5 Brands Inspired By or Authentically Made in Africa.
I chose my top 5 favorite brands out of the 99 brands that Business of Fashion posted on their list “Black-Owned Businesses.” Each brand below possesses something uniquely special. Ranging from sustainability, eco-friendly practices, completely sourced, and made on the continent of Africa and hand-made designs, below are 5 brands you need to know about.
Andrea Iyamah
Your stop for unique cuts, vibrant swimsuits, and classy, edgy resort wear.
“Andrea Iyamah owned by Nigerian fashion designer Dumebi Iyamah, is a clothing line strongly inspired by colour, ethnic cultures, nature and design elements that stay true to creating authentic clothing and resort wear with hints of a retro yet contemporary edge in design.”
STYLES OF ANDREA IYAMAH:
Evening resort wear, striking bikinis, flowy pants and robes,
Strong influence of African culture,
Contemporary, unique cuts,
Chic ready-to-wear,
Chiffon,
Vibrant patterns with unique cuts,
Unique cuts with solid colors.
Check out a few of ANDREA IYAMAH’S bikinis and Summer 2020 from the BUTTERFLY COLLECTION. (Below)
2. Bello Edu
YOUR STOP FOR QUALITY BASICS WITH STYLISH CUTS. ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY.
“Bello | Edu garments are made with pride in Accra, Ghana either in - studio or with local factories because we believe in creating local jobs and empowering local talent. Our designs are produced in small, limited - edition quantities and each piece is held to the highest standards of quality.”
STYLES OF BELLO EDU:
Designed and made in Africa,
Each garment is made on an on-demand basis, to reduce fabric waste.
Basics meant for your wardrobe as a whole.
Dresses, purses, tops, bottoms, accessories.
SCROLL THRU bello edu bags—>
3. Brother Vellies
YOUR STOP FOR SEXY CLASSY LUXURY SHOES <3 LUXURY ACCESSORIES AND SMALL LEATHER GOODS.
“Brother Vellies was founded in 2013 with the goal of keeping traditional African design practices, and techniques alive while also creating and sustaining artisanal jobs. Now handmade artisanally across the globe, Brother Vellies creates luxury accessories that celebrate cultural histories and timeless design. ”
STYLES OF BROTHER VELLIES:
Handmade boots, purses and accessories,
Feathers, cow hair, springbok…
*Materials are sourced from animal byproduct from farmers in Namibia and South Africa,
Pieces that you will keep in your closet forever,
Also a sustainable brand: they source their materials sustainably, vegetable dyed leathers, soiling from recycled tires, using animal byproducts from farmers in South Africa.
SCROLL THRU A FEW BROTHER VELLIES—>
4. Telfar
YOUR STOP FOR UNISEX PIECES AND YOUR ESSENTIAL BAG.
“TELFAR is a unisex line Est in 2005 in NYC by Telfar Clemens and sold internationally. It’s not for you — it’s for everyone.”
STYLES OF TELFAR:
Essential everyday bags in rich colors and various sizes (in each color),
Made of 100% vegan leather,
Unisex for everyone and every day.
SCROLL THRU A FEW TELFAR SHOPPING BAGS—>
5. Tongoro
your stop for vibrant african inspired prints, oversized pants and flowy dresses.
“Launched in 2016, Tongoro is a 100% made in Africa label providing clothing that offers style-conscious consumers quality, variety and convenience, at affordable prices. Our brand focuses on understanding the fashion that our customers want offering playful and unique apparel.”
I had a lot of fun sourcing new brands to obssess over. Hope you found a brand or 2 that will add new fun into your wardrobe.