Black History Month is a time to reflect, honour, and celebrate the stories, cultures, and creativity that continue to shape the world. At ADJOAA, Black history is not only something we look back on. It is something we live, wear, and support every day through African designers who are shaping the future of fashion.

Fashion has always played a powerful role in African storytelling. Be it heritage textiles or contemporary silhouettes, African designers use clothing to preserve culture, express identity, and imagine new possibilities. This Black History Month, we are spotlighting designers whose work honours where they come from while confidently shaping what comes next.

Cute-Saint: Contemporary Fashion Rooted in African Narratives

Based in Lagos, Nigeria, Cute-Saint is a sustainable African contemporary fashion brand founded by Muftau Femi Ajose, a Fashion Editor and Celebrity Fashion Stylist. The brand was created to shine a light on African stories and perspectives that are often ignored.

Cute-Saint is known for its authentic and edgy designs that balance modern style with cultural depth. The brand works with locally produced organic fabrics and handcrafted batiks made by skilled artisans, ensuring every piece reflects intention and care.

Ethical production is central to Cute-Saint’s identity. Through a pre-order model, the brand reduces waste and minimises its environmental impact. Cute-Saint has showcased at Accra Fashion Week, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Russia, and Ghana Menswear Week, gaining international recognition while staying true to its roots.

Atuche: Honouring African Heritage Through Womenswear

Atuche is a Nigerian womenswear brand founded with a clear purpose to honour African heritage through bold and timeless designs. Inspired by Nigeria’s rich cultural traditions, Atuche blends indigenous fabrics with modern silhouettes designed for today’s woman.

The brand incorporates traditional textiles such as adire, aso-oke, and akwete into its collections, weaving stories of culture, identity, and unity into every garment. Each piece is a reflection of heritage brought into the present.

Atuche Woman is more than a fashion label. It is a movement that celebrates the strength, beauty, and resilience of African women across generations. Through its designs, Atuche seeks to reconnect women to their roots, build confidence, and foster a sense of sisterhood.

NAIA: Fashion for the Free-Spirited Woman

NAIA is a contemporary African fashion brand founded by Benaiah Agbroko. The name NAIA means free-spirited person, and this philosophy is woven into every collection.

Inspired by colour, nature, and imagination, NAIA creates pieces that reflect emotion and individuality. Each design tells a story and is made for women who value self-expression and joy. Collections are produced in limited quantities, ensuring every piece feels special and personal.

NAIA draws inspiration from the NAIA Girls, women who live creatively, embrace nature, and move through life unapologetically. Using high-quality fabrics sourced locally in Nigeria and crafted by skilled artisans, NAIA brings artistry and authenticity to contemporary fashion.

AAKS: Sustainable Craftsmanship from Ghana

Founded in 2014 by Akosua Afriyie-Kumi, AAKS is a Ghanaian accessories brand known for its handcrafted raffia bags. The brand was created to introduce Ghanaian weaving techniques to a global audience while creating sustainable employment opportunities for local artisans.

Each AAKS bag is handmade using raffia that is sustainably harvested to protect the environment and support local ecosystems. The result is a collection of vibrant, beautifully crafted pieces that blend tradition with modern design.

AAKS is guided by a commitment to ethical production and sustainable consumption. By supporting AAKS on ADJOAA, you are investing in craftsmanship, community, and fashion with a lower environmental impact.

Supporting African Designers Beyond Black History Month

The designers featured here are part of a wider landscape of African creativity that continues beyond Black History Month. Their work reflects a blend of heritage, craftsmanship, and modern design that remains present throughout the year.