Threads of Influence II: Colonial Dandyism and the Politics of Dress
From the late 19th to mid-20th centuries, as European colonial powers carved up Africa, a sartorial uprising simmered beneath the surface. In the shadow of Union Jacks, tricolores, and Belgian crowns, African men—across Lagos’s humid docks, Accra’s dusty streets, Leopoldville’s riverfront markets—took the European suit, that rigid emblem of imperial control, and stitched it into […]
The Resurgence of African Menswear Global Dialogue
In Kumasi’s Bonwire, loomers weave kente into vests that hum with royal lineage. In Cape Town’s ateliers, Xhosa-inspired capes ripple, their beads chanting warrior tales. From Lagos to Addis Ababa, African menswear is shredding colonial threads—stiff suits, muted ties—and stitching a vibrant, homegrown identity. Mudcloth jackets pulse with Mali’s ancient glyphs; ankara blazers blaze with […]
Threads of Influence: A Series on Black Tailoring
A seven-part Guzangs series on Black tailoring, written into and around the 2025 Met Gala’s “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” The Costume Institute’s 2025 theme made Black dandyism the subject of the year’s most-watched fashion event. Threads of Influence spent four weeks reporting around it, beginning with pre-colonial African menswear and ending on the Met steps. […]
How African Streetwear Brands Are Rewriting the Narrative and Amplifying African Music
Streetwear started as a shout—a way for kids to break free from fancy runways and stiff rules. It grew up with hip-hop and skate vibes in places like New York and LA, all about realness and attitude. Now, Africa’s taking it and making it its own. From Lagos to Johannesburg, brands like Daily Paper, Free […]
Beyond the Rack: Africa’s Concept Stores Changing the Game
Aby Concept Store. Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire Across Africa, a quiet revolution is unfolding—not just in the hum of sewing machines or the flash of runway lights, but in the intimate, electric spaces where fashion finds its heartbeat. Concept stores like Lagos’ Alára, a glass-walled masterpiece refracting the city’s energy into art, or Kigali’s House of […]
Tokyo James’s Midnight: A Collection Where Nigerian Sartorial Culture Meets Milan’s in a Perpetual Dance For Political Resistance
Nestled within one of Lagos’ esteemed streets lies Vici Lagos, a restaurant renowned for its near five-star rating and often dubbed the Lagosian escape to Milan due to its architectural and aesthetic appeal. Thus, it was fitting that on a Thursday afternoon, this venue hosted the unveiling of Tokyo James’ Fall/Winter 2025 collection. The collection, […]
LVMH Prize Semi-Finalist David Kusi BOYEDOE is Leading Africa’s Sustainable Luxury Movement
In the heart of Ghana, where tradition and innovation intertwine seamlessly, David Kusi Boyedoe is forging a new path in the global fashion industry. As the creative director and founder of BOYEDOE, an Afro-luxurious brand rooted in deconstruction and reconstruction, he is making waves by blending African heritage with contemporary aesthetics and a fierce commitment […]
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 […]
Detty December: Celebrating the Vibrant Cultures and Economic Ties of Lagos and Accra
Every December, the cities of Lagos and Accra in West Africa transform into epicenters of celebration, culture, and community. What has come to be known as “Detty December” is more than just a series of end-of-year parties; it’s a cultural phenomenon that has significant implications for both the economy and societal fabric of these vibrant […]
Metamorphosis II by LOHIJE: A Celebration of Transformation and Sustainable Luxury
LOHIJE, renowned for redefining sustainable luxury, unveiled its latest collection, Metamorphosis II, at the GTCO Fashion Weekend in Lagos, Nigeria. Inspired by the transformative journey of the butterfly, Creative Director Gift Olohije Raji brought to life the beauty of change, resilience, and renewal through intricate craftsmanship and innovative design. Building on the success of Metamorphosis […]