African Fashion Everywhere...but at Work?

In which country was the first ever major fashion week in Africa held? (see answer below)

Hi linners!

1. Vintage Aso-oke two-pieces

Aso-oke, the traditional handwoven cloth of the Yoruba people of West Africa, has long been a symbol of cultural pride. Historically used for ceremonial wear such as agbada and Ira and Buba, Aso-oke has been creatively reimagined in modern fashion. The vintage two-piece sets you see today reflect this blend of tradition and contemporary flair. Designers have taken the rich textures and designs of Aso-oke and made them perfect for the business setting. Whether you choose a blazer and pant combo or a sleek skirt suit, Aso-oke has proven that culture can blend seamlessly with office wear while making a bold statement.

2. Handwoven Suits

Another timeless favourite is the use of handwoven fabrics to create thick tailored suits of high quality, that give a sophisticated yet bold look. African designers are using cloths like Akwete (handwoven cloth originating from Igboland) and Kente (handwoven Ghanaian cloth)  to make a cultural statement while maintaining the sharp structure and polished finish that suits the business setting.

3. Ankara Suits

The African Ankara wax print is one of the most famous and widely used prints. Designers are taking what was slowly becoming ‘the older generation’s print’ and transforming it into contemporary designs that appeal to all generations and settings— including Ankara two-piece suits. With a wide range of bold and neutral colours, alongside intricate designs, this print is guaranteed to make you stand out in the workplace while keeping your style on point 

4. Afro-geometric pattern cardigans

Finally, Afro-Geometric Pattern Cardigans, inspired by contemporary Southern African designs and patterns, bring a bold, artistic touch to business wear. Known for their striking geometric patterns and vibrant colours, these cardigans often feature a blend of traditional African aesthetics with modern design elements like patchwork and galactic-inspired prints. Designers like Maxhosa have pioneered this movement, introducing playful motifs while maintaining a refined balance of culture and sophistication. Whether paired with trousers for a more casual office look or layered over a suit, these cardigans add individuality and cultural pride to your professional wardrobe.

JESSYS CREATIONS

Founded in Lagos, Nigeria. Jessy’s Creations is a modern fashion brand that embodies the spirit of effortless chic. They create timeless pieces that transcend seasons and trends. Jessy’s Creations prioritizes quality materials, production methods, and swift deliveries to people who stay ahead of the curve and crave unique, stylish clothing.

As you may know, we recently launched a very exciting digital platform that has been designed to help African fashion designers streamline their operations and manage custom-made clothing orders more efficiently - in turn helping them deliver exceptional customer experiences.

No more ghost clients, No more what I ordered vs what I got dilemmas, and certainly No more chaotic order management!
The waitlist is growing, and trust us — you don’t want to miss what’s coming next.

Ready to turn heads? 👗
It’s time to create your look! Whether it’s business wear, a statement piece for an event or everyday elegance, let us bring your vision to life.

That brings us to the end of this Newsletter. We hope you’ve enjoyed this read and if you have any feedback do not hesitate to reply directly to this email.

And before we go, the answer to the above #Brainteaser is South Africa with SA Fashion Week in 1997.

As always, Thank you for being part of our journey — we’re just getting started, and we’re so glad you’re here.

Stylishly Yours,
Umoja linn