What Happened in African Fashion This Week
- bolaji akinwande
- Mar 29
- 3 min read
As the first quarter officially comes to an end, African brands take China's fashion capital for Shanghai Fashion Week, and in Ghana, there's an important update concerning the aftermath and rebuilding of the Kantamanto market.
Here is everything that happened in African fashion this week.
Collaboration
BRITISH-NIGERIAN DESIGNER, EBELE OJECHI, RELEASES "FOR THE GLORY" A CAPSULE SPORTSWEAR COLLECTION FUNDED BY CHELSEA FOUNDATION
Ebele Ojechi, a British-Nigerian designer, has released a capsule sportswear collection titled "For the Glory" after being named the recipient of the Blue Creator Fund. This Fund, supported by Chelsea FC and Chelsea Foundation, supports underrepresented British-based creators. "For the Glory" fuses Nigerian-Igbo heritage with sports.
The collection reinterprets traditional symbols in a contemporary sportswear aesthetic. It features the Isiagu cap in Chelsea’s signature blue and white, along with balaclavas, Ankara prints, and vintage bomber jackets.
Personality
IB KAMARA STEPS DOWN AS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AT DAZED
Sierra Leone-born, London-based stylist, IB Kamara has announced his exit from Dazed. IB was appointed as Editor-in-Chief of the British-based publication back in January 2021. Before joining Dazed, IB handled editorial at i-D magazine for three years, in addition to experience at Vogue and W magazine. During his tenure at Dazed, he helped spotlight African stories across music, activism, and fashion, styling African artists and creatives like Burna Boy, Tyla, Rema, Nyajuok Gatdet, and Tems.
IB is currently the creative director of Off-White where he has worked with brands and personalities like Burberry, Dior, and Rihanna. He will release his final Dazed issue in June.
Organisation
SOUTH AFRICAN RETAIL COMPANY, PEPKOR, ACQUIRES FOUR BRANDS TO EXPAND WOMENSWEAR ACROSS SOUTHERN AFRICA
Pepkor, a leading South African retail company and owner of brands like PEP and Ackermans, has announced plans to acquire four new businesses—Swagga, Legit, Style, and Boardmans—from privately owned retail group Retailability. The acquisition, revealed on Tuesday, March 25, aims to strengthen Pepkor’s presence in the adult apparel market, particularly in womenswear.
The four brands collectively operate 462 stores across five Southern African countries—South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho, and Eswatini—further expanding Pepkor’s retail footprint in the region.
Organisation
KANTAMANTO MARKET LEADERS REJECT AFFILIATION WITH GHANA'S USED CLOTHING ASSOCIATIONS
Following the devastating fire at Kantamanto Market—Africa's largest second-hand clothing market—in January, market leaders are distancing themselves from the Ghana Used Clothing Dealers Association (GUCDA), the Importers Association, and other industry groups. In a newly released statement, Kantamanto's leadership clarified its structure, emphasizing that it represents retailers, upcyclers, shoe sellers, and other traders. They also called for all media and government engagements to be directed through them to ensure proper representation of the market’s interests.
Organisation
THE OR FOUNDATION DONATES TO THE KANTAMANTO MARKET
The Or Foundation, a non-profit organisation based in Accra, has donated GHS 1 million to support the rebuilding of Kantamanto Market, marking the largest single contribution to date. The funds will be used to clear debts and aid recovery efforts.
Since the devastating fire, the foundation has played a key role in reconstruction—providing relief tents, financial assistance, and funding debris removal to restore the market.
Showcase
OVER 20 AFRICAN BRANDS TAKE CENTER STAGE AT SHANGHAI FASHION WEEK UNDER "AFRICA REIMAGINED" SHOWROOM
Over 20 African brands are showcasing at Shanghai Fashion Week this week. Running from March 25th to 29th, the African brands are part of the "Africa Reimagined Showroom," curated by Development Reimagined, an African women-led international development consultancy. Seven South African designers—Rich Mnisi, David Tlale, Mzukisi Mbane(Imprint ZA), Palesa Mokubung (Mantsho), Jessica Jane (Molebatsi), Masango by Siphosihle, and Fundudzi by Craig Jacobs—are participating, making it the largest group of designers.
Other African brands that will be participating include Taibo Bacar (Mozambique), KikoRomeo (Kenya), Afropian (Ethiopia), Awa Meité (Mali), Adama Paris (Senegal), Moshions (Rwanda), and more.
Throughout the event, designers will engage with international buyers, media outlets, and industry leaders through catwalk presentations, trade exhibitions, and exclusive side events.
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