Today, the African fashion industry is experiencing phenomenal growth due largely to the efforts of a glut of talent pushing its barriers, dressing up some of the world’s biggest celebrities, appearing in major global fashion events, and featuring as some of the most beautiful models ever to strut down the runways. There are also the magazines and, of course, blogs bringing news of these achievements to audiences all over the world. In our opinion, here are 10 of the very best.
Ono Bello
Ono Bello, a fashion writer/journalist, created this blog in 2009 as a complement to the Ono Bello Magazine, to allow for a more interactive platform with readers. On the blog is to be found, unfolding news and events on the domestic and international scene. With up to date information on fashion trends, this blog surely brings a breath of freshness.
www.onobello.com/ www.theunoblog.wordpress.com.
Bella Naija
This blog, formerly with a focus on gossip, was founded by Uche Pedro. Today, it is multi-dimensional with sections providing for lifestyle, movies & TV, business, culture and romance. Its active fashion segment, mainly on the Nigerian fashion industry, offers scoops on Nigerian celebrities and information on the latest fashion trends, in-vogue hair styles and a lot more. In addition, Bell Naija is most popular among many young Nigerian women as a wedding resource.
www.bellanaija.com
Fashion Notebook
The Fashion Notebook is Nanci Mwai’s creation. Nairobi-based, she uses her blog to promote the Kenyan fashion industry, placing it within broader global contexts.
www.nancimwai.com
Stylebytrey
This award-winning blog was founded by Tracy Jamilatu Iddrissu from Ghana who, owing to her contributions to the domestic Ghanaian fashion scene, is regarded as the “Empress of Ghanaian Fashion.” Collaborating with fashion houses like Nouva Couture in Ghana, Nigeria and other parts of Africa, this blog is a must follow for fashion lovers and stylists interested in fashion from Africa.
www.stylebytrey.blogspot.com
Heritage1960
This blog services as a double portal, providing fashion tips, trends and designs from Diaspora Africa and as an e-commerce platform where African produced and inspired pieces are sold. One of its most popular posts is the Guide to Wrap Your Head with Vibrant African Prints, in which it establishes that while the headwarp speaks against destitution and oppression in the United States, it symbolises a profound sense of being, wealth and class in sub-Saharan Africa.
www.heritage1960.com
One Nigerian Boy
Owned and operated by Terrence, a UK-based Nigerian, who was formerly resident in Lagos, Nigeria, the culture blog ‘One Nigerian Boy’, is a keenly focused on men’s and women’s fashion. It is also a great source for excellent deals at reputable online stores.
www.onenigerianboy.com
Style Diary
Owner Carla Fourie, describes the Style Diary as “a South African fashion blog where you’ll find posts about all things fashion and beauty-related, including fashion trends, fashion finds and outfit combinations that I love…” Indeed the blog’s growing popularity is hinged on its success in sharing with the rest of the world, South Africans’ sense of style and fashion.
www.stylediary.com
4Acesdate
With posts on how to appear more fashionable, this fashion blog caters to young hipsters with a keen interest in fashion. 4Acesdate is operated by Lagos-based Abby Omoruyi and her friends, Karen Kaven, Cookie Kaven and Ozzie Etomi, who are resident in the United States.
www.the4acesdate.com
iFASHION
iFashion is one of the leading blogs in South African fashion. Its success may be attributable to a two-pronged approach – tips on how to go about creating and sustaining a fashion label, and listings of vacancies in the South African fashion industry.
www.ifashion.co.za
What My Boyfriend Wore (WMBW)
WMBW, touted as one of the best menswear fashion blogs in Africa, is run by South African Sergio Ines who also functions as its face. The original inspiration for WMBW came from Sergio’s girlfriend, Misha, who posted pictures of what he wore daily.
www.whatmyboyfriendwore.com
