African Fashion and Art

Lagos Fashion Week 2024 delivered an unforgettable experience, with designers presenting dramatic garbs that captured the attention and admiration of attendees. The unannounced theme felt like an exciting revelation, as the audience applauded enthusiastically with each striking moment on the runway. 

One of the standout highlights came from Frank Aghuno, the visionary designer behind the brand Fruché. Aghuno orchestrated a carefree performance that took the audience by surprise when a model playfully threw a maxi bag at an attendee, showcasing not just fashion but also a sense of fun and engagement. 

Ugo Monye brought in two noteworthy surprises during his segment: the acclaimed musician Davido graced the runway, adding star power to the event, and fellow designer Sandrah Tubobereni made a stunning appearance modeling menswear pieces. This unexpected collaboration showcased the camaraderie and innovation present within the fashion community.

Adding a unique texture to the event, Éki Kéré unveiled a breathtaking collection that demonstrated compelling uses of raffia, emphasizing the blend of tradition and modern aesthetics. Another standout moment came from Iamisigo, who featured a gorgeous beaded veil that captured the essence of elegance and craft.

At the Royal Box, a private venue in Lagos, Banke Kuku presented her eponymous womenswear brand with a monumental 43-look collection that felt akin to savoring a three-course meal. Titled “The Oceans,” this collection was an exploration of aquatic beauty and environmental responsibility. Kuku’s designs were masterfully rendered, showcasing swimwear, ready-to-wear, and nightwear with vibrant prints that told a powerful story. The stunning set design resembled an Atlantis dream, adorned with bold pillars featuring intricate fish carvings and seaweed sculptures, along with a water bubble maker that added dramatic flair. The color palette was striking, featuring shiny floral silks and majestic designs, including long kimonos and turtle neck capes, all celebrating hope and the importance of caring for our planet's aquatic bodies.

Following Kuku, Desirée Iyama showcased an impressive line that vibrated with life and energy. Her latest collection, titled “Crab and Lobster, A Timeless Resilience,” spoke volumes through its vibrant colors and innovative garment constructions. Each look made an extraordinary statement, beginning with a sensual two-piece adorned with drape work, followed by fish gowns with daring slits, a cozy kimono, and flared pants. Iyama spoke to her inspiration, noting, “I was inspired by nature’s wonders. Specifically, the crab and lobster’s ability to adapt and thrive in turbulent environments resonated with me. Their resilience and transformative qualities guided my design process, blending elegance with sustainability.”

These moments and the creative sparks behind each designer's collection created a tapestry of fashion that highlighted not just aesthetics but also storytelling and environmental consciousness. Lagos Fashion Week 2024 was an event that celebrated dramatic fashion, innovative design, and the rich narratives that shape the industry. 

As we reflect on the showcase, it’s clear that the spirit of creativity and resilience is alive and well among these talented designers, paving the way for future conversations in the fashion world. Stay tuned as we continue to explore and celebrate these unique voices in fashion!

Esther Mahlangu, a true visionary and cultural icon, stands as a beacon of inspiration in the world of art. Her remarkable contributions to the preservation and promotion of Ndebele art and culture have not only captivated audiences globally but have also left an indelible mark on the art world. 

Born into a rich heritage of Ndebele artistic traditions, Esther Mahlangu's journey as an artist began at a young age, learning the intricate patterns and vibrant colors that define Ndebele artistry. With a deep-rooted passion for her culture and a relentless drive to share it with the world, Esther embarked on a mission to break boundaries and challenge stereotypes through her art.

Her groundbreaking work has transcended borders, with exhibitions and installations across the globe, from New York to Paris, showcasing the beauty and complexity of Ndebele aesthetics. Through her bold and dynamic creations, Esther Mahlangu has not only elevated Ndebele art to international acclaim but has also sparked conversations about cultural heritage, identity, and representation in the art world.

Esther Mahlangu's impact goes beyond the canvas; her dedication to community engagement and mentorship has inspired a new generation of artists to embrace their heritage and celebrate their roots. As a cultural ambassador and advocate for cultural preservation, Esther Mahlangu's influence extends far beyond the art world, resonating with audiences who are captivated by the depth and richness of Ndebele culture.

 Esther Mahlangu deserves an honorary doctorate at UNISA for her outstanding contributions to the art world, specifically for her groundbreaking work in promoting Ndebele art and culture internationally.The Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics (Honoris Causa) was granted during a graduation ceremony hosted at University of South Africa (UNISA). Self-taught and without formal academic credentials, Mahlangu is renowned for her striking, oversized contemporary paintings that pay homage to her Ndebele roots. Beyond crafting original and avant-garde pieces inspired by her heritage, she generously imparts her wisdom and techniques to younger generations and the broader community. In her native village, Mahlangu has founded an art school where she instructs both children and adults in the traditional Ndebele painting style and beadwork.

 Her prolific career as a South African artist, particularly within the realm of contemporary African art, has not only garnered international acclaim but also served as a powerful vehicle for cultural preservation and representation. By bestowing an honorary doctorate upon Esther Mahlangu, UNISA would be acknowledging her cultural impact, artistic excellence, and her role as a cultural ambassador for the Ndebele people.

Africa has been home to many key mineral commodities such as gold and diamonds. Although our continent is overshadowed by a plethora of socioeconomic problems and exploitation by the west spanning over centuries, there is no denying that we have a world of wealth buried beneath our surface. 

South Africa, Zimbabwe, and the DRC to name a few are major contributors to the mining industry. Over $1.1 billion is set aside annually for mining exploration in Africa, however, these exploration companies are seldom owned by our African people. 

When we dig deeper into the world of the use of these luxury stones, we discover another uncanny truth about the billion-dollar jewelry industry, to which very few Africans have access. Africa contributes $230 billion to the global jewelry market yet we do not own even a third of jewelry manufacturing companies. 

Amplifying the voices of African Jewelry designers

An open letter by Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) in 2020, called out the jewelry industry for appropriating and capitalizing on Black and African culture, whilst the voices of upcoming luxury jewelry designers remain underrepresented, and equally gatekeepers for opportunities and education for Black women.

Amid these challenges concerning the underrepresentation of Africans in the Jewelry making space, we have seen the emergence of more Black African female jewelers, whose voices have been amplified by pop culture and music industry leaders such as Beyoncé and Rihanna, who showcased their work in music videos and the Met gala in the year 2020. 

The resurgent interest in African culture by pop and mainstream media has become an opportunity for designers like Adele Dejak and Thelma West to showcase their work to a wider audience. Here are the 6 African jewelry makers and designers to look out for in the year 2022.