If you’ve been scrolling through Pinterest and Instagram lately, chances are you’ve stumbled upon some breathtaking wedding gowns from renowned brands like Amsale, Brides by Nona, and Esé Azénabor.
What might surprise you is that these stunning creations are the work of African wedding dress designers who deserve recognition. In an industry where diversity is often lacking, these designers, among others, are proving that the issue isn’t a lack of talent but rather a lack of representation and exposure.
It is important to recognize that, in reality, these African wedding dress designers are achieving remarkable milestones in the industry, demonstrating not only their creativity and elegance but also their rich cultural heritage. Presenting a diverse array of styles, ranging from modern and classic to sophisticated and glamorous, they cater to every bride’s unique taste.
Ahead, are some of the top African wedding dress designers of today. These designers specialize in both custom-made and ready-to-wear bridal gowns, providing brides-to-be with countless options.
African Wedding Dress Designer: Amsale Aberra of Amsale
Amsale Aberra launched her eponymous brand in 1990, revolutionizing wedding dress designs with her minimalist aesthetic. Although the Ethiopian-American designer passed away in 2018, her legacy lives on through The Amsale Fashion House, led by her husband, CEO Neil Brown, along with a talented design team and her daughter, Rachel Brown.
The Amsale Group, headquartered in New York City, continues to be a leading luxury bridal house, offering modern femininity in every design. Amsale’s dresses are sophisticated and refined, catering to every wedding occasion — from long and short dresses to chic jumpsuits.
As Amsale once said, “I believe that true style knows no place or time—more than an aesthetic, STYLE is a way of living.”
African Wedding Dress Designer: Andrea Iyamah Bride by Andrea Iyamah
Founded by Nigerian fashion designer Andrea Dumebi Iyamah in 2011, Andrea Iyamah Bride is a clothing line deeply influenced by ethnic cultures and elements of nature. The brand remains committed to crafting authentic clothing and bridal wear that proudly celebrate African roots and cultures.
Drawing inspiration from travel and nature, this fashion designer incorporates bold colors, modern femininity, retro classic silhouettes, and a contemporary edge, appealing to the A.I woman—with an adventurous spirit in mind, spirit, and style.
With over a decade in the industry, Andrea Iyamah has gained repeated recognition in the fashion world, being featured in prestigious publications like Vogue, Forbes, InStyle, Huff Post, and more.
Celebrated as a leading African bridal wear brand, it is widely known for its eccentric and unique approach to wedding dresses, often described as high-fashion art. Andrea Iyamah’s ready-to-wear and bridal collections showcase quality dressmaking and rich fabrics, often in signature jewel tones inspired by the vibrant colors of nature.
Beyond the bridal collections, the brand also has its own premium resortwear line — a label rooted in African heritage that has been adored by many figures such as Michelle Obama, Kate Hudson, Gabrielle Union, Ciara, Issa Rae, and many others.
African Wedding Dress Designer: Hanifa by Anifa Mvuemba
Anifa Mvuemba, a self-taught Congolese American designer, is dedicated to creating opportunities for emerging designers through her platform, CBYAM.
Notably, she made headlines as the first designer and brand to use 3D models for her virtual runway show, presenting the Pink Label Congo collection on Instagram in May 2020. Renowned for her innovative designs, Hanifa creations have been worn by influential figures like Beyoncé, Issa Rae, and Tracee Ellis Ross.
Hanifa Bridal made its debut collection outdoors at the Salamander Resort and Spa, a black-owned and women-owned luxury resort in Middleburg, Virginia, during Bridal Fashion Week in October 2023 in New York. The collection serves as an invitation to redefine the essence of a modern bride.
African Wedding Dress Designer: Esé Azénabor
Originally from Nigeria, Esé Azénabor began her journey in fashion by designing custom evening wear. The expansion of her line to include bridal options was sparked by a client’s request for a bespoke wedding dress. Describing the “Esé woman” as strong, empowering, visionary, and a lover of sparkle, Azénabor emphasizes the handmade nature of every piece.
Renowned for intricate hand beading with fine crystals, stones, and pearls, along with hand embroidery on French lace and tulle, she combines these elements with humor, hard tulle, and boning, drawing inspiration from the arts and travel.
While Esé Azénabor gained recognition primarily for bespoke gowns, she introduced a ready-to-wear line called Prêt Mariée By Esé Azénabor in 2020, providing brides with off-the-rack options and faster turnaround times.
African Wedding Dress Designer: Gbemi Okunlola of Alonuko
Gbemi Okunlola, a Nigerian-British fashion designer, discovered her affinity for bridal attire unexpectedly. Initially focused on designing regular clothes and upcycling, Okunlola’s trajectory shifted when clients approached her to create wedding dresses.
Despite not positioning herself as a wedding dress designer, she embraced the challenge. This led her to discover her talent and passion for crafting bespoke wedding gowns, finding special meaning in the sentimental nature of these dresses.
In 2013, at the age of 19, Okunlola founded Alonuko, a London-based luxury bespoke bridal brand. Her designs, highlighting sophistication and elegance, aim to bring out the natural beauty and confidence of brides on their special day. With worldwide shipping, Alonuko has gained significant recognition, dressing celebrities like Danielle Brooks and amassing a large following on Instagram.
Kehinde Adekoya and Daisy Boateng, clients of Alonuko, praised Okunlola for her ability to deliver dresses tailored to their specific visions. Adekoya highlighted the perfect match of the mesh to her skin tone, particularly challenging for darker skin tones, while Boateng appreciated the stunning final dress that exceeded her expectations.
As Okunlola expands her brand’s offerings, including made-to-order dresses, accessories, robes, and a specialty corset, she continues to embody her dedication to celebrating a bride’s innate qualities and enhancing their beauty for a radiant wedding day.
African Wedding Dress Designer: Imad Eduso of Imad Eduso Bridal
Established in 2015, Imad Eduso is a Lagos-based bridal wear brand renowned for its classic styles infused with contemporary trends and colors, offering versatile pieces that cater to modern women.
Owned and creatively directed by Dami Olukoya, the brand aims to redefine modern womenswear while celebrating the African woman’s identity in fashion in innovative ways. Inspired by her sister and the timeless elegance of Audrey Hepburn, Olukoya infuses her passion and vision into every creation.
Imad Eduso Bridal, the brand’s bridal line, specializes in designing dresses for special occasions such as church ceremonies, court weddings, and receptions, pushing the boundaries of traditional bridal wear with unique aesthetics. Known for the vibrant colors that set it apart, the brand has gained prominence at prestigious fashion events like Lagos Bridal Fashion Week, expanding its audience and influence.
Worn by prominent figures such as Chimamanda Adichie, Lupita N’yongo, Dakore Akande-Egbuson, and Bolanle Olukanni, Imad Eduso’s designs exude fierceness, sensuality, and elegance, combining impeccable craftsmanship with a strong presence in women’s fashion.
African Wedding Dress Designer: Nneka C. Alexander of Brides by Nona
Founded in 2014, Brides by Nona emerged from Nneka C. Alexander’s dissatisfaction with the conventional bridal gown selection during her own wedding dress shopping experience.
Driven by a desire to offer brides a truly unforgettable experience, Alexander established Brides by Nona with a commitment to delivering unparalleled luxury and precision in design. With a deep passion for design and a belief in empowering brides to express themselves freely, Alexander creates custom dresses that transcend trends and celebrate individuality.
Based in Atlanta, Brides by Nona presents a curated collection of ready-to-wear wedding dresses and formal wear, primarily focusing on bespoke, custom-made pieces adorned with authentic Swarovski crystals.
Alexander’s designs, worn by socialites and celebrities like Cynthia Bailey of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” exude timeless elegance and intricate details, reflecting modern romance with clean lines and luxurious fabrics.
Whether it’s crafting dream dresses or designing evening wear and bridesmaid gowns, Nneka C. Alexander’s artistry knows no bounds, making her a sought-after name in the world of bespoke bridal couture.
African Wedding Dress Designer: Olakunbi Oyelese of April by Kunbi
As the Creative Director of April By Kunbi, Olakunbi Oyelese brings a wealth of expertise and creativity to her role. A graduate of the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, Oyelese founded April By Kunbi in the spring of 2010, drawing inspiration from the month of April itself.
Captivated by the freshness and newness of spring, Oyelese translated this inspiration into a captivating line of custom bridal gowns and accessories, quickly establishing herself as one of Africa’s most sought-after bridal designers.
The bespoke and ready-to-wear pieces of April By Kunbi cater to women who prioritize fashion, fit, and functionality. With a commitment to offering a comprehensive range of offerings, the brand aspires to become a lifestyle destination, providing everything from wedding gowns, and bridesmaid dresses to eveningwear, cocktail dresses, casual and activewear, sleepwear, footwear, accessories, and lingerie.
April By Kunbi aims to be synonymous with versatility and quality, embodying the motto, “You name it, April By Kunbi has it!”
African Wedding Dress Designer: Orapeleng Modutle Style Avenue
Renowned as the King of Couture in South Africa, Orapeleng Modutle has solidified his status as a leading wedding dress designer with his eponymous fashion house, Orapeleng Modutle Style Avenue, based in Pretoria. Growing up in Kimberley, Modutle was influenced by his mother and grandmother, both talented seamstresses, igniting his passion for fashion from a young age.
Modutle showcased his exceptional talent at the Mercedes-Benz Johannesburg Fashion Week, dazzling spectators with his signature style characterized by intricate beadwork and seductive silhouettes. Embracing a new style journey, Modutle recently launched a limited-edition ready-to-wear collection in collaboration with Superbalist, showcasing his versatility and innovative approach to design.
From brides to working women and everyday fashion enthusiasts, Modutle caters to a diverse clientele, delivering precision and sophistication in every creation. With meticulous attention to detail and expert styling by Asanda Sizani, each look in his collection exudes elegance and refinement, cementing Modutle’s reputation as a true dressmaker.
African Wedding Dress Designer: Pistis Ghana
Established in 2008 by the dynamic husband-and-wife team Kabutey and Sumaiya Dzietror, Pistis Ghana stands as a prominent Ghanaian fashion brand headquartered in Accra. The duo’s journey began after completing their education at Joyce Ababio’s Vogue Style School of Fashion and Design.
Pistis Ghana has garnered prestigious accolades, including the Red Carpet Designer of the Year at the Glitz Style Awards and the ETV Ghana Designer of the Year in 2016, solidifying its reputation as a leader in the fashion industry. Renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail, Pistis Ghana has become the go-to designer for brides across Ghana and beyond.
The celebrity-loved brand specializes in meticulously tailored beaded and corseted gowns for traditional weddings, as well as elegant white gowns for modern ceremonies, thereby catering to a diverse clientele. Pistis Ghana’s clientele includes esteemed figures such as the Second Lady of Ghana, Samira Bawumia, Josesyn Dumas, Juliet Ibrahim, and other prominent figures.
Pistis Ghana gained widespread recognition for its distinctive use of hand-beaded bridal gowns and incorporation of African wax fabrics and kente into its designs, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Ghana.
The brand’s work has garnered attention from the media, particularly for its association with the nation’s Second Lady, Samira Bawumia, further cementing its status as a trailblazer in the fashion industry.
African Wedding Dress Designer: TUBO
Sandrah Tubobereni, the visionary creative director behind TUBO, has achieved international acclaim as an award-winning fashion designer and business mogul. With a background in Business Development and Finance, Sandrah launched TUBO in late 2014, venturing into the realm of custom and prêt-à-porter fashion.
TUBO’s signature style lies in its innovative reinterpretation of traditional African bridal attire, characterized by distinctive silhouettes and chic designs. Sandrah’s creations have graced the red carpet and billboards, adorning A-list artists and celebrities such as Tiwa Savage and Rita Dominic, elevating TUBO to household name status within the celebrity circle in Nigeria and beyond.
Renowned for its luxurious bridal pieces, TUBO caters to the avant-garde bride seeking elegance and sophistication on her special day. Sandrah’s designs embody a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, making TUBO the epitome of timeless elegance in the bridal fashion landscape.
African Wedding Dress Designer: Taibo Bacar
Taibo Bacar, the visionary Mozambican wedding dress designer, draws inspiration from his rich native heritage, African nobility, and the inherent beauty of the female form. Since co-founding his eponymous label in 2008 alongside business partner Tatiana Ismael, Bacar has become synonymous with luxurious wedding pieces distinguished by lively prints and exceptional quality.
With a seamstress as his mother, Bacar’s early fascination with fashion evolved into a powerful tool to showcase African excellence. Through his designs, Bacar weaves narratives that delve into history, resilience, and the vibrant African identity.
In 2011, Taibo Bacar made history as the first African brand to grace the Milan Fashion Week, presenting a colorful collection that celebrated the vivid hues of his homeland.
The brand continued to make waves in 2014 at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Johannesburg with the collection ‘A Luta Continua,’ echoing the rallying call of the FRELIMO movement during the fight for independence. Bacar’s opulent garments have been worn by South African celebrities like Sarah Langa and Shashi Naidoo.
African Wedding Dress Designer: Quophi Akotuah
Quophi Akotuah Gh, a luxurious unisex fashion brand in Ghana, stands as a beacon of authentic Couture and ready-to-wear fashion. With three branches, including Quophi Akotuah Bridal, Quophi Akotuah Menswear, and Ready to Wear, the brand expertly blends African prints with luxury materials. Renowned for his creative prowess, Quophi Akotuah has significantly impacted runways, captivating audiences with his contemporary and daring designs.
A graduate of the Joyce Ababio College of Creative Design, Quophi Akotuah embarked on his fashion journey in March 2016, establishing his brand after internships with renowned designers. Voted the Emerging Designer of the Year at the Glitz Style Awards and winning the “Man Awards” in Nigeria’s Young African Designer of the Year, Quophi Akotuah has consistently garnered acclaim.
His commitment to mentoring aspiring talents and dedication to philanthropy, evidenced through his involvement with the Purple Smile Foundation, underscores his holistic approach to the fashion industry.
Quophi Akotuah’s impeccable attention to detail and craftsmanship is evident in his work, which speaks volumes without the need for words.
African Wedding Dress Designer: Fatumah Asha
Founded by Fatumah Asha, the eponymous clothing brand “Fatumah Asha” in Ugandan has swiftly become one of Uganda’s most sought-after wedding labels, renowned for crafting elegant and contemporary women’s wear.
With expertise ranging from casual to evening wear and bridal attire, the brand has graced Uganda’s most glamorous fashion platforms and recently made waves at Nairobi Fashion Week in Kenya. Positioned for continual growth, Fatumah Asha aims to extend its influence into the West African fashion sector this year.
She recently introduced ‘High Impact Glamour,’ a distinctive collection by Fatumah Asha tailored for wedding guests seeking to make a bold statement. Breaking their own rules, the team worked with exquisite fabrics and colors, embracing a reckless and uncomfortable approach.
According to Asha, this collection challenges conventional preferences, featuring colors like purple, even if not traditionally favored. As the brand consistently evolves, this year promises further expansion into the West African fashion landscape.
African Wedding Dress Designer: Farida Deglel
Farida Deglel, an Eritrean fashion designer, has not only introduced a diverse array of Eritrean cultural dresses to international red carpets but has also seamlessly blended tradition with a modern aesthetic.
Born in Keren, Eritrea, Farida embarked on a successful career in marketing and sales before venturing into fashion design. Her passion for helping orphans, rooted in her mother’s upbringing, led her to organize a successful fundraiser through a fashion show in 2013.
Farida’s designs delve into traditional wedding costumes from Africa and Arabia, offering a modern perspective by incorporating unique fabrics, patterns, and motifs. Central to her brand is the reinterpretation of the Kaba, traditionally reserved for religious events and weddings but now encouraged for daily wear.
She embellishes these fabrics with crystals, pearls, and beads, showcasing motifs and accentuating colors. Farida’s label promotes the fusion of Western aesthetics with cultural fabric and design, aiming to elevate Eritrean hand-woven fabric and support local craftsmanship.
Beyond fashion, her vision extends to social impact, with plans to involve women in the revival of traditional Eritrean hand-woven fabric through shared ownership and apprenticeship schemes. Farida’s label spans women’s wear, bridal couture, men’s wear, children’s wear, and swimwear, intending to develop a ready-to-wear collection for wider accessibility.
African Wedding Dress Designer: Sima Brew
Sima Brew, a highly acclaimed Ghanaian fashion designer, owns the prestigious eponymous fashion label Sima Brew and serves as the director of the Sima Brew Fashion Business Faculty, a renowned fashion training institute.
As a multiple award-winner, Sima Brew embodies creativity, enterprise, and versatility, seamlessly blending imaginative artistry with an organized and business-minded approach.
Regarded as meticulous and conscientious, Sima Brew upholds a consistently high standard of work. Her brand is synonymous with exotic and worldly inspirations, symbolizing every bride’s elegance and ability to dress with sophistication. She strives to bring forth various facets of a personality, creating an intriguing blend of mystery and exposure.
Also inspired by an explosion of color, velocity, dimensions, and traditional oriental embroidery, Sima Brew incorporates these elements with her distinctive signature. Her affinity for nature, expressed through organic shapes like flowers, leaves, and trees, becomes evident in her designs.
Sima Brew dominated Ghana’s fashion scene from 2017 to 2019, earning acclaim for her competence in bridal wear, red-carpet dresses, and ready-to-wear clothing. She leverages the influence of her brother Nam1, a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, to become synonymous with some of the nation’s most popular celebrities, solidifying its status as one of the country’s premier fashion labels.
African Wedding Dress Designer: Adwoa Akwaboah
Adwoa Akwaboah, a young and exceptionally talented Ghanaian fashion designer, has emerged as a leading figure in bridal fashion. Renowned for transforming women’s dreams into reality through her fabulous wedding dresses, Adwoa Akwaboah stands out as a self-taught designer, illustrating the power of pure persistence and determination.
Her Instagram profile showcases a stunning array of bespoke gowns, often featuring elaborate beading, capturing attention and admiration.
African Wedding Dress Designer: AfriKen By Nana
AfriKen by Nana, an Afrocentric fashion brand founded by Kenny Nana Kofi Ansah, the nephew of the late Kofi Ansah, is a beacon of cultural revival rooted in Ghanaian traditions.
A graduate of Accra Polytechnic fashion school and the winner of the MTN DA ViVa Sew Project, Kenny Nana Kofi Ansah was honored as the designer of the decade at the Fashion Ghana Honors Awards.
AfriKen is renowned for its powerful statements in bridal wear, evening and cocktail dresses, as well as office and casual wear for men. The brand effortlessly combines Ghanaian culture and tradition with contemporary trends, offering pieces that are elegantly courageous, daring, and classic in style and fit.
African Wedding Dress Designer: Yemi Osunkoya
Yemi Osunkoya, the visionary founder and creative mind behind Kosibah, established the brand in London in 1991, and it now flourishes in Brooklyn, NYC.
Osunkoya’s journey into the fashion world traces back to his childhood in Nigeria, where he drew inspiration from the opulent bridal designs showcased at weddings attended by his parents.
This early fascination led him to pursue a BA in Fine Art and Textile Design from Obafemi Awolowo University, followed by advanced studies and diplomas in menswear and womenswear from the Paris Academy School of Fashion in London.
Renowned for his meticulous attention to detail, Osunkoya crafts contemporary and elegant wedding dress designs with a distinct fondness for lace. While Kosibah initially focused on bespoke and made-to-order wedding attire, the brand adapted to the changing landscape prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2020, Kosibah expanded its offerings to include ready-to-wear collections in response to the evolving needs of brides. Reflecting on this shift, Osunkoya explained to British VOGUE, “the world has changed, and with so many unknowns, I wanted to create a collection that reflected the new reality… the ready-to-wear collection resonated with that.”
Photo: Instagram.com/andreaiyamah.bride
