Right now, I am so in holiday mode as I have two amazing beach getaways planned to Malawi and Sierra Leone at the end of September and December respectively. I’m not one for shopping as I can never find anything I really like, but right now I’m on the hunt for some African inspired swimwear. I’m not sure if there are any African based swimwear designers/manufacturers but there are some amazing
brands that I’ve come across on my search on-line and a couple are now made in Africa.
Andrea Iyamah
These swimwear designs are sexy and colourful. The focus is ‘on selling ethnicity with a modern twist, while maintaining its attention to detail and cuts’. A.I. offers a good range of swimwear styles, block colours and patterns as well as a clothes range that can be purchased in Canada, France, Ghana, Nigeria and US.
Bantu
What I love about Bantu is that the items are ‘Made In Africa, by Africans, sustainably & fairly, and that will never change. Bantu uses traditional processes and works exclusively with local vendors and artisans in Africa to make quality products that are functional and authentic for surfers, urban nomads and afro-punks.’ There are items for men, women and anyone who needs some surfing gear.
Ofuure
I found this designer on Etsy. The styles are simple and chic. The designer also makes clothes and offers customised items made to fit. I couldn’t find much about the brand on-line but its designs are definitely inspired by Africa.
Okun
This African inspired beach wear caters for men and boys only. Not only do they have short shorts, but they have long shorts and a range of footwear. The ‘custom prints are modern interpretations of designs found in heritage African print and woven fabrics such as Congolese Kuba, Ghanaian Adinkra, Kenyan Kikoy and the ubiquitous African Wax (Batik) prints’. The brand has recently embarked on moving its production line from Europe to Africa.
Stella Jean
Stella’s swimwear collection 2013 was quite amazing. It’s a shame it’s two years old, however I thought I’d add it on the list as I loved every single piece. The designs were inspired by her Creole heritage, ‘blending old continent cultures with the verve of the new continent, marrying the opposites in a femininity well aware of its precious uniqueness’. They items are colourful, stylish and very haute couture.
