20 African Fashion Brands You Should Know About

As editorial assistants for The Folklore, we have come to learn that African fashion is just as diverse as the continent itself. The Folklore, an online concept store founded by Amira Rasool in 2018, has become a hub for discerning shoppers looking for high-end and emerging African fashion and design brands. Created with the aim of reflecting the diversity of Africa's contemporary urban landscapes and unique design aesthetic, The Folklore enhances the visibility of the continent's thriving fashion industry, and we couldn't be more elated to be a part of all the action.

Over the past few months, we have had the opportunity to write about influential figures and incredible collections from a host of artists and designers known around the world. The Folklore gives representation to designers and artists from Nigeria to Senegal as well as Black-owned businesses in North America, South America, and Europe, creating a stage so much wider for African fashion than we had originally thought before joining the team. Whether these brands draw inspiration from their culture and tradition or utilize the abundant textile resources that the African continent provides, The Folklore offers a platform to showcase incredible designs through careful curation of apparel, shoes, bags, accessories, and homeware that can be used anywhere in the world. Some of these brands have been previously unavailable to shop online or outside of Africa—until now. Below, we've highlighted some of the brands that we have come to know and love in our time at The Folklore. Read about their founders and their inspirations, and take a look at some key pieces from their collections.

1.W35t

2. Andrea Iyamah

3. Fruché

4. Selfi

5. Onalaja

6. Orange Culture

7. Gozel Green

8. Kente Gentlemen

9. Soko

10. Mazelle Studio

11. Pichulik

12. Shekudo

13. Lorne

14. Simon and Mary

15. Thalia Strates

16. Angela Brito

17. Loza Maléombho

18. Salt and Sunscreen

19. Rhita Sebti

20. Anima Iris

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