The fashion scene in Africa is truly diverse, showcasing a stunning variety of hand-embroidered designs that are deeply rooted in the continent’s rich cultural heritage. Every country across this vast land brings its own unique flair, resulting in an industry that is a delightful fusion of creativity and cultural richness. Gabon is no exception!
The fashion industry in Gabon is making a powerful statement in the dynamic world of fashion. The designs emanating from this country are not just evolving to be more imaginative and creative, but they are also becoming increasingly bold.
This evolution is capturing the hearts of numerous fashion lovers, solidifying the country’s position in the global fashion scene. For instance, the popular “Boubou” dress was brought to life by a Gabonese brand and has since been embraced with love by African women far and wide. This is a clear indication of the growing influence of Gabon’s fashion industry, an influence that has not gone unnoticed by the international fashion community.
However, here at Fashion Police Nigeria, we are all about recognizing the contributions of influential Gabonese fashion brands and designers, such as Oyin Studio, Teddy Ondo Ella, Yezdad Design, and more, in catapulting Gabonese fashion onto the global stage. Their designs are a true reflection of the country’s rich culture, and they continue to leave an indelible mark in the ever-evolving fashion industry with their expressive and creative designs, catering to a wide range of fashion enthusiasts, pushing the boundaries of fashion, and consistently leaving us constantly surprised.
Ahead, we have handpicked six of these Gabonese fashion brands that you will surely love.
Oyin Studio
Oyin Studio is an iconic fashion brand that was founded by the visionary Shawn OYINI in 2019. The brand’s inception was fueled by a profound desire to spotlight the rich craftsmanship of the continent and redefine the parameters of Gabonese fashion.
In its debut collection, aptly titled “Local,” this brand crafts a nostalgic narrative that transports us back to an era of old-fashioned photo shoot parties among friends.
The clothing brand has boldly ventured into the realm of gender fluidity, feminizing men’s fashion and introducing masculine elements into women’s wear. This innovative approach to design is a testament to the brand’s commitment to challenging traditional fashion norms and embracing diversity.
Teddy Ondo Ella
Teddy Ondo Ella is a forward-thinking visionary whose entrepreneurial spirit is deeply rooted in the rich soil of the African continent. The fashion designer’s debut on the global fashion stage was marked by his first collection’s showcase at the prestigious Men’s Fashion Week in New York this spring. The collection, aptly named “Heritage Collection,” is a delicate blend of his Gabonese and European cultural influences, featuring tieless suits known as “Abacos” and contemporary African geometric prints.
Teddy’s love for his homeland, Gabon, is the lifeblood of his brand. He views it as a hidden treasure that he’s eager to share with the global community. His ambition is to present Gabon to the world in a similar fashion through his work.
The couturier’s creative process is influenced by a variety of renowned designers, including Marc Jacobs’ vibrant color palette, Louis Vuitton’s eclectic designs, Tom Ford’s impeccable tailoring, and Ozwald Boateng’s innovative reinterpretation of the classic suit silhouette.
Ondo’s upcoming Fall/Winter collection, “La Sape, the Society of Ambiance-Makers and Elegant People,” draws inspiration from the Congolese movement that originated in the 1960s as a branch of 19th-century dandyism. His future plans involve traversing the entire African continent to draw even more inspiration for his designs, further solidifying his commitment to celebrating and promoting African cultures through fashion.
Style by Lulu
The Style by Lulu brand is a distinguished clothing line known for its one-of-a-kind designs, meticulously crafted from premium fabrics. The brand’s creations eludes chic sophistication, timeless elegance, and alluring sexiness. These fashion-forward pieces are designed using a variety of materials, including traditional African loincloth, as well as other high-quality fabrics like crepe, cotton, silk, and mousseline. Each piece is a unique blend of style and comfort.
DressingbyFlo
Founded by a creative genius, Floriana, DressingbyFlo is a fashion-forward brand that has a keen interest in both clothing and stylish pieces of jewelry and footwear for women. Her passion for fashion and a keen eye for detail are embodied in every piece, made with dedication and love.
Creations by Laudy
Laudy, the creative force behind Creations by Laudy, is a Gabonese haute couture designer who specializes in crafting outfits for special occasions. Her journey into the world of fashion began at the tender age of nine when she was inspired by her grandmother, mother, and the allure of fashion shows. In 2011, the fashion designer took a major step toward her dream by enrolling in a design course at CEMEF in the city of Franceville, Gabon.
Despite her youthful age, Laudy’s talent was undeniable. The creative collaborated with several leading Gabonese fashion designers and participated in numerous styling competitions both locally and internationally. With financial support from the World Bank’s PROCEDE project, she was able to accumulate enough savings to launch her own brand, Creations by Laudy. Since its inception, the brand has received widespread acclaim for its gorgeous designs, establishing the Gabonese designer as a rising star in the African fashion industry.
Yezdad Design
Yezdad, a distinguished designer, is renowned for his unique cuts and unwavering commitment to crafting clothing that rivals the works of the Grand Masters of International Haute Couture. He places a significant emphasis on the fusion of cultures in his designs, making his work a beautiful blend of tradition and modernity.
The couturier’s exceptional talent has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including Best Emerging Stylist in Africa at Fesmma 2013, Best Emerging Stylist in Central Africa at SIMOA African International Fashion Fair in Ivory Coast 2016, and Best Emerging Stylist in Gabonese Fashion at the French Institute in Libreville.
In 2015, Yezdad curated his own fashion show at the illustrious Le Meridien Re-NDAMA hotel. The fashion show tagged “OMBYA” was a grand event that also featured other emerging stylists from Burkina Faso, Burundi, and Gabon. It was here that Yez unveiled “Heritage 3”, his new concept collection, to a captivated audience. The collection was a stunning display of the fashion designer’s ability to blend traditional and modern styles seamlessly. He utilized traditional fabrics like raffia and transformed them into chic, contemporary designs, leaving the audience utterly dazzled.
Photo: Instagram.com/yezdad_officiel
