Côte d’Ivoire is known for its thriving fashion industry that’s attracting both local and global attention. Visiting the country offers a chance to explore diverse fashion options and lucrative business opportunities in the industry.
You’ll find a mix of established and upcoming designers, manufacturers, and craftsmen, making it a great place to find good inspiration, build your inventory, or launch a new fashion brand.
The country hosts “Afrik Fashion Week,” a big event celebrating African culture through fashion; a hub for artists, designers, models, and fans from across Africa and beyond. Plus, there’s a growing focus on eco-friendly fashion practices, with designers and consumers keying into sustainability, using ethical materials and fair trade methods.
With that in mind, ahead are seven (7) fashion designers from Côte d’Ivoire who are leading the way in shaping the fashion scene.
Cote d’Ivoire Fashion Designer: Loza Maléombho
Born in Brazil in 1985 and raised between Côte d’Ivoire and the United States, Loza Maléombho is a visionary fashion designer and the founder of a fashion brand of the same name.
Growing up in a diverse environment, she was influenced by African traditions and global cultures that shaped her creative vision. Loza’s avant-garde designs blend African motifs with modern elements, telling stories of identity and resilience. Her work has gained global recognition, featuring in top fashion events and media.
Beyond her designs, Loza advocates for African designers and artisans, promoting sustainability and cultural representation in the fashion industry.
Cote d’Ivoire Fashion Designer: Kader Diaby
Kader Diaby, an Ivorian photographer, art director, and designer, is known for his thoughtful and introspective approach to his creative work. He explores the relationship between personal and collective identities, particularly within the context of African culture and heritage.
This exploration has led him to question and redefine traditional notions of identity, highlighting the complexity and diversity of modern African identities.
In 2018, Diaby established his own ready-to-wear clothing brand, OLOOH, signaling a new chapter in his creative journey. The opening of his first store in Abidjan in late 2020 marked a significant milestone, providing a platform for his designs to reach a wider audience while staying true to his artistic vision.
Cote d’Ivoire Fashion Designer: Elie Kuame
Elie is among the African creators who aim to spotlight the continent and redefine luxury crafted in Africa. Based in Abidjan and of Ivorian and Lebanese heritage, Elie Kuame embraces his feminine side in design. His upbringing in Ivory Coast, influenced greatly by his mother’s refined tastes, sparked his passion for fashion.
With extensive training in bridal design and Parisian workshops, he garnered recognition through a contest for young creators sponsored by Hermès House, DRIM, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI). This success led to the launch of his first collection, characterized by regal, detailed, feminine, and sophisticated pieces that have become his signature style.
In September 2019, Elie debuted his namesake boutique “Elie Kuame” in Abidjan.
Cote d’Ivoire Fashion Designer: Aristide Loua
Aristide Loua, an Ivorian designer, the founder of Kente Gentlemen, and the “Designer Africa Fashion Up 2023” award winner. Having studied finance in New York, Aristide returned to Abidjan to launch Kente Gentleman, a brand that has gained global recognition, with its wardrobe pieces reaching every continent.
What sets Kente Gentlemen apart is its incorporation of braided loincloths, handmade in the villages of Côte d’Ivoire, into its clothing. Aristide skillfully combines these traditional fabrics with modern cuts, creating a unique and stylish look.
His goal is to support local artisans while encouraging Africans to embrace products that celebrate their culture and expertise.
Cote d’Ivoire Fashion Designer: Zak Koné
Zak Koné is a trailblazing stylist and the pride of Cote d’Ivoire, known for his distinctive style and undeniable talent. As the creator of the glamorous and chic feminine fashion brand PELEBE, Zak has achieved remarkable success, including helping Andrea Kakou, Miss Ivory Coast 2015, reach the Top 10 in the Miss World contest for designers.
At almost 30 years old, Zak is a self-taught stylist who has transformed into a couturier since joining IFA Paris. Since 2013, he and his dedicated team have launched Zakstyle workshops, producing bespoke creations and collections, including PELEBE cocktails and evening dresses.
Zak attributes much of his knowledge and inspiration to his mentor, Ivorian designer Aya Konan, whom he considers a mother figure.
Cote d’Ivoire Fashion Designer: Mickaël Kra
Mickaël Kra, raised in Ivory Coast, is Africa’s most prominent and renowned jeweler. From a young age, Mickaël developed an appreciation for beauty, art, and fashion, instilled by his mother, who taught him to respect handmade craftsmanship and the transformative power of adornment, hair, and makeup on a woman.
Mickaël is best known for his use of forms, media, and imagery inspired by Africa’s rich and diverse history of body ornaments. “His story unfolds in this book, “Jewellery between Paris Glamour and African Tradition,” through an abundance of images, a series of short essays by fashion journalists and colleagues, and personal notes by Kra himself.”
While not a scholarly work, the book provides valuable insights into the global markets and local influences shaping this significant contemporary African artist. Mickaël Kra has deliberately infused African legacy into his work for international markets — a reflection of his own identity.
Cote d’Ivoire Fashion Designer: Lafalaise Dion
28-year-old Lafalaise Dion, a visionary from Man, a city in Western Côte d’Ivoire, always aspired to make her mark in the fashion industry. She transitioned from studying journalism at the Institute of Science and Technology in Abidjan to becoming the Content Manager at ELLE Côte d’Ivoire.
For Dion, the cowrie shell is a powerful symbol of African legacy and spirituality. Her passion for fashion was ignited and nurtured through her work in the industry, culminating in her role at ELLE Côte d’Ivoire. Known as the self-proclaimed ‘Queen of the Cowries,’ Dion achieved a significant milestone when Beyoncé wore one of her cowrie shell headpieces in the music video for ‘Spirit.’
To Dion, cowrie shells narrate the African story, embodying the legacy of her ancestors and serving as a medium to reconnect with African spirituality while showcasing the richness and uniqueness of her culture to the world.
Photo Courtesy: Pelebe
