African Fashion This Week
- Clearly Invincible
- Feb 22
- 6 min read
From groundbreaking showcases to thought-provoking conversations, African fashion has commanded the spotlight this week, proving its unstoppable momentum. As we conclude this exhilarating chapter, we hope you feel empowered, informed, and ready to embrace the future of fashion on the continent.
Event
The 27th Africa Business Conference at Harvard Business School took place on February 14–15, 2025, in Boston, MA. Organized by the HBS Africa Business Club, this year’s conference explored the theme: "Beyond Borders: A Myth or a Mandate for Africa's Progress?" The event examined whether transcending national and international borders is key to driving economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development across Africa.
A highlight of the conference was the African Fashion Panel, which featured industry leaders shaping the continent’s creative economy. Industrie Africa’s CEO and founder, Nisha Kanabar (@nishakanabar), Joanna Maiden (@SokoKenya), Eniafe Momodu (@eniafemomodu), and Lisa Folawiyo (@lisafolawiyo) were key note speakers discussing Africa’s evolving fashion landscape and its global influence.
Attendees engaged in keynote speeches, panel discussions, networking sessions, and the New Venture Competition, which awarded over $55,000 in prize money to startups focused on the African market.
For more details, visit the official conference website below.
Brand
Ghanaian-born Edward Enninful, former European Editorial Director of Vogue and Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue, has officially launched EE72, a media and entertainment company. The new venture aims to develop and produce content, experiences, and products in collaboration with companies and creators.
Enninful will serve as Chief Creative Officer, while his sister, Akua Enninful, takes on the role of Chief Executive Officer. Speaking about the launch, Enninful stated, “EE72 represents a natural progression of the foundation I’ve built my career on. We’re creating a space where creativity transcends boundaries, where diverse voices don’t just exist—they lead. Our mission is to reshape how we see and understand each other, building bridges across cultures and communities.”
EE72 is expected to bring a fresh and inclusive perspective to the global media landscape, reflecting Enninful’s long-standing commitment to diversity and innovation in fashion and storytelling.
Organisation
African Fashion International presents the key African and Lifestyle trends to consider for 2025.
Organisation
Africa Fashion UP has launched its annual call for applications, offering emerging African designers the opportunity to present their collections in Paris during fashion week. The initiative aims to spotlight the growing influence of African fashion on the global stage, providing selected designers with international exposure, mentorship, and business development support.
Winners will gain access to exclusive masterclasses led by experts from prestigious fashion houses, a commercial training program at HEC Paris, and a six-month mentorship program. Additionally, they will have the chance to showcase and sell their designs on an international e-commerce platform.
The competition is open to young African designers and diaspora creatives under 40, with at least two ready-to-wear collections and a minimum of two years of industry experience. Designers can apply under two categories: Fashion Young Leader and Best African Designer.
Applications are now open for this prestigious opportunity to elevate African fashion on a global scale.
Organisation
The African Fashion Development Initiative (AFDI) has opened applications for its Q2 2025 Micro Grant, aimed at empowering African fashion entrepreneurs. The initiative supports businesses that demonstrate sustainability, job creation, and long-term growth potential in the fashion, textile, and craftsmanship industries.
Eligible applicants must be based in Africa, have a registered or soon-to-be registered business, and present a structured business plan with a positive community impact. The grant is open to designers, tailors, manufacturers, weavers, shoemakers, and other industry professionals aged 18 and above.
The selection process includes an application submission, a virtual interview and competency assessment, and a final review by an expert panel. Successful applicants will be notified within seven working days of completing Part 1 of the process.
Applications close on February 27th, 2025. Interested candidates can apply now for this opportunity to scale their businesses and contribute to Africa’s growing fashion ecosystem.
Personality
South African music sensation Tyla continues her rapid ascent to global stardom, making her highly anticipated British Vogue cover debut for the March 2025 issue. With her signature blend of infectious beats, captivating dance moves, and trendsetting style, the 23-year-old has firmly established herself as a leading force in the pop-iano movement.
Award-winning journalist Funmi Fetto traveled to Tyla’s hometown of Johannesburg to discuss her meteoric rise, the cultural wave she has ignited, and what the future holds for her burgeoning career.
For the cover, Tyla stuns in a striking Balenciaga ensemble, captured by renowned photographer Rafael Pavarotti and styled by George Krakowiak. The creative team also includes Zhou Xue Ming (hair), Chiao Li Hsu (makeup), and Manicured by Simone (nails), with Ibby Njoya designing the set and Ragi Dholakia Productions overseeing production.
Fans can read the full feature in the March 2025 issue of British Vogue, available on newsstands Tuesday, February 25.
Showcase
As African fashion continues to captivate the global stage, CANEX is proud to present a curated selection of the continent’s most visionary designers at Coterie, New York. This prestigious platform offers a unique opportunity to celebrate African creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation while fostering connections with the world’s leading fashion markets.
CANEX Presents Africa is dedicated to supporting emerging designers, elevating their artistry, and providing them with unparalleled access to international retail and industry networks. This year, ten exceptional designers will represent the richness and diversity of African fashion:
Nilhane (@nilhane_official)
Larry Jay (@larryjayghana)
Fozia Endrias (@foziaendrias)
Studio Madoch (@studiomadoch)
Kenee Alinton (@keneealintondesigns)
The Lady Maker (@the_ladymaker)
Manza Collective (@manzacollective)
Rich Mnisi (@rich_mnisi)
TJWHO (@tjwho)
Kumesu (@kumesuofficial)
As these designers unveil their collections at Coterie, New York, they bring with them a narrative of heritage, craftsmanship, and contemporary elegance. This showcase marks a defining moment in the global appreciation of African fashion—one that blends tradition with modernity and innovation with timeless artistry.
Organisation
In a remarkable celebration of African creativity on the global stage, Africa Reimagined proudly announces its lineup of visionary designers set to showcase at Shanghai Fashion Week 2025. This highly anticipated presentation marks a significant milestone in expanding the reach of African fashion, fostering cross-cultural exchange, and solidifying the continent’s influence in the international fashion industry.
Selected for their innovation, craftsmanship, and unique storytelling, these designers will introduce the world to a fresh perspective on African design—one that merges heritage with contemporary elegance, tradition with modernity. As Shanghai Fashion Week continues to grow as a premier destination for global fashion, this showcase offers an unparalleled platform for African talent to engage with new markets, forge meaningful industry connections, and inspire a broader audience.
With Africa’s fashion landscape evolving at an unprecedented pace, Africa Reimagined’s presence at Shanghai Fashion Week 2025 is a defining moment—one that underscores the continent’s role as a leader in shaping the future of global style. Stay tuned as these exceptional designers prepare to unveil collections that redefine luxury, sustainability, and cultural expression.
Organisation
In a distinguished collaboration between the French Embassy in Ghana and Impact Hub Accra, the Creation Africa Ghana Incubation Program proudly presents the Talents' Spotlight Series. This initiative highlights the journeys of 15 exceptional entrepreneurs who have demonstrated unparalleled creativity and dedication within the cultural and creative industries.
Launched in late 2023, the Creation Africa Ghana program was conceived to bridge the gap between artistry and entrepreneurship. By offering intensive training, mentorship, and networking opportunities, the program empowers participants to thrive in sectors such as fashion, music, visual arts, and more. Over an eight-month period, these entrepreneurs have engaged in comprehensive capacity-building sessions, benefiting from collaborative opportunities within a dedicated workspace at Ako Adjei Park, part of the innovative startup campus powered by Impact Hub Accra.
The Talents' Spotlight Series delves into each entrepreneur's unique journey, exploring the inspiration behind their remarkable projects and their visions for the future. This series stands as a testament to the robust partnership between Ghana and France, underscoring a shared commitment to fostering innovation, cultural preservation, and sustainable development.
In the inaugural episode, viewers are introduced to The Revival Earth, a pioneering venture dedicated to sustainable fashion through upcycling and environmental consciousness. This feature offers an intimate look into their creative process and the impact of their work on local communities.
As the series unfolds, it will continue to showcase the diverse talents nurtured by the Creation Africa Ghana Incubation Program, reflecting the dynamic and evolving landscape of Ghana's creative economy. This initiative not only amplifies the voices of emerging creatives but also reinforces the enduring cultural ties between Ghana and France, paving the way for future collaborations and growth within the global creative industry.
Join us in shaping the future of African fashion. Sign Up to become a part of the Clearly Invincible fashion community and for a complimentary consultation to aid your fashion entrepreneurship journey.
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