All products in this article are independently selected by AMAKA or by the interviewee for AMAKA. However, when you purchase a product through our retail links, we may earn a small affiliate commission.
From experience, finding a dedicated platform to shop a curated selection of African and Black-owned fashion and beauty brands is never easy. Limited accessibility to designers of colour and African designers in particular partly motivated the female founders behind some of our best online boutiques to launch their stores. Offering a range of products, from sustainable names making artisanal garments from places like Morocco and Nigeria to labels based in London and the US, these e-commerce stores offer a selection that spans ready-to-wear, beauty, homeware, skincare and accessories for the discerning, global style and culture enthusiast.
So whether you’re looking to build or update your modern workwear wardrobe, evening wear style, accessories or beauty game, these e-commerce destinations have you covered.
1. Avivere
Launched in 2018 by London-born and now US-based, Ijeoma Ogbechie, Avivere offers a carefully selected mix of women's contemporary and luxury African designer outfits by Emmy Kasbit, Washington Roberts, Kahindo and more.
Ogbechie, who is also a director of capital markets technology at Bank of America Merrill Lynch and a mentor to young designers for the Lagos Fashion Week’s Fashion Focus Fund, says she started her online boutique as a way to give back. “I identified a problem around distribution where a lot of young designers were creating beautiful pieces, but it doesn’t transcend beyond their ecosystem,” she revealed.
Rooted in showcasing traditional craftsmanship with a contemporary twist, she stocks modern and sophisticated looks such as tailored women's suits, skirts and shorts woven from traditional fabrics like Akwete, an indigenous handwoven textile from Nigeria.
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2. Ditto Africa
Somali-American designer and entrepreneur, Ayaan Mohallim, founded Ditto Africa in 2018 with the intention to communicate “the culture and language of African fashion” to the world. Before launching Ditto, Mohallim co-founded the defunct womenswear line, Mataano, with her twin sister.
Driven by technology, Ditto Africa is available as a mobile app and website. According to the company, it ships to over 150 countries around the world, making it a major player in the industry. Ditto Africa sells over 50 rising and established menswear and womenswear designers including the unisex, comfort-driven Marrakshi Life, which is notable for its statement braiding and fold details.
You’ll also find dressy options from elegantly crafted and intricate accessories by Okhtein and the gender-fluid collections of Orange Culture.
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3. Shop ta
Based in New York City, t.a. is the brainchild of Telsha Anderson who launched her luxury boutique in 2020 while studying brand management at NYU. Her mission, she explained to Vogue, is to offer quirky and one-of-a-kind garments, an element that she felt was missing in the retail scene in her city.
With a focus on sourcing from Black designers, it’s no surprise that celebrity-approved Christopher John Rodgers, William Okpo – a sister design duo inspired by their African heritage, and Brother Vellies, a socially conscious footwear and accessories label that collaborates with artisans around the world, make up part of the fifty plus unique offerings available through Anderson’s website and physical store.
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4. Moonlook World
With an educational and professional background in luxury marketing, Cameroonian gallerist and entrepreneur, Nelly Wandji, started Moon Look in 2014 to promote African luxury items to a global audience. Her outlet is dedicated to made-in-Africa products including beauty, skincare, clothing, and homeware categories.
Based in France, where she’s involved in the arts and creative scene, Wandji carries art-world-inspired rising South African men’s and women’s label, Hamethop, leading Ghanaian handbag brand, AAKS, as well as the luxury fashion house, Christie Brown, among many others.
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