ia exlusives
Kenya’s natural beauty is an enduring source of inspiration for designer Ami Doshi Shah. Her pieces are characterized by unexpected, sculptural designs and spellbinding natural materials consisting of local metals and minerals.
Nigerian swim and ready-to-wear designer Dumebi Iyamah created Andrea Iyamah to pay tribute to the native designs of her home country and other African nations. A celebrity favorite, her resortwear oozes versatility and can be worn straight from the beach to the street.
Meaning “happiness” in Maasai, Ashepa creates bold yet timeless jewelry pieces—as well as beautiful homeware and accessories—rooted in a responsible ethos and craftsmanship tradition. Kenyan-born founder Chetna Bhatt weaves references to her multicultural background into every design, fiercely championing diverse perspectives and a deep commitment to the environment—celebrating the past, present, and future of fashion.
Based between Lagos, Nairobi and Accra, IAMISIGO is a womenswear brand from designer Bubu Ogisi, dedicated to preserving the ancestral textile techniques of her heritage. The designer works with small artisanal communities across the continent and shines a spotlight on their age-old techniques. The result is collections of carefully considered wearable art pieces, each captivating in their respective designs.
Founded in 2014 by Katungulu Mwendwa, Katush is a sustainable Kenyan label defined by its modern, trans-seasonal designs driven by textures, craftsmanship, and innovative fabrics.
Khokho in siSwati means "grandmother;" a reference to the brand's entirely women-led team and its matriarchal influences. The accessories label—which operates out of Eswatini (formerly known in English as Swaziland)—seeks to preserve and elevate traditional Swati weaving techniques, while empowering the community by providing income and learning opportunities. Basket-style bags are crafted from locally sourced natural fibers, found in the country's indigenous vegetation, and finished with luxury details—from ethically sourced and hand-carved cow-horn tags, to luxury brass hardware which is expertly crafted in Italy.
Built on the pillars of sustainability, gender inclusion, and playful creativity, Kenyan label LilaBare, designed by Ria Ana Sejpa, celebrates the art of self-expression.
Nigerian designer Lisa Folawiyo’s intricate, embellished designs have extended far beyond her home country—pieces from her eponymous label have appeared on the likes of Lupita Nyong’o, Thandie Newton and Solange Knowles, as well as on the pages of some of the world’s leading publications. The designer pays homage to her love of Ankara textiles in her pieces, crafted by a team of expert local artisans who take on average up to 240 hours creating a single hand-embellished piece.
Rooted in its African heritage and inspired by ancient traditions and cultures around the world, Pichulik is an ethical jewelry brand based in Cape Town, South Africa. The label seeks to empower women and impart sacred feminine wisdom with its bold designs.
Launched in 2011, Lagos-based men’s and womenswear label Orange Culture creates silhouettes with unexpected twists and employs artisanal techniques, native to the Yoruba community, into his textiles. A former LVMH Prize and Woolmark Prize semi-finalist, his daring and gender non-conforming approach to design has built him a global cult following.
A celebration of body positivity, individuality, and self-expression, Rendoll is renowned for its vibrant aesthetic and ethical initiatives. The brand partners with a global network of fabric suppliers and skilled artisans, ensuring they receive above-average wages.
“I want my clothes to be dreamy and romantic, so when you wear them, you feel like you are escaping reality to live a fantasy”—says self-taught Nigerian designer Paolo Sisiano. Before founding his label in 2013, he studied contemporary dance—an experience that lends him an innate understanding of movement in cutting and draping fabric. His ethereal aesthetic is energized by sharp, unisex tailoring and bold color palettes, blending West African inspiration with a distinctly future-facing edge.
