South Africa, with its rich cultural tapestry and vibrant heritage, serves as a fertile ground for fashion that seamlessly intertwines tradition and modernity.
In the pursuit of recognising excellence in the realm of African fashion, we present the Best African Fashion Store awards, spotlighting the top 10 establishments that have captured the essence of the continent’s diverse sartorial expressions.
1. Africa Fashion House
Securing the second spot is Africa Fashion House, a distinguished establishment that beckons fashion enthusiasts with its diverse range of garments.
This store is synonymous with elegance, offering a carefully curated selection that showcases the continent’s rich cultural heritage.
With an unwavering commitment to quality craftsmanship and unique designs, Africa Fashion House is a deserving contender for the Best African Fashion Store accolade.
2. Haute Afrika
Taking the lead in our rankings is Haute Afrika, a digital sanctuary for fashion connoisseurs. Renowned for its curated collection that artfully merges contemporary trends with traditional African aesthetics, Haute Afrika stands as a beacon of innovation and style.
Navigating their online space is a journey into a world where every garment tells a story, celebrating the beauty of African heritage.
3. The Wild Coast Trading Company
Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of South Africa, The Wild Coast Trading Company claims the third position.
Beyond being a store, it presents a cultural odyssey. Embracing sustainable and ethical fashion, this establishment seamlessly blends style with environmental consciousness. The Wild Coast Trading Company is not merely a shopping destination but a testament to the marriage of fashion and responsibility.
4. Rural Goddess
Earning its place in the top ranks is Rural Goddess, a store deeply rooted in South African culture. This establishment brings forth a collection that radiates authenticity and pays homage to local artisans.
Its dedication to preserving traditional techniques and celebrating craftsmanship sets Rural Goddess apart in the competitive landscape of African fashion.
5. Yellow Sub Trading Company
The fifth spot is claimed by Yellow Sub Trading Company, recognised not just for its eclectic collection but also for its commitment to community upliftment.
Through their range of products, this store provides a platform for local artisans, contributing to the broader narrative of African fashion. Yellow Sub Trading Company embodies the spirit of collaboration and empowerment.
6. Styles by Tumi
Styles by Tumi secures the sixth position with its personalized touch and commitment to providing a unique shopping experience. This establishment excels in infusing contemporary flair into traditional African designs, catering to individual preferences with a diverse range of fashionable offerings.
7. Ankara
They are the leaders in African print supply and retail in South Africa. Whether it is the best quality 100% waxed cotton fabric or a high-end African print-designed garment accessory you can rely on Ankara.
The garments under Ankara Apparel are designed by Africa’s best fashion designers who come with a wealth of experience in dealing with African print patterns.
They currently have five physical retail locations that are franchise owned; East London, Pretoria, Durban, Cape Town, and Sandton.
8. Shop Medu
Medu is not your average African fashion store. Their design team drew inspiration from the traditional Odelela print dresses worn by Aawambo women of Namibia to create a dress that celebrates the beauty and diversity of African cultures.
At their core, they believe that fashion should empower and inspire individuals to express their unique personalities and styles. The Pheladi Yele Dress was designed to add a touch of free-spiritedness and fun to your traditional fashion collection, while also being modern and stylish.
9. Sweet Peas
Sweet Peas was founded in 2017, with the intention of creating handcrafted , locally produced premium pieces with an international influence that couldn’t be found in South Africa.
A vision conceived from the idea of designing functionally refined pieces that are custom made locally with quality and craftsmanship at the helm.
From their first collection of a mere few leather sandal styles in 2017, Sweet Peas has seen a natural evolution into many different leather footwear collections and in to a premium ready to wear linen clothing collection.
10. Laviye
Laviye was founded in 2012 to inspire millennials in the diaspora to renew a sense of pride in their African culture. They wanted to create a channel for men and women to find confidence in self-expression, to be bold in their outfit choices and resolute about what they believe in!
Their mission is to create a lifestyle brand that showcases the beauty of African fashion by merging vibrant African fabrics with ‘Western’ silhouettes to create the ‘African-meets-Western’ look.
