Top 10 Must-Have African Fashion Pieces
African fashion is a treasure trove of cultural heritage and contemporary style.
To help you stay ahead of the curve, here’s our curated list of 10 must-have African fashion pieces, complete with where to wear them and the brilliant designers behind them.
1. MaXhosa Knitwear by Laduma Ngxokolo (South Africa)
Style: Luxurious knitwear inspired by traditional Xhosa beadwork.
Perfect For: Sophisticated winter evenings or cultural events.
Why It’s a Must-Have: Laduma’s bold geometric patterns make every piece a wearable work of art.
2. IAMISIGO Statement Pants (Nigeria)
Style: Handwoven wide-leg pants with intricate patterns.
Perfect For: Art gallery openings, casual Friday meetings, or stylish brunches.
Why It’s a Must-Have: Bubu Ogisi’s IAMISIGO combines modern cuts with sustainable craftsmanship.
3. KikoRomeo’s Contemporary Blazer (Kenya)
Style: Tailored blazers with bold African prints.
Perfect For: Power meetings, cocktail parties, or smart casual gatherings.
Why It’s a Must-Have: KikoRomeo is known for blending traditional Kenyan designs with Western tailoring, making it versatile yet distinct.
4. Christie Brown’s Cape Dress (Ghana)
Style: A dramatic cape dress in flowing Ankara fabrics.
Perfect For: High-end fashion shows, galas, or date nights.
Why It’s a Must-Have: Christie Brown’s designs scream elegance and are perfect for commanding attention.
5. Osei-Duro’s Tie-Dye Maxi Skirt (Ghana)
Style: Flowy skirts with hand-dyed fabrics in vibrant hues.
Perfect For: Beach vacations, casual weekend outings, or music festivals.
Why It’s a Must-Have: This brand combines traditional dyeing techniques with modern cuts for effortless chic.
6. Nkwo Dakala Jumpsuit (Nigeria)
Style: Upcycled denim jumpsuit with a bohemian vibe.
Perfect For: Weekend road trips, street style events, or eco-conscious meetups.
Why It’s a Must-Have: Nkwo’s sustainable craftsmanship and unique aesthetic make this jumpsuit a standout piece.
7. Tongoro’s Flowy Kaftan (Senegal)
Style: Bold, oversized kaftan dresses with dramatic prints.
Perfect For: Resort holidays, lounging in luxury, or casual shopping sprees.
Why It’s a Must-Have: Tongoro’s effortless silhouettes are a celebrity favorite, worn by the likes of Beyoncé.
8. Kente Wrap Top by Pistis (Ghana)
Style: Modern cropped wrap tops made from iconic Kente fabric.
Perfect For: Traditional weddings, Afrocentric parties, or stylish date nights.
Why It’s a Must-Have: Pistis gives the age-old Kente cloth a fresh, contemporary twist.
9. ZAAF Leather Tote Bag (Ethiopia)
Style: Handcrafted leather bags with intricate patterns inspired by Ethiopian culture.
Perfect For: Workdays, shopping, or travel essentials.
Why It’s a Must-Have: ZAAF’s bags are practical yet luxurious, making them a perfect statement accessory.
10. House of Tayo Bow Tie (Rwanda)
Style: Colorful bow ties featuring traditional African prints.
Perfect For: Weddings, black-tie events, or even spicing up a casual outfit.
Why It’s a Must-Have: House of Tayo’s bow ties bring charm and character to menswear accessories.
