Africa in Fashion By Ken Kweku Nimo

Africa in Fashion explores the kaleidoscope of craft cultures and the vectors that have shaped African fashion for centuries. The book explores emerging markets in Africa and a local industry at the cusp of global relevance, while projecting the intriguing stories of contemporary and avant-garde African brands. The book is divided into two parts. Part One is split into two chapters, with both providing an overarching narrative on African fashion history and contemporary issues. In the rst chapter, the history of African fashion is discussed, encompassing the rich cultural heritage of indigenous textiles under transformational agencies of culture, trade, colonialism and globalization. The second chapter presents a New Africa and examines the promise and potential of Africa’s markets, while challenging stereotypes and the concept of European hegemony particularly in realm of luxury fashion.

Part Two ushers the reader into the spectacular world of African fashion today. It showcases a carefully curated set of the continent’s most dynamic brands, and through interviews with prominent and inspiring designers, oers rare insight into their ethos and design practice. Covering androgynous fashion, menswear, womenswear, accessories and jewellery the brands are each purposefully selected to contribute uniquely to the mosaic of Africa evolving creative landscape.

Ken Kweku Nimo is a Ghanaian researcher, brand strategist and author. He holds a BA Hons in fashion merchandizing and MA in Design from the University of Johannesburg. Ken’s work underscores the potential of Africa’s budding luxury industry as a catalyst for economic transformation and the advancement of Africa’s fabled cultural renaissance. He has contributed articles to the Journal of Design, Business and Society, and the Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management. He is a regular speaker at the prestigious In Pursuit of Luxury Conference (IPOL): a pioneering platform for interdisciplinary dialogue on luxury. Ken has featured as a panelist at numerous conferences and forums on African culture, fashion and luxury.

Format: 257x190 mm

Extent: 200 pages

Words: 25,000

Illustrations: With 225 illustrations, 225 in colour

Binding: Paperback with Jacket