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 […]
Kimathi Mafafo’s Art Weaves Stories of Womanhood, Healing, and Identity
There is a certain mystique attached to artists who draw inspiration from pain. It places them in a different realm—allowing them to tap into a deeper creative source and forge an intimate connection with those who experience their work. This holds true for Kimathi Mafafo, the South African multidisciplinary artist whose medium of choice is […]
Women’s Day Through Their Eyes: African Image Makers, 1950s–1980s
From the 1950s to the 1980s, as Africa waged its fight for independence and self-definition, a quiet revolution unfolded—one captured through the eyes of African women behind the lens. Defying colonial legacies and patriarchal gatekeeping, they reclaimed photography and film as instruments of power. Thérèse Sita-Bella, Felicia Ewurasi Abban, Safi Faye, Awa Tounkara, Ifeoma […]
Frederica Brooksworth Launches AFDI to Fund and Educate Africa’s Next Fashion Leaders
African fashion has emerged as a vibrant and influential sector, showcasing the continent’s rich cultural heritage and creativity. However, despite the growing interest and investment in this industry, many emerging talents struggle to find the necessary support and funding to flourish. Unfortunately, some organizations and individuals exploit the situation, prioritizing profit over genuine assistance, […]
Il Faut Un Village: A Film That Celebrates AFCON, Culture, and Community
In the heart of Marrakech, beneath the vast desert sky, an intimate gathering unfolded at Jnane Tamsna on February 9th, 2025. The occasion? A preview screening of Il Faut Un Village, the latest cinematic endeavor by celebrated Nigerian photographer Stephen Tayo. This short film, set against the electrifying backdrop of AFCON 2024 in Côte d’Ivoire, […]
Bridal Renaissance: The African Designers Redefining Chic Wedding Looks
Weddings across regions of the continent have their specific personality; in West Africa, it’s somewhat of a rave. In the East, it’s a charming ritual. In the South; it’s customary while the North is all about the culture. This personality is evident in the celebration, in the music, in the aura and definitely in the […]
Bruin Feskens on Capturing Contrast, Crafting Stories, and Finding Beauty in Silence
Every tool we encounter serves a purpose in what we create as artists. In Bruin Fesken’s case, his use of light birthed a fascinating product that sparked our unique appreciation for the purity and crispness of black-and-white, with the contrast and exuberant experience of a stand-alone bold accent color. We experience the focus and characteristics […]
Meet Kwabena Ofe: The Ghanaian Textile Maverick Redefining Art and Identity
Kwabena Ofe Amponsah Gideon is a 23-year-old Ghanaian textile artist who began his creative journey as a fashion model before transitioning into the world of art particularly in the craft of rug making. Using sack linen as his canvas, he combines traditional techniques like batik and tie-dye with contemporary wool work to create pieces that […]
Guzangs Spotlight: African Fashion’s Leap into 2025
African fashion history showcases a rich diversity of cultural expressions, from early garments like loincloths and wraps to the development of iconic textiles such as Bogolanfini, Kente, Adinkra, and the adoption of Ankara prints. Trade and colonization introduced new fabrics, blending with local styles to create unique fashion statements. Clothing in Africa has always been […]
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 […]