What Happened in African Fashion This Week
- bolaji akinwande
- 13 minutes ago
- 3 min read
This week the U.S. administration rolled in 10% tariffs on all importation of African Apparel and textiles, several countries across Africa are now being affected. In addition, two African designers of origin have officially become finalists for the LVMH Prize. All that and more in the news.
Here is everything that happened in African fashion this week.
Personality
GHANAIAN BRAND, CHRISTIE BROWN APPOINTS NEW ART DIRECTOR
Christie Brown, one of Ghana’s foremost luxury fashion houses, has named Kwabena Asamoah Brako-Adu its new Art Director. A stylist and creative director with a long-standing relationship with the brand, Kwabena steps into the role as the label marks its 17th year. Founded in 2008 by Aisha Ayensu, Christie Brown is known for its distinctive womenswear and accessories that fuse traditional African aesthetics with modern design.
Organisation
THE STREET STORE INITIATIVE HOLDS FREE POP-UP CLOTHING STORE IN SOUTH AFRICA
The Street Store initiative was launched in 2014 by M&C Saatchi Africa in South Africa. Over time, it grew into the world’s first free pop-up clothing store for the homeless. Made possible through donations of pre-loved clothing, the pop-up allows underprivileged individuals to “shop” for items at no cost. The concept is rooted in extending the life cycle of clothes and promoting sustainability through circular fashion.
Law
THE U.S IMPLEMENTS 10% TARIFFS ON AFRICAN APPAREL AND TEXTILE IMPORTS
The United States is introducing a universal 10% tariff on all imports, set to take effect on April 5, 2025. The policy is expected to have significant implications for African countries that export clothing and textiles to the U.S., particularly those that have previously benefited from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Ten African countries are directly affected by the new tariffs: Egypt, Kenya, Madagascar, Morocco, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Tunisia, Tanzania, Mauritius, and Ghana.
Brand
TWO DESIGNERS OF AFRICAN ORIGIN, TOLU COKER, AND TORISHÉJU BECOMES LVMH PRIZE FINALISTS
The finalists of the 2025 LVMH Prize were announced on April 2 by Delphine Arnault, with British-Nigerian designer Tolu Coker (TOLU COKER) and British-Nigerian-Brazilian designer Torishéju Dumi (TORISHÉJU) among the eight selected.
The LVMH Prize has become a major marker of the future of global fashion, with African designers continuing to make their presence felt—following Thebe Magugu’s 2019 win and Jacques Agbobly’s 2024 semi-final placement.
Event
GUZANGS CELEBRATES AFRICAN WOMEN WITH HERITAGE EVENT TO WRAP INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S MONTH
African fashion media platform Guzangs wraps up International Women's Month with an event targeted to celebrate African women in fashion, beauty, tech, media, and entertainment. Titled HERitage, the event featured networking and panel discussions and featured African fashion creative, Eni Popoola; Nigerian-born London-raised designer, Tia Adeola; Editorial Director and Founder of Sola Casting, Irene Ojo-Felix; and Ghanaian-American Executive Editor at Teen Vogue, Dani Kwateng.
Brand
NIGERIAN STREETWEAR BRAND, WAFFLESNCREAM RELEASES RAINY/WET'25 COLLECTION.
Nigerian streetwear brand WAFFLESNCREAM has released its first collection since its rebrand in 2020. The brand started as a skateboarding company in 2012 becoming the first of its kind in Nigeria, and over the years has continued to cater to the younger generation of skateboarders and streetwear fashion enthusiasts. The new collection titled "Rainy/Wet'25 which is inspired by the country's distinct seasons features pieces like knitted sweaters/handbag, oversized t-shirts/blazers/pants, two-piece tracksuits, beanies, and bucket hats. The new release also coincides with the brand's 13th anniversary.
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