Fashion Designers from Africa Who Stole the Spotlight at Global Fashion Weeks in 2024

African fashion designers are rewriting the rules of global fashion, bringing the vibrancy, heritage, and innovation of the continent to the world’s most prestigious runways. In 2024, their creative genius illuminated international fashion weeks, leaving a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike. From New York to Paris, these trailblazers showcased collections that celebrated their roots while pushing the boundaries of contemporary design. Here’s a recap of some standout moments from African designers who took the global stage by storm.

Five Female South African Designers shine at New York Fashion Week

Under the Give Her A Crown Platform, five remarkable South African designers shared the spotlight at New York Fashion Week and showcased the pinnacle of fashion excellence:

• Gugubygugu by Gugu Peteni’s Do Not Tumble Dry AW25 Collection was inspired by Kenya’s Qui Quarre’s poem about reclaiming women’s hidden power. Her gender-fluid non-conforming designs were a call to women to “unshrink themselves and take up space”.

• HAMETHOP by Tshakani Mashaba’s Resonance Collection was inspired by the women, past and present, passing on information and knowledge from one generation to the next with her pieces representing beauty of our African land.

• MUNKUS by Thandi Ntuli’s collection titled Iphupho (meaning ‘a dream’), blended 70s and 80s nostalgia and modernity, featuring vintage-inspired prints and vibrant colour palettes.

• Manthe Ribane by Manthe Ribane Liebmann delivered a futuristic showcase through her M. Aura Collection that exuded power with abstract and dynamic accessories sitting against fluidly striking monochromatic outfits.  

• Neimil by Keneilwe Mothoa’s collection featured a gallant aesthetic in bold and defined cuts bringing out the best of modern African contemporary fashion in clean lines and earthy tones.

These designers collectively demonstrated South Africa’s fashion diversity, from avant-garde to understated elegance.

Cameroon’s Kibonen at New York Fashion Week

Cameroonian designer Kibonen Nfi returned to New York Fashion Week with her stunning collection, Bimbia II. This line reimagined the history and traditions of Cameroon’s Bimbia region, blending intricate embroidery and bold patterns with contemporary silhouettes. The collection was a heartfelt tribute to her heritage, resonating deeply with the global audience.

Kenya’s Yvonne Afrostreet and African Fabrics and Designs Kenya

Kenya made a strong impression with Yvonne Afrostreet by Yvonne Odhiambo and African Fabrics and Designs Kenya by Kate Mayeye Okaranime gracing the MIGM Styl Show at New York Fashion Week. Yvonne Afrostreet’s collection, inspired by Kenya’s Maasai, modernised the indistinguishable Maasai shuka print into modern feminine styles. African Fabrics and Designs Kenya stayed true to their aesthetic of signature gowns with defined silhouettes, complemented with iconic versatile jewellery from Kenyan brand Maridadi Jewellery.

MaXhosa Africa at Paris Fashion Week

South African designer Laduma Ngxokolo made history as the only Africa-based designer to showcase twice at Paris Fashion Week in 2024 in an individual show.  His Autumn/Winter 24/25 collection titled My Conviction showcased in March was a presentation of what the MaXhosa brand stands for – a reinterpretation of Xhosa beadwork patterns and motifs into modern fashion.

Maxhonnaisse was the title of his Spring/Summer 2025 Collection in September.  A showcase aimed to challenge the perceptions of African Luxury – as a fusion of refinement, craftsmanship and a deep connection to cultural heritage.

Undoubtedly his modern designs featuring bold geometric patterns and vibrant colours, are bound to leave an indelible mark on the Parisian audience.

Sukeina, Lagos Space Programme, and Thebe Magugu at Tranoï Paris

At Tranoï Paris, supported by the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX), three African powerhouses – Sukeina, Lagos Space Programme, and Thebe Magugu – delivered unforgettable collections. Each designer brought a unique vision: Sukeina with its architectural elegance, Lagos Space Programme’s conceptual designs, and Thebe Magugu’s masterful storytelling through fashion.

These designers’ contributions to 2024’s fashion weeks underscore Africa’s growing influence in the global fashion industry. With their innovative designs, they continue to reshape the narrative around African fashion, proving that the continent is a force to be reckoned with on the world stage.