivoire, something stirred in him. The shirts were not just garments. They were memories, fragments of home — the colors, the patterns, the stories. Aristide could almost hear the laughter of […]
Jardin Jollof: A Modern Ode to African Heritage
In Senegal, where the threads of West African culture intertwine, Sambacor Konaté tells a story in pictures rather than words. A visual artist, he weaves together the old and the new in what he calls “Jardin Jollof.” The work is a celebration of African heritage, embedded in every element, from the décor to the plants […]
Celebrating Roots and Defying Borders: The Journey of Bledard – African Denim Revolution
Ibrahima Gueye, Founder of Bledard Bledard is much more than just a clothing brand. It’s a movement, a celebration of our African roots and our diversity. Each piece tells a story, our story, one of a journey filled with culture, knowledge, and emotions. Ibrahima Gueye, the visionary behind Bledard, was born in Senegal in 1997. […]
From Africa to Hollywood: The Global Influence of African Fashion – ABFF Miami 2024
It’s impossible to create a film without dressing the actor—through clothing, crucial aspects such as status and character depth are conveyed, making costume designers indispensable in various realms like commercials, events, TV shows, and films. Additionally, creatives handling film graphics, product design, and storytelling through words and visuals significantly amplify the impact and narrative coherence […]
Step Inside Magugu House: A New Beacon of African Fashion and Heritage
Nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Dunkeld, Johannesburg, Magugu House stands as a new cultural landmark. This innovative space, created by the visionary designer Thebe Magugu, offers an immersive journey through African fashion and history. “I’ve always dreamed of uniting all my collections, installations, events, and projects in one cohesive space,” says Thebe Magugu. “Magugu […]
Empowering the Future: Florentina Agu of HERTUNBA Awarded the Xtant Leadership Program Scholarship in Collaboration with Guzangs
Photo: Florentina Agu courtesy of Hertunba Florentina Agu, the visionary Nigerian designer behind Lagos-based brand HERTUNBA, has been selected as the recipient of the XTANT Leadership Program Scholarship in collaboration with GUZANGS. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Agu’s journey as a trailblazer in sustainable fashion, bringing her unique perspective and commitment to environmental […]