Throughout time, there’s always been limited information on Black and African fashion history. I’ve personally struggled to find comprehensive African fashion history, stories or archives. And this is not because the stories don't exist; there’s been a lack of representation, diversity and proper documentation. There’s still quite a stretch before the continent’s rich history and stories are fully captured, but thanks to these authors and researchers, the ball has begun rolling. 

Exploring the past, present and future from the pioneering voices that rose from the early years of post-independence, to the emerging creatives challenging clichés about the continent, these three books are sure to set the record straight. Whether you’re a student, creative, or fashion enthusiast, these top picks will serve as a valuable resource to anyone looking to discover the traditions, depth, and influence of African fashion.

African in Fashion: Luxury, Craft and Textile Heritage 

In the new book African in Fashion: Luxury, Craft and Textile Heritage, South Africa-based Ghanaian author and researcher, Ken Kweku Nimo, writes about the regional fashion industry from a contemporary and historical point of view. Nimo addresses important topics such as colonisation, culture, trade, globalisation, as well as textile heritage. 

The illuminating book profiles trailblazing designers like Nigeria’s Shade Thomas-Fahm and Niger’s Alphadi, and also draws attention to some emerging brands that are reimagining the industry such as Tokyo James, Mimi Plange, and Kenya-based jewellery brand, Adele Dejak.

Africa Fashion 

Edited by Dr Christine Checinska, Senior Curator of African and African Diaspora Fashion at the V & A Museum, Africa Fashion launched recently alongside an exhibition titled the same name. Aimed at educating and broadening people’s perception of Africa’s diverse culture, this book examines the continent’s rich textile industry that extends beyond wax prints to groundbreaking designers. 

One such designer is Chris Seydou, who amongst other early innovators reimagined traditional textiles in inventive ways and laid the foundation for contemporary fashion today. You’ll also find brilliant photographs by Sanlé Sory who’s renowned for documenting the music scene and youth culture in Burkina Faso back in the 1970s. 21st century stories by the likes of Awa Meite, Sarah Diouf, and Sindiso Khumalo, who share their design journeys and inspiration, reflect the current state of the industry. 

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Africa: The Fashion Continent 

Born and raised in West Africa, journalist and founder of Lago 54, Emmanuelle Courrèges’s new book, Africa: The Fashion Continent, is a celebration of some of the region's taste-makers. Focusing on the creatives redefining the fashion and creative industry, the book captures a new vision of Africa led by a generation of storytellers challenging stereotypes of African fashion design. 

Amongst an array of content, the book features Ivorian feminist and artist, Laetitia Ky, and South African photographer, Trevor Stuurman, alongside striking street style, runway, and lookbook imagery that reflects the diverse tastes of the creative community.