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: Pre-Colonial African Menswear and the Power of Style
Before silk lapels, velvet loafers, or custom-tailored suits graced the red carpet, African men were already masters of refined, intentional dress. In pre-colonial times, menswear across the continent was more than fabric — it was storytelling. Rich with symbolism, steeped in meaning, and crafted with care, clothing served as a powerful expression of identity, community, […]
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. […]
Craft West Africa at Milan Design Week 2025
A decade ago, it might’ve been unimaginable to envision African design expanding across global platforms and shaping the future of design. But today, it’s clear: Africa is no longer on the sidelines—it’s leading. Milan Design Week remains one of the most anticipated events in the global design calendar. It’s a stage for innovation, where the […]
Novo Atlantico by Tansi Makele: A Cinematic Exploration of Afro-Diasporic Identity and Resistance
This is the exclusive premiere of Novo Atlantico—a striking new film by Franco-Congolese filmmaker Tansi Makele that reimagines resilience across the Atlantic. Tansi Makele is a name you’ll want to remember. This Franco-Congolese filmmaker, raised in the suburbs of Paris, has a gift for turning everyday moments into cinematic gold. As a kid, he was […]
Vibrate Film Lab: Ghana’s New Haven for Analog Photography Unveiled by Surf Ghana Collective
In the 1950s, Ghana’s film photography scene burst to life, driven by pioneers like James Barnor and Felicia Abban. From Barnor’s Ever Young Studio to Abban’s trailblazing work as Ghana’s first professional female photographer, they captured a nation stepping into independence with analog cameras and darkroom magic. But as decades passed, digital technology, economic shifts, […]
The Enduring Power of the Drianké in Senegalese Culture and Art
In Senegal, particularly in the lively streets of Dakar, there is a woman whose presence commands respect and admiration. She is the “Drianké“. More than a symbol of beauty, she embodies wisdom, resilience, and leadership. Her influence stretches far beyond her carefully curated attire and radiant presence; she is the weaver of traditions, the keeper […]
A Lucid Abidjan Dream: Leslie Barbedette’s Hybride Studio Redefines Minimalism
A carefree scroll through Hybride Studio’s Instagram account leaves one thing lingering in the mind – a lucid Abidjan dream. Perhaps it’s the portraits of models in black off-shoulder blouses or flowing overlay pants, posed with poise against warm, monochrome backgrounds. But above all, it’s the effortless elegance that speaks loudest, boldly telling Guzangs that […]
Nene Yaya: A Legacy of Luxury with a Soul
Marième Gaye remembers the first time she saw her sister, Nene, cradle a handbag the way one might hold something precious—a delicate heirloom, a piece of history wrapped in fine leather. Even as children, Nene had a discerning eye. While others indulged in fleeting trends, she believed in permanence. “A great handbag,” she often said, […]