What Happened in African Fashion This Week
- bolaji akinwande
- May 31
- 4 min read
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launches market access tools to aid Nigeria’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, while over 100 local Adire brands from Nigeria and Ghana will showcase at this year’s Adire Lagos Fair courtesy of Ecobank. In addition, two Nigerian brands, namely Hertunba and Cladini Studio, release new collections.
Clearly Invincible brings you all these and more in our weekly recap of fashion news.
Here is everything that happened in African fashion this week.
Collaboration.
AFRICAN FASHION WEEK LONDON COLLABORATES WITH MANCHESTER MET UNIVERSITY
African Fashion Week London (AFWL) was founded in 2011 as a way of increasing and raising awareness around African fashion in London. The platform helps showcase African brands through runway shows, exhibitions, and education. For this year’s edition, which is scheduled for the 9th-10th August, the platform is collaborating with six students from the Manchester Metropolitan University for a digital and physical showcase based on the Nigerian heritage Adire fabric as a way of conserving the Yoruba culture and history. The six students will showcase the adire-inspired design during the AFWL in August.
So far, designers like David Wej, CelinaRob, and Helms have been announced to showcase at this year’s edition, with more names to be revealed.
Innovation.
UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME LAUNCHES MARKET ACCESS TOOLS FOR NIGERIAN MSMEs
The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) recently launched a how-to, data-rich Market Access Tool for Nigerian Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The market access tools provide insights on how Nigerian businesses, like the textiles industry, can expand into 13 East and Southern African markets. This tool includes guidance on export procedures, documentation, up-to-date tariffs, shipping routes, buyer trends, and key trade facilitation contacts.
Collection.
SOUTH AFRICAN BRAND EZOKHETHO RELEASES NEW FASHION EDITORIAL “ZODWA”
Ezokhetho is a South African-based luxury brand rooted in sustainability and environmental consciousness. Following a successful showcase at the just concluded South Africa Menswear Fashion Week, which took place in May, the brand has released a new editorial titled “ZODWA.” Shot against the backdrop of a beach, the editorial spotlights the latest collection, which is a tribute to the creative director’s late parents, drawing inspiration from the 80s and 90s.
Event.
ECOBANK TO HOLD ADIRE LAGOS FAIR THIS JUNE
Ecobank, one of Nigeria’s foremost financial institutions, is set to hold “Adire Lagos Fair”- a fashion fair which spotlights different local Nigerian Adire brands. The fair will be held from the 5th to 8th June, at the Ecobank Pan African Centre in Lagos, and will feature over 100 local Adire brands.
Brand.
SOUTH AFRICAN NEWLY LAUNCHED FASHION CHAIN, AYANA, SETS TO TAKE HUNDREDS OF STORES IN THE COUNTRY
In March, Pepkor, a leading South African retail company, began expanding its presence in the womenswear apparel market by acquiring several fashion businesses.
One of its acquisitions, Ayana is a fashion brand known for its affordable, youthful waistcoats, bow mini-dresses, and jackets. Pepkor launched 32 Ayana stores in the country, and its reception has been great, attracting sales in stores and on social media. According to the CEO of Pepkor, Pieter Erasmus, the positive reception of Ayana could lead to the brand expanding into hundreds of stores in South Africa, thereby replacing fast fashion products from Shein and Temu that have continued to grow rapidly among consumers in the country.
Collection.
NIGERIAN BRAND HERTUNBA RELEASES NEW COLLECTION “JOY”
Hertunba is a Nigerian womenswear brand known for its hand-woven akwete signature pieces. Founded in 2020, Hertunba has quickly become a staple name.
Their latest collection, titled “Joy” is the brand’s 10th offering and features over 20 pieces ranging from maxi, strapless, and sculptured dresses, and multi-colored kaftans. All blending the brand’s knack for heritage and craftsmanship.
Collection.
NIGERIAN FASHION BRAND CLADINI STUDIO RELEASES NEW DROP TITLED “COLORED COVENANT”
Cladini Studio is a made-to-order fashion brand. Known for its multi-colored and breezy array of Bubus, the brand’s new drop titled “Colored Covenant” is a continuation of Cladini’s dedication to crafting bold silhouettes that empower women globally.
Collaboration.
LABRUM LONDON COLLABORATES WITH ADIDAS IN HONOUR OF AFRICA DAY
Labrum London is a British African brand. The brand explores practical clothing rooted in simplicity and distinctiveness. To celebrate Africa Day, Labrum London has collaborated with Adidas, the sneaker brand, the new collaboration marks their fifth endeavor. The new low-top sneaker is made from black leather and also features Pan-African flag hues in addition to Labrum’s signature Nomoli figure- a nod to the creative director's Sierra Leone’s heritage.
The collaboration also features a collection of tracksuits, hoodies, T-shirts, and caps.
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