APiF's List of Top African Designers

Fashionista Joy Adaeze with a JBL Clutch

The Zen Magazine recently posted their top 9 African Designers. That list got me thinking regarding who are my top African Designers in 2013. So I came-up with a rating system to help identifying the designers. And here it goes:

• Selling designs online
• Cooperating with brands and retailers
• Creating several collections a year
• Being innovative and fashion forward
• Being present on Social Media and have an updated website

Duro Olowu
This one is a no-brainer: collaboration with JCPenney (I cannot wait...); all of his collections have his specific imprint and are fashion forward while very elegant and wearable at the same time. His website isn't up to date which is a bummer, but portals like The Outnet and Net-A-Porter carry some pieces of his collections. 

Duro Olowu Summer 2013

Jewel by Lisa 

Another favorite! The bejeweled clutches have grazed already a couple of red carpets. Co-operations with Blackberry and L'Oreal make this label one of the frontrunners. The more affordable J label of the brand is available on several online stores like myasho.


Eki Orleans 
One of the designers that was represented in the Ndani pop-up store at Selfridges in London just before the holidays. Eki Orleans is one of the few designers that offers an online-shop on her website. Check-out the sales tab, it's worth it!

Eki Orleans

 


Doreen Mashika
The designer from Zanzibar just cooperated with Edun on a shoe and accessory line. The FLOTUS owns one of her bags and soon the label will also start selling designs online. 

Christie Brown
I love her designs! The Ghanaian designer always manages to wow with her collections and her accessories. One downer is that ordering online isn't possible yet, but there are some pieces available via myasho.

Doreen Mashika

Ozwald Boateng
One of the probably best known African designers who has been around for a while and continues to stay current. Just watch all the award shows on TV and you will spot actors like Will Smith and Jamie Fox in a Boateng suit.


What do you think? Anyone I missed? Let me know if your favorite designer is missing from this list!