Supported by Share Africa, the sixth edition of the Africa Fashion Up initiative reached a historic milestone. The international jury, made up of leading figures from the world of luxury, media and culture such as Valérie Ka, Vanessa Moungar (LVMH) and Anne Desrumaux (Balenciaga), had to choose between an impressive mosaic of talents to reveal the four faces of the year.
Far from uniform clichés, this year’s selection celebrates pluralist writing, ready to conquer international markets.
The 4 winners who are reinventing African fashion
Mpumelelo Dhlamini – Ezokhetho
Mzukisi Mbane – Imprint – South Africa
A master of an assertive Afro-futurist aesthetic, Mzukisi Mbane turns clothing into a visual language in its own right. His collections combine bold prints with a deep reflection on contemporary identities, creating a bridge between cultural memory and projection into the future.
Mpumelelo Dhlamini – Ezokhetho – South Africa
With Ezokhetho, Mpumelelo Dhlamini creates demanding fashion for everyday wear. His style is distinguished by the surgical precision of his cuts, combining comfort, elegance and durability to structure a modern, functional African wardrobe.
Esther Okonta – Estaz – Nigeria
Esther Okonta brings a timeless, sensitive and deeply responsible vision to women’s fashion. At Estaz, silhouettes are designed for women’s personal affirmation, through durable, easy-to-wear pieces.
K. William Mackenzie & B. Aguy Thierry – Maison Kanty’s – Ivory Coast
This Ivorian duo breathes a breath of high standards into the contemporary scene. Maison Kanty’s shines through its meticulous attention to materials and details, navigating brilliantly between the preservation of artisanal know-how and solid international ambitions.
From HEC Paris to Galeries Lafayette
K. William Mackenzie & B. Aguy Thierry Maison Kanty’s
Selecting talent is one thing, arming it for the global marketplace is quite another. Starting in June, the four winners will embark on an elite acceleration program in Paris:
- Business & Management: An exclusive course in international business at HEC Paris.
- Immersion in Luxury: Private visits to leading fashion houses and mentoring sessions, notably in collaboration with Balenciaga.
Two key dates to remember:
- From June 17 to July 8, 2026: The general public can discover the world of designers at the prestigious Africa Now pop-up at Galeries Lafayette Paris-Haussmann.
- Friday, June 26, 2026: The high point of this tour will be the official collections fashion show at the majestic Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac.
With this record-breaking edition, Africa Fashion Up has definitively established itself as the essential gas pedal of cosmopolitan, sovereign and connected African design.
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