In 2018, Industrie Africa quietly launched as a portal for discovery of the most exceptional designer talent. In 2020, they created the most innovative online retail destination, featuring the best of African fashion. What began as a digital platform spotlighting African fashion has evolved into a movement one that is reshaping how we wear identity, culture, and how we express ourselves.
Now, Industrie Africa is launching their first physical space, Society of Luxury Artisanship, on Zanzibar’s Bawe Island. Could this be a cherry on top? Most certainly, since they are celebrating the brand’s 5th year anniversary of being in business, how exciting!
So, what does it mean to wear culture today? For IndustrieAfrica, it means placing heritage in conversation with modernity and letting African artisans lead the dialogue.
In their numerous collections, everything tells a story.
Have you heard of "Hertunba SS’25"? This June collection gained so much love and attention and let me tell you exactly why. The collection is a direct and well-thought-out visual and emotional tribute to resilience. The focus is on the color and craft of the pieces… as well as hand-beaded details and rich textures. Industrie Africa says that the
collection is a ‘love letter to those who shine despite broken systems- whoembody light, even when the world is dark’.
More recent collection known as Gozel Green SS’25 tells astory of twin designers and their upbringing in Enugu. The pieces are very much elegant, reflecting the vision of modernwomen graceful in presence, fearless in comeback. It’s unique to seeasymmetric accents mixed with neutral tones punctuated by sharp and bright
colors. The collection was crafted in Nigeria with upcycled fabrics, proving
that Industrie Africa cares about the environment.
There’s something powerful happening on the streets of Accra, Nairobi, Joburg, London, and Atlanta younger generations are no longer waiting to be handed culture. They’re wearing it. Proudly. Loudly. Casually. And intentionally.
Industrie Africa’s role in this? They’re making it easier tofind the threads that connect you to your story clothes that reflect who you really are. Industrie Africa has 80% of their customers based in the US; nevertheless, their market is rapidly growing across Europe, South Africa and more.
Recently, the brand hosted the most exciting pop-up inLondon. Industrie Africa invited everybody to ‘step into a world of vibrantcolor, heritage craft, and signature styles you’ll want to wear now and forever’.
Here’s where Industrie Africa really differs from otherbrands: sustainability is a foundation of their business model. Their sustainability framework highlights not only eco-practices, but also their core value of being kind to the planet.
Let’s have a look at Nigerian label IAMISIGO, whose latest collection explores the concept of time through three symbolic realms Heaven, Earth and Below.
Each piece in the collection has been handcrafted by artists across Africa using recycled materials, including plastic and brass. As Industrie Africa puts it, the pieces ‘speak to the power of sustainability and the stories of those who craft it. ’
Another standout is KhoKho’s Braided Lid Jewelry Basket which can be used as a handbag. ‘Handwoven from sisal fibres and lutindzi grass by a local female cooperative in Eswatini, it's finished with a smooth vegetable tanned leather lid and a braided handle’.
Whether it’s used as a handbag or a jewerly holder, basket is more than just an accessory it’s a symbol of generational craftsmanship.
What really sets them apart is their dedication to making sustainability accessible to consumers. Industrie Africa recently introduced sustainability filters on their website, allowing shoppers to explore collections based on environmental impact, material innovation, craftsmanship, and ethical roduction. It’s a small but significant shift one that empowers buyers to make choices that reflect their values.
As the platform marks five years of redefining African luxury, their message is clear: sustainability isn’t a trend it’s the future of fashion, and it’s happening right here.
By Oliwa klimczak
Design by Komo