What Happened in African Fashion This Week.
- Hamza Olalekan Dosunmu
- 1 day ago
- 8 min read
This week’s developments reflect a fashion industry operating with increasing alignment across economic, cultural, and institutional frameworks.
From circularity-focused interventions and infrastructure projects to fellowships and cross-market activations, activity across the sector underscores a growing emphasis on structure, scalability, and long-term sustainability.
At the same time, collections, editorial moments, and retail experiences continue to shape the industry’s visual and cultural narrative.
Together, these developments point to a sector advancing through both creative output and the systems enabling resilience, efficiency, and global relevance.
Clearly Invincible brings you the latest weekly African fashion recap.
Organisation
Africa Collect Textiles Advances Circular Sorting and Launches Textile Donation Drive
Africa Collect Textiles (ACT) has outlined its textile sorting process as part of efforts to strengthen circularity within the fashion value chain, while also launching a targeted donation drive for an upcoming sustainability project.
At its warehouse, incoming clothing donations undergo a structured sorting process, where items are categorised into reusable textiles for resale or redistribution, and non-wearable materials for upcycling and recycling. Reusable items are directed to programmes or partner organisations such as Matthew 25 Children’s Home.
For non-wearable textiles, ACT’s sorting team applies fibre identification techniques, including the use of portable textile detection devices, to assess fabric composition. This enables more precise material separation and ensures textiles are routed into the most appropriate recycling or reuse streams, improving recovery rates and operational efficiency.
The organisation notes that the high volume of donations, often without clear fabric labelling, requires specialised expertise in both textile science and circular design systems to optimise outcomes.
Alongside these operations, ACT has issued a call for donations to support the development of a sustainable red carpet installation for film festivals and premieres. The initiative aims to repurpose second-hand textiles into a functional showcase, linking fashion, textile reuse, and the entertainment industry while promoting environmental awareness and job creation.
A complementary “green carpet” concept is also in development, with current donation needs focused on army green, canvas tones, and camouflage fabrics. Donors are encouraged to contribute clean, dry textiles to improve sorting efficiency and maximise reuse potential.
Organisation
The Or Foundation Leads Drainage Intervention at Kantamanto Market
The Or Foundation has initiated a large-scale drainage clearing effort at Kantamanto Market, addressing infrastructure challenges that directly impact textile circularity and market operations.
The intervention, carried out in collaboration with the Accra Metropolitan Assembly and the Kantamanto Obroni Wawu Business Association, aims to prevent recurring flooding during the upcoming rainy season. Seasonal overflows have historically disrupted trade, damaged large volumes of garments, and contributed to waste accumulation within the market.
Two cooperatives formed through the foundation’s training programme — Tide Turners and June 4 Task Force — are leading the on-ground execution. Over two days, more than 300 workers cleared approximately 400 metres of a 1.5-metre-wide sub-surface storm drain, removing accumulated plastic, sand and textile waste.
The drainage system, which runs from Tema Station through Okai Kwei Road to the Korle Lagoon, had reportedly not been desilted since construction, contributing to persistent blockages and flooding even during short rainfall periods.
According to the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, at least six truckloads of waste have already been evacuated. Ongoing work includes identifying sewage access points and developing a system for regular maintenance to prevent future disruptions.
In addition to coordinating the effort, The Or Foundation has committed over GH¢200,000 toward operational costs, including concrete cutting, haulage, safety equipment and on-site medical support. The initiative reflects a broader approach to circular economy infrastructure, linking environmental management with economic resilience for secondhand clothing traders.
Organisation
Style Lounge Platform Partners with KGL Foundation on WA-BA-SO Design Fellowship
Style Lounge Platform has announced a partnership with the KGL Foundation to launch the WA-BA-SO Design Fellowship, a strategic initiative focused on strengthening the African fashion ecosystem.
The collaboration is designed to support a more structured and globally competitive industry by combining talent development with access to education, funding and institutional support.
The fellowship will bring together emerging designers and key industry stakeholders, providing a platform to refine ideas, build capacity and position participants for long-term relevance within both regional and international markets.
According to the organisers, the initiative reflects a broader commitment to advancing collaboration and creating sustainable pathways for talent development across Africa’s fashion value chain.
Brand
Awa Meité Presents Textile Installation Rooted in Malian Craft
Awa Meité has unveiled a collection conceived as a full spatial installation, bringing together material, process, and environment into a unified presentation.
Developed in Bamako, the work is constructed entirely from Malian cotton that is hand-spun, naturally dyed with indigo, and woven by artisans across Ségou and Mopti.
Described by the designer as “textile sculpture,” the presentation extends beyond garments to encompass the entire room, positioning the installation itself as the collection. By maintaining a single-source material narrative, the work emphasises origin, craftsmanship, and continuity across the production process.
Fashion Week
African Fashion Week Hosts Model Casting Ahead of 2026 Season
African Fashion Week held its official model casting for the 2026 season on 21 March at the Wakanda Gallery in Johannesburg, drawing over 100 aspiring models.
The casting, led by the Jordan Legacy Management team, ran from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM and forms part of preparations for the upcoming shows scheduled for 7–9 May 2026.
Industry leaders including CEO Mpho Mogotsi and Creative Director Shingai Nyagweta were present, noting the depth of emerging talent. According to organisers, the session aimed to identify new faces while reinforcing professional standards ahead of the season.
The casting extended into the surrounding Nelson Mandela Square area, where participants gathered in coordinated attire, contributing to a visible sense of momentum around the event.
Organisers described the atmosphere as highly collaborative, with participants supporting one another throughout the process. The AFW team is currently reviewing applications and preparing for callback selections as it moves toward finalising its 2026 runway lineup.
Event
The Week of Fashion South Africa Launches With Dual Seasonal Showcase Model
The Week of Fashion South Africa has officially launched, introducing a dual-season showcase structure that formalises its evolution from South African Menswear Week into a broader, industry-wide platform.
The new format will present two key collections annually: Autumn/Winter 2026 (23–25 April) and Spring/Summer 2027 (12–17 October), creating defined seasonal moments to support designers, partners, buyers, and media engagement.
The transition follows a three-year period of expansion, during which the platform integrated womenswear and extended its cultural and commercial scope. According to founder and creative director Simon Deiner, the shift reflects changing industry expectations, with fashion weeks now required to align more closely with designers’ marketing strategies, direct-to-consumer models, and evolving media dynamics.
The Week of Fashion South Africa is positioned as a multi-dimensional ecosystem built around four core pillars: collections, conversations, commerce, and cultural leadership. Alongside runway showcases, the platform incorporates initiatives such as graduate programmes, retail showrooms, industry talks, and international partnership opportunities.
While South African Menswear Week remains a central component, the expanded structure introduces dedicated womenswear showcases and broader participation across the fashion value chain.
Organisers state that the unified platform aims to strengthen visibility for South African designers, support commercial growth, and enhance global competitiveness through a more integrated and structured industry framework.
Organisation
Ethical Fashion Initiative Introduces Lurex Integration in Benin Weaving Programme
Ethical Fashion Initiative has introduced Lurex into its weaving toolkit in Benin, expanding material experimentation within traditional textile production.
Woven alongside natural cotton threads, Lurex introduces reflective, decorative elements that enhance the visual and commercial appeal of locally produced fabrics while maintaining established craft techniques.
The material is associated with ceremonial and prestige contexts across various African cultures, and its integration reflects an approach that combines heritage craftsmanship with contemporary textile innovation.
The initiative forms part of the ACP Business Friendly Programme, implemented with support from the European Union, aimed at strengthening value chains and increasing the competitiveness of African textile production.
Brand
Mobolaji Dawodu Styles Jay-Z for April Cover of GQ
Mobolaji Dawodu co-styled Jay-Z alongside June Ambrose for the April cover of GQ, marking a major editorial moment that centres both fashion and cultural influence.
Photographed by Rashid Johnson with an interview conducted by Frazier Tharp, the feature positions Jay-Z within a broader narrative of longevity, influence, and cross-industry impact.
The cover reflects Dawodu’s continued role in shaping global fashion imagery, bringing a refined, culturally aware styling perspective to one of the most influential figures in contemporary culture. The collaboration underscores the intersection of fashion, music, and business, with Jay-Z’s presence extending beyond music into entrepreneurship and cultural leadership.
The editorial arrives amid ongoing discussions around Jay-Z’s enduring relevance, highlighting how his influence continues to shape conversations across entertainment, fashion, and global culture despite limited recent musical releases.
Event
Rfrique Launches Physical Store with Moye Africa Pop-Up in Johannesburg
Rfrique marked the launch of its physical retail space with a collaborative pop-up alongside Moye Africa, introducing a showroom-led shopping experience in Johannesburg.
The activation featured curated collector’s items, positioning the space as both a retail environment and a platform for design-led storytelling. Guests engaged with the collections through an immersive showroom format that encouraged direct interaction with the pieces.
The event also incorporated live DJ sets, cocktails, and informal networking, creating a social setting where fashion enthusiasts and industry participants connected through conversation and shared interest in contemporary African design.
Organisers described the launch as a step toward building a more experiential retail model, blending commerce with community engagement.
Brand
PITH Africa Concludes European Tour, Announces Lagos Easter Pop-Up
PITH Africa has concluded the first leg of its European tour, spanning multi-day activations in Paris and Amsterdam across fashion, music, and cultural exchange.
In Paris, the programme featured immersive pop-ups, workshops, and conversations in collaboration with Talk Studio Paris, Lagos x Paris, and France in Nigeria. The activation introduced Lagos’ contemporary creative scene through retail, music, and community-led experiences.
The tour concluded in Amsterdam with a two-day pop-up and private dining experience developed alongside A Buttered Table. The programme convened a curated network of fashion and culture professionals, combining hosted dinners, retail showcases, and music programming to foster dialogue and cross-market engagement.
Across both cities, the initiative prioritised relationship-building and cultural exchange, positioning African fashion within broader global creative ecosystems while expanding market access beyond traditional retail formats.
Following the European tour, PITH Africa is set to return to Lagos to host its annual Easter pop-up from April 4 to 6, extending the momentum of its international activations into its home market.
Event
Africa Sourcing & Fashion Week Dakar Concludes in Dakar
Africa Sourcing & Fashion Week Dakar has concluded at the Centre des Expositions de Diamniadio in Dakar, following multiple days of industry engagement across the textile and fashion value chain.
The event brought together global exhibitors, manufacturers, designers, and policymakers, facilitating discussions around sourcing, production, and market expansion within Africa’s fashion ecosystem.
Across the programme, participants engaged in business matchmaking, networking sessions, and knowledge exchange, with a focus on strengthening cross-border partnerships and improving access to global markets.
Organisers highlighted strong participation and productive dialogue, positioning the event as a key platform for advancing trade, investment, and collaboration within West Africa’s growing fashion and textile sector.
Event
Ethical Fashion Initiative Showcases African Designers at 14th WTO Ministerial Conference
At the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference in Yaoundé, the Ethical Fashion Initiative delivered a multi-layered programme positioning African cotton, craftsmanship, and creative talent within global trade discussions.
The activation spanned artisanal demonstrations in cotton spinning and hand-weaving, alongside a pop-up retail showcase and presentations highlighting the human stories behind textile production.
The programme culminated in a fashion show featuring designers from Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Chad, Cameroon, and Nigeria, reinforcing the role of fashion within the broader cotton-to-textile value chain.
Supported by the World Trade Organization and Afreximbank, the initiative positioned African design not only as cultural expression, but as a strategic component of trade, investment, and industrial development.
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