Photo: africafashionweek.com
Two things always come up when you talk to designers about African fashion: individuality and colour. Last week’s Africa Fashion Week London provided no shortage of either.
In its fourth year, Africa Fashion Week London showcased the very best of African design with over 40,000 people being treated to the collections of 200 contemporary African designers.
We have caught up with some of the continent’s most innovative designers to ask them for the insider tips and tricks to get the perfect look this summer.
“Don’t have boundaries. Our cultures are colourful, blended, and boisterous.”
Charity Kiarie, Boutique Mahali, @BoutiqueMahali
“Be original. If you’re confident in an outfit, then wear it.”
Aramatou, Model, @atoure2011
“I wanted to create a vibrant business on a large scale.”
Danielle Gayle, Gnostic Jungle, @GnosticJungle
“The collection is inspired by Sierra Leone. All the material used for the bags, the necklaces, and the slippers is African based.”
Fashwa Luke, Akwaba Designs, @ladyfashi
“My sister was living and working in Kenya, and four years ago she died of cancer, so we started the company in her memory.”
Anne, Cecilia and Annika Ostman, Njema Helena, @NjemaHelena
“The whole of Africa inspires me. The new t-shirt line, Africa My Heritage, has symbols from West Africa and each one means something.”
Sylvia Owori, Sylvie Boutique, @sylviaowori
“We merge cutting-edge design with the vibrant colours associated with traditional African fabrics.”
Da Viva, @UKDaViva
