These designers are bringing fresh perspectives and unique style to the African fashion scene.
Thebe Magugu attends the "Annees Palace" - 20th "Diner De La Mode" as part of Paris Fashion Week at Pavillon Cambon Capucines on July 06, 2023 in Paris, France. Photo by Marc Piasecki/WireImage.
By Monde Mtsishalom Esene
The African fashion scene has evolved dramatically over the past decade, with menswear designers leading the charge in redefining style across the continent and globally. These are designers who are not just following trends, they’re setting them, and creating collections that touch on Afro-centric culture, while stretching the limits of modern fashion. From urban streetwear to high fashion, here are 11 menswear designers at the forefront of this movement, representing a new generation of style that’s impossible to ignore.
Orange Culture
There’s just something incredible about Adebayo Oke-Lawal’s Orange Culture. Maybe it’s the culture of its heritage, the colors in the menswear collection, or the fact that it just rocks. With its bold color choices coupled with symbolic print motifs, Orange Culture presents an offering for men who are cool beyond their generation and have no intention of backing down.
Thebe Magugu
Thebe Magugu is another thoughtful, detail-oriented menswear designer, an impressive award-winner, and in fact one of the most celebrated fashion stars today. While the brand primarily designs for women, it has expanded into menswear in recent years. Boasting collaborations with global brands like Dior and Adidas, Magugu’s works stand out especially for its unique cuts and use of textures, and pieces that challenge conventional style while remaining wearable and refined. Since its founding in 2017, Magugu has launched 11 solo collections under his eponymous label. Impressive.
Atto Tetteh
If you think of luxury streetwear, think of Atto Tetteh. This is a designer who brings a burst of color and energy to men’s fashion in Ghana. His brand focuses on creating standout pieces, from vibrant shirts to well-fitted trousers, all drawing inspiration from local patterns and fabrics. Tetteh’s work offers a fresh take on the meaning of style, and appeals to men who want to make a statement without sacrificing comfort.
Emmy Kasbit
Emmy Kasbit, founded by Emmanuel Okoro, brings a fresh perspective to menswear with its thoughtful mix of Akwete, a handwoven fabric from southeastern Nigeria, into contemporary tailoring. With its clean, well-constructed pieces, the brand’s menswear boasts an unabashed connection to Nigerian heritage without it feeling overly traditional. Since its debut in 2014, Emmy Kasbit has stood out with designs that, while rooted in craft, also easily wows the modern man. With accolades like winning the Fashion Focus Fund at the Lagos Fashion Week 2017 and the Vogue Italia Scouting for Africa Initiative in 2020, Kasbit has since become a key player in menswear on the continent.
Daily Paper
Started in Amsterdam in 2012 by three friends of African descent – Hussein Suleiman (Somalia), Jefferson Osei (Ghana), and Abderrahmane Trabsoni (Morocco), Daily Paper has carved out a unique space in global streetwear. The brand’s menswear effortlessly captures global street culture with subtle nods to their Afro backgrounds. Daily Paper’s is for those who want that confident, youthful energy. With a growing presence from Amsterdam to Africa, the brand continues to shape conversations around style for a new generation of men who value individuality.
ATAFO
Mai Atafo, founder of ATAFO, is a name to know in African fashion. Since he started his label, Atafo has been about fusing classic British suiting with just the right touch of African influence. The result? Outfits that feel timeless yet fresh. Whether he’s designing for the red carpet or a laid-back event, tuxedos or traditional wears, his attention to detail always shines through. It’s no wonder it’s still at the forefront of the industry over a decade since founding and has established itself as an international brand. Still, Atafo isn’t fixated on an ambition to appeal to the whole world. In a 2022 interview with Nairametrics, he said, “I want to be the best suit tailor in Africa. I’m not a sucker [for] going international because those [who are] international are trying to come to Africa, so let’s be the champions of Africa before going out to the rest of the world.”
David Tlale
David Tlale designs unisex clothes, but his menswear is exactly what you want to put on if you’d like to step out and show out. He made his debut at the New York fashion Week in 2012 and has since cemented himself as a prominent figure on the local and international scene. With his distinct use of fabrics and eye-catching designs, he’s gained international recognition for his ability to create bold looks that resonate with people who like to stand out. He recently opened a showroom in NYC, where he said at the launch, “For me, this is the first step. . .this is it.”
Maison Château Rouge
Founded by Youssouf Fofana in 2015, Maison Château Rouge brings a well-rounded mix of influences to the industry, from his Senegalese background and the Paris neighborhood where the brand was born. Its menswear collections are full of life; bright colors, bold patterns, natural and authentic, all without feeling over the top. Whether through one-of-a-kind pieces or collaborations with Nike, Fofana’s brand keeps things exciting while staying true to its roots.
MaXhosa Africa
MaXhosa Africa is a South African knitwear label for men. In essence, it’s a brand designed to cater to the immediate fashion needs of men who have transitioned into manhood through traditional ceremony. Laduma Ngxokolo, the creative director behind the brand, sees MaXhosa as a lifestyle brand that will soon extend its reach into home design and décor desires throughout the globe.
Maison ARTC
Headed by Moroccan designer Artsi Ifrach, one of the best things about Maison ARTC is the way that art is integrated into their fashion. With a handcrafted approach and a clear-cut style, the brand plays with textures and patterns that always churn out something fresh and unexpected, something that’s anything but ordinary. Maison ARTC is for anyone looking for menswear that’s both creative and personal.
House of Tayo
We like to think that you can’t really accessorize too much. With a blend of popular culture and heritage through fabrics, House of Tayo presents a collection of men’s accessories destined for longevity purely on quality and aesthetics. House of Tayo is the product of Rwandan creative Matthew Rugamba. The collection of well designed and produced add-ons is a fantastic way of adding small doses of fab to spice up your wardrobe.
Read the original article on OkayAfrica.
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