Paris Fashion Week 2025 brought together the world’s leading designers, models, and celebrities; highlighting innovation, creativity, and cultural influence while showcasing both established fashion houses and emerging talent from around the globe.
African designers continue to dominate the global fashion stage, with Paris Fashion Week 2025 serving as a powerful showcase of the continent’s creativity, diversity, and innovation.
This year’s lineup featured acclaimed couturier Imane Ayissi, alongside the six winners of the Africa Fashion Up 2025 initiative — Banke Kuku (Nigeria), Eloli World (Cameroon), Fruché (Nigeria), Hawii (Ethiopia), Oshobor (Nigeria), and Boyde (South Africa). Together, they represented a new generation of African design excellence blending tradition, sustainability, and global appeal.
From Ayissi’s couture silhouettes infused with cultural symbolism to Banke Kuku’s elegant prints that merge British craftsmanship with Nigerian flair, the African presence was impossible to ignore. Eloli World, run by Cameroonian sisters Dibo, Sume, and Fese, dazzled with vibrant color palettes celebrating womanhood and African heritage.
Fruché, led by Frank Aghuno, brought bold storytelling through handwoven Nigerian fabrics and modern cuts, while Hawii Midekssa’s Ethiopian-inspired collection embraced heritage and sustainability. Oshobor impressed with his eccentric color theory and eco-conscious design, and Boyde’s minimalist, geometric pieces from South Africa delivered quiet confidence and sophistication.
African models, many walking Paris runways for the first time, breathed life into the garments — from flowing Ankara-inspired gowns to futuristic sustainable textiles. Their presence reflected Africa’s growing influence not just as a source of inspiration but as a creative powerhouse shaping global luxury.
While challenges remain — from limited funding to navigating global production chains — these designers are breaking barriers and rewriting the fashion narrative. Paris Fashion Week 2025 proved that Africa’s fashion scene is not just participating but leading the evolution of global style. With mentorships, brand partnerships, and growing international attention ahead, the future of African fashion looks brighter than ever.
