To celebrate Africa Day today, we take a look at some of our local designers who tell African stories through fashion. These are the designers who are unapologetic about their African Heritage and culture, communicating this in their designs.
Imprint
Founded 5 years ago by Mzukisi Mbane, Imprint, is a South African fashion and accessories brand that is known for their iconic African prints, fabrics and unique fashion forward wearable clothing and accessories. Their designs cater for both men and women and most of the garments are unisex.
Stylish men's skirt with blue blouse and sling bag by Imprint. Picture: SDR.
Green polo-neck with red and white printed trousers by Imprint. Picture: SDR.
Khosi Nkosi
Multi-Award winning women’s clothing brand Khosi Nkosi is inspired by the strong, modern, worldly, nubile woman who loves and respects herself and pays attention to detail.
Fitted dress with voluminous sleeves by Khosi Nkosi. Picture: Facebook.
Green dress by Khosi Nkosi. Picture: Facebook.
R.ICH Factory
RI.CH Factory is an African contemporary clothing brand founded by Rina Chunga, a pan African who believes in uniting Africans as well as making South Africa proud through fashion. Chunga believes in the importance of telling African stories through her work.
Multi layered maxi skirt with cropped top by R.ICH Factory. Picture: SDR.
Colourful mini dress by R.ICH Factory. Picture: SDR.
Unknown Union
This brand which ”stands like dwarves on the shoulders of giants" traverses Africa to bring its findings into their designs. Thé Unknown Union street wear brand is made up of Jason Storey, who is the founder and CEO, Yasiin Bey, the creative director and Barbaro Martines-Ruiz, the art director. Together, they explore different African cultures and embrace them through fashion.
Sangoma printed apparel by Unknown Union. Picture: SDR.
BaSotho inspired coat by Unknown Union. Picture: SDR.
MaXhosa by Laduma
MaXhosa by Laduma is one of Africa's most recognizable knitwear brands. Founded by Laduma Ngxokolo, the brand takes delight in being an agent of change, shifting and evolving with the changing times and further engaging in dialogue that pushes Xhosa culture to the future.
Fringed ladies two-piece by MaXhosa by Laduma. Picture: SDR.
Stylish men's gear by MaXhosa by Laduma. Picture: SDR.
Africa Day is celebrated every year on May 25.