Top 10 African designers to watch out for in 2025

Young African designers have been delivering it all back to back in recent years. In style, ideas, colors, and feel. They are showcasing our heritage not just back home but on the global stage too.

What have these designers been doing in the industry, and who are the top 10 African designers to watch in 2025?

We will be answering these questions in this article.

The Rise of Young African Designers 

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, a new generation of designers appeared in the fashion sphere. They brought with them a tasty blend of traditional aesthetics and contemporary influences.

This shift was needed as new ideas continued to fly in and designers started experimenting with new materials, silhouettes, and global fashion trends.

They told stories

But wait a minute! These young people didn't just make clothes; they told stories too. Many created pieces inspired by African folklore, traditional crafts, and historical events.

For instance:

Thebe Magugu often incorporates elements from South African history and culture into his designs, celebrating local stories through modern silhouettes.

Adebayo Oke-Lawal of Orange Culture uses vibrant colors and patterns to reflect the diversity of Nigerian culture, often drawing from personal experiences and local narratives.

They Challenged Stereotypes Around Our Fashion

These young designers are actively working to change the way Africa is viewed in the fashion world. They challenge common stereotypes that often portray Africa in a negative light. Instead, they showcase the continent's creativity, innovation, and beauty.

They promote sustainability

Many young designers are committed to sustainability and ethical fashion. They recognize the importance of protecting the environment and supporting local communities through their work.

With eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, recycled fabrics, and natural dyes, which are mostly sourced locally, they create the freshest ideas.

Top 10 African Designers to Watch in 2025

1. Thebe Magugu (South Africa)

Picture courtesy: CNN

Signature Style: Combines modern silhouettes with traditional South African elements.

Design Philosophy: Celebrates African identity and storytelling through fashion.

Notable Achievements: Winner of the LVMH Prize for Young Designers in 2019.

2. Kenneth Ize (Nigeria)

International Woolmark Award 

Signature Style: Known for vibrant colors and the use of traditional Aso Oke textiles.

Design Philosophy: Merges heritage with contemporary fashion.

Notable Achievements: Showcased at Paris Fashion Week and collaborated with luxury brands.

3. Lisa Folawiyo (Nigeria)

Signature Style: Fuses traditional Ankara fabric with modern cuts and embellishments.

Design Philosophy: Focuses on empowering women through fashion.

Notable Achievements: Featured in Vogue and worn by celebrities worldwide.

4. Adebayo Oke-Lawal (Nigeria)

Signature Style: Streetwear with bold prints and gender-fluid designs.

Design Philosophy: Celebrates individuality and Nigerian culture.

Notable Achievements: Founder of the brand Orange Culture, recognized for inclusivity.

5. Palesa Mokubung (South Africa)

Signature Style: Blends African heritage with urban fashion.

Design Philosophy: Emphasizes cultural pride and modernity.

Notable Achievements: First African designer to collaborate with H&M.

6. Maki Oh (Nigeria)

Signature Style: Uses traditional techniques and fabrics with a contemporary twist.

Design Philosophy: Highlights African craftsmanship and storytelling.

Notable Achievements: Featured in major fashion publications and worn by international stars.

7. Omar Mansoor (Kenya)

Signature Style: Elegant evening wear with intricate detailing.

Design Philosophy: Combines global influences with local craftsmanship.

Notable Achievements: Showed at London Fashion Week and gained international acclaim.

8. Maxhosa by Laduma (South Africa)

Signature Style: Known for knitwear featuring bold patterns inspired by Xhosa culture.

Design Philosophy: Celebrates African heritage through innovative designs.

Notable Achievements: featured in global fashion shows and worn by celebrities.

9. Zizi Cardow (Nigeria)

Signature Style: Elegant, sophisticated designs with a focus on female empowerment.

Design Philosophy: Blends traditional and modern influences to create timeless pieces.

Notable Achievements: Renowned for her contributions to the fashion industry in Africa.

10. Kehinde Wiley (Nigeria/USA)

Signature Style: Known for his vibrant portraits and collaborations in fashion.

Design Philosophy: Challenges stereotypes through art and fashion.

Notable Achievements: He gained fame for his presidential portrait of Barack Obama and fashion collaborations.

What the future is looking like.

Designers are increasingly using organic fabrics and supporting local artisans, the colors and prints are getting bolder, Expect to see vibrant colors and unique patterns that reflect African culture. Designers are blending traditional textiles with modern styles to create eye-catching pieces.

Inclusivity and Diversity in African fashion:

More designers are embracing gender-fluid and inclusive fashion, creating clothing that caters to all body types and identities.

Technology and Social Media Influencing African Fashion

Young designers are using platforms like Instagram and Tiktok as their digital but public portfolio. This way they show their work to the world. This visibility allows them to connect with fans and potential customers easily.

E-Commerce Growth/Online shopping is another popular tool designers use to sell their creations directly to consumers.

Digital Fashion Shows are also taking the limelight and African designers are going beyond their geographic zones to reach a wider audience. At Rema Collections, we have explored hosting digital fashion shows and must admit that it does help African fashion go far and wide.

3D printing or digital fashion is also taking the front stage for young designers.

You can support these designers by following them on social media, attending their fashion shows, or purchasing their creations.