From bold, vibrant designs, to refined elegance, these African fashion stars are redefining style with unmatched creativity and flair.
Wisdom Kaye attends the Amiri Menswear Spring/Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on June 20, 2024 in Paris, France. Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images.
By Shalome Esene
Africans are a colorful people, vibrant in music, tradition, and, most strikingly, in fashion. While debates over the best jollof rice may never end, there’s one thing we all agree on: when it comes to style, Africans know how to make a statement. That’s why we’ve curated a list of the most electric and glamorous fashion stars you should be following if you aren’t already.
Debbie Beeko
Debbie Beeko wears many hats: creative consultant, stylist, art director — and yes, fashionista. She co-founded the Bougie Bend Down, a vintage thrift store, and founded Bjuku DIY, a Ghanaian womenswear brand. Beeko embodies her African identity without falling into stereotypes, turning her passion for fashion into a thriving profession. Her brand statement nails it: “Beeko inspires women to break free from age constraints and feel included in fashion and beauty.” That sounds just right.
Nneka Michel
Nigeria-born, Germany-based fashion creator Nneka Michel has carved a niche with her bold, innovative style. Her flag-inspired outfits, a seamless blend of traditional African patterns and modern silhouettes, quickly went viral a few years ago and established her as one to watch out for. Michel infuses cultural meaning into each design, exploring how her heritage shapes her fearless approach to fashion, and making every outfit a story.
Silvia Njoki
Sylvia Njoki, a Kenyan fashion blogger, digital content creator, and stylist, has been undeniably influential in shaping Kenya’s and East Africa’s fashion scene. The founder of Style by Sylvia, she regularly shares her insights on her travel experiences, beauty tips, and unique style. Njoki is a strong voice in Africa’s fashion and lifestyle.
Wisdom Kaye
A Nigerian American fashion influencer, model, and content creator, Wisdom Kaye shot to fame for his stylish outfits and creative fashion videos on TikTok. He quickly became known as the “best-dressed guy on TikTok,” with his content showcasing a blend of high fashion, vintage pieces, and modern streetwear, often inspired by anime and other pop culture references.
Today, Kaye has collaborated with major brands including Dior and Prada. He has also walked in Paris Fashion Week, and was honored with his first Met Gala invitation this year.
Dina Elsaid
Through her Instagram platform, this fashion blogger showcases stylish outfits that blend contemporary flair with traditional values, which especially resonates with young Muslim women who seek fashion that aligns with their beliefs. Elsaid has made modest fashion accessible and chic for her followers, encouraging Arab and Muslim women to embrace their culture confidently and stylishly.
Kefilwe Mabote
Kefilwe Mabote is a South African social media influencer and fashion blogger who shares her insights on style and beauty on her Instagram page that’s so neatly curated and aesthetically pleasing, that you may never want to go away. A two-time South African Style Awards winner, she’s not just an influencer but a trendsetter. Her book Kefilwe Mabote: Influencer De Luxe, provides a deeper dive into her life and career as a star in both fashion and digital media.
Kim Jayde
Kim Jayde is the style star for sneakerheads. The Zimbabwe-born, South Africa-based presenter and entrepreneur has made a mark for herself with her distinctive style and presence in the fashion world, and her ability to seamlessly blend streetwear with high fashion. Her reach extends to her social media platforms, where she often experiments with different styles from casual chic to glamorous red carpet attires. And her love for sneakers!
Lesego Legobane a.k.a Thickleeyonce
Lesego Legobane is a South African photographer, body-positivity advocate, and plus-size fashion model. She initially attracted significant attention for her bold stance on body positivity and self-love, especially within the context of South African beauty standards.
Madeleine Coumakh
Based in Dakar, Senegal, Madeleine Coumakh is a fashion content creator celebrated for her portrayal of African fashion, with a deep focus on her home country's culture and style. Her Instagram is an expansive gallery of traditional Senegalese attire, often featuring intricate boubous (a wide-sleeved West African robe) and stunning wax prints, which she styles with a modern twist. She’s also an advocate for sustainable fashion and often promotes the work of local artisans who use eco-friendly materials.
Florence Kasumba
You might recognize the Germany-based Ugandan actress from her Marvel role, but Florence Kasumba’s fashion sense is equally notable. Her style is sophisticated and fierce, favoring powerful, tailored pieces that enhance her already commanding presence. An effortless combiner of elegance with an edge — think sharp suits, leather accents, and eye-catching colors — Kasumba boldly experiments with looks while maintaining refined chic, and perfecting even pieces that might falter on others.
Hind Sahli
For more than a decade, Moroccan model Hind Sahli, has been breaking barriers in the fashion industry as one of not nearly enough Arab and Muslim models on the global stage. She was discovered as a teenager and quickly rose to prominence, working with top designers including Oscar de la Renta and Vera Wang. A key figure in high fashion, Sahli is probably most notable for challenging Western-centric beauty standards, increasing the visibility of Arab women, and paving the way for more inclusive representation of Muslim and North African women in fashion.
Read the original article on Okay Africa.
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