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5 African Designer Brands Fusing Cultural Heritage with Luxurious Modernity

May 30, 2024
Written by ConsiderBeyond
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In order for a clothing material to be used in a piece of clothing, considerable time is spent to extract these raw materials, process them into fabric, and patch them up as a garment. Hence, a material can be deemed sustainable if it contributes to reducing the environmental impacts during this life cycle. We introduce five fibers we can choose from that help make an item of clothing more sustainable.

1. Andera Iyamah

Instagram | @andreaiyamah
Shipping | Worldwide

If you're looking for a brand that blends cultural heritage with contemporary flair, Andrea Iyamah is a must-see. Founded by Nigerian designer Andrea Dumebi Iyamah in 2011, this label draws inspiration from ethnic cultures and nature, offering vibrant colors, retro-classic silhouettes, and modern femininity. Andrea Iyamah’s unique swimwear and resort wear have become cult favorites, worn by style icons like Michelle Obama and Gabrielle Union. Featured in Vogue and Forbes, the brand is celebrated for its quality tailoring and luxurious fabrics. With operations in Toronto, Lagos, and New York, Andrea Iyamah caters to confident, adventurous women who love to make a statement. Discover the brand that’s redefining African resort wear and captivating fashion enthusiasts worldwide.

Shop Andera Lyamah
Photo by Andera Iyamah

2. DIARRABLU

Instagram | @thediarrablu
Shipping | Worldwide

Discover DIARRABLU, a captivating contemporary lifestyle brand that seamlessly merges sustainability with chic design. Founded by the visionary Diarra Bousso, this brand takes you on a journey that transcends borders, blending traditional artisanal techniques from Senegal with cutting-edge technology. Each garment is a masterpiece, boasting bold prints and inclusive sizing, catering to the free-spirited wanderer in all of us.

Shop DIARRABLU
Photo by DIARRABLU

3. AAKS

Instagram | @aaks
Shipping | Worldwide

AAKS, founded by Akosua Afriyie-Kumi, is a brand that redefines the significance of basket bags, blending tradition and modernity. Inspired by her Ghanaian heritage and experiences in the UK, Afriyie-Kumi crafts bags that are softer, foldable, and adorned with contemporary colors. Sustainability is at the heart of AAKS, with a focus on eco-friendly materials and traditional weaving techniques that support local craftsmanship and fair wages. The brand's collaboration with Malian refugees in Burkina Faso exemplifies its commitment to economic empowerment and preserving tradition. Afriyie-Kumi draws inspiration from nature and diverse cultures, with her signature Baw Pot bags reflecting African traditions. With future plans to incorporate Kente Fabrics into designs, AAKS continues to celebrate Ghanaian heritage while embracing innovation and purposeful craftsmanship. See our exclusive interview with the founder on Stories.

Shop AAKS
Photo by AAKS

4. K Í L È N T Á R

Instagram | @kilentar
Shipping | Worldwide

Kílẹ̀ńtàr is a fashion brand inspired by the vibrant markets of Southwestern Nigeria, encapsulating the essence of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics. Their timeless designs draw from Africa's cultural heritage, incorporating ancient techniques like dyeing and weaving. Founded by Michelle Adepoju, the brand reflects her deep connection to Yoruba culture and her passion for sustainability. Each garment is a tribute to skilled artisans, embodying elegance and feminine silhouette. Through their commitment to circular design practices, Kílẹ̀ńtàr redefines the fashion industry's approach to production and consumption, celebrating Africa's rich culture and craftsmanship.

Shop kilentar
Photo by Kílẹ̀ńtàr

5. Elexiay

Instagram | @elexiay
Shipping | Worldwide

Founded by Elyon Adede in 2018, Elexiay reimagines traditional crochet and knit techniques sustainably. With a focus on handmade pieces that minimize environmental impact, the brand showcases Nigeria's rich heritage. Each garment, crafted without machines, honors local craftsmanship and empowers female artisans. Elexiay's commitment to quality extends globally, with knits sourced from Europe and Asia. Join the movement and embrace fashion that's ethical, elegant, and empowering.

Shop Elexiay
Photo by Elexiay

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5 African Designer Brands Fusing Cultural Heritage with Luxurious Modernity

May 30, 2024

1. Andera Iyamah

Instagram | @andreaiyamah
Shipping | Worldwide

If you're looking for a brand that blends cultural heritage with contemporary flair, Andrea Iyamah is a must-see. Founded by Nigerian designer Andrea Dumebi Iyamah in 2011, this label draws inspiration from ethnic cultures and nature, offering vibrant colors, retro-classic silhouettes, and modern femininity. Andrea Iyamah’s unique swimwear and resort wear have become cult favorites, worn by style icons like Michelle Obama and Gabrielle Union. Featured in Vogue and Forbes, the brand is celebrated for its quality tailoring and luxurious fabrics. With operations in Toronto, Lagos, and New York, Andrea Iyamah caters to confident, adventurous women who love to make a statement. Discover the brand that’s redefining African resort wear and captivating fashion enthusiasts worldwide.

Shop Andera Lyamah
Photo by Andera Iyamah

2. DIARRABLU

Instagram | @thediarrablu
Shipping | Worldwide

Discover DIARRABLU, a captivating contemporary lifestyle brand that seamlessly merges sustainability with chic design. Founded by the visionary Diarra Bousso, this brand takes you on a journey that transcends borders, blending traditional artisanal techniques from Senegal with cutting-edge technology. Each garment is a masterpiece, boasting bold prints and inclusive sizing, catering to the free-spirited wanderer in all of us.

Shop DIARRABLU
Photo by DIARRABLU

3. AAKS

Instagram | @aaks
Shipping | Worldwide

AAKS, founded by Akosua Afriyie-Kumi, is a brand that redefines the significance of basket bags, blending tradition and modernity. Inspired by her Ghanaian heritage and experiences in the UK, Afriyie-Kumi crafts bags that are softer, foldable, and adorned with contemporary colors. Sustainability is at the heart of AAKS, with a focus on eco-friendly materials and traditional weaving techniques that support local craftsmanship and fair wages. The brand's collaboration with Malian refugees in Burkina Faso exemplifies its commitment to economic empowerment and preserving tradition. Afriyie-Kumi draws inspiration from nature and diverse cultures, with her signature Baw Pot bags reflecting African traditions. With future plans to incorporate Kente Fabrics into designs, AAKS continues to celebrate Ghanaian heritage while embracing innovation and purposeful craftsmanship. See our exclusive interview with the founder on Stories.

Shop AAKS
Photo by AAKS

4. K Í L È N T Á R

Instagram | @kilentar
Shipping | Worldwide

Kílẹ̀ńtàr is a fashion brand inspired by the vibrant markets of Southwestern Nigeria, encapsulating the essence of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics. Their timeless designs draw from Africa's cultural heritage, incorporating ancient techniques like dyeing and weaving. Founded by Michelle Adepoju, the brand reflects her deep connection to Yoruba culture and her passion for sustainability. Each garment is a tribute to skilled artisans, embodying elegance and feminine silhouette. Through their commitment to circular design practices, Kílẹ̀ńtàr redefines the fashion industry's approach to production and consumption, celebrating Africa's rich culture and craftsmanship.

Shop kilentar
Photo by Kílẹ̀ńtàr

5. Elexiay

Instagram | @elexiay
Shipping | Worldwide

Founded by Elyon Adede in 2018, Elexiay reimagines traditional crochet and knit techniques sustainably. With a focus on handmade pieces that minimize environmental impact, the brand showcases Nigeria's rich heritage. Each garment, crafted without machines, honors local craftsmanship and empowers female artisans. Elexiay's commitment to quality extends globally, with knits sourced from Europe and Asia. Join the movement and embrace fashion that's ethical, elegant, and empowering.

Shop Elexiay
Photo by Elexiay