Africa's Fashion Edge: Stories Only Africans Can Tell

South African designer Wanda Lephoto argues that Africa's competitive advantage in fashion lies in its cultural knowledge, inherited craft, and human collaboration, which cannot be easily reproduced elsewhere.

Lephoto, whose work exists at the intersection of design, research, memory, and spirituality, recently gave a keynote on making African fashion at the 2026 Africa Textile Talks, organised by Twyg. In her keynote, Lephoto emphasized the importance of local textiles, which represent human hands and human lives, and are essential to African design.

According to Lephoto, design is a way of asking questions and examining cultural codes, allowing her to tap into the rich cultural heritage of the continent. This approach is supported by UNESCO's report, The African Fashion Sector: Trends, Challenges and Opportunities for Growth, which highlights the unique heritage, technical skills, and creative vision of contemporary African fashion designers.

## Why it matters The significance of Lephoto's perspective lies in its emphasis on the value of cultural knowledge and human collaboration in African fashion. By recognizing the importance of local textiles and the stories behind them, African designers can create unique and authentic fashion that showcases the continent's rich cultural heritage. This approach not only sets African fashion apart from other global fashion industries but also provides a competitive edge that cannot be easily replicated.

Lephoto's work and ideas have been featured in an interview with the bird story agency, further highlighting the importance of her perspective on African fashion. As the fashion industry continues to evolve, Lephoto's emphasis on cultural knowledge, inherited craft, and human collaboration is likely to play a significant role in shaping the future of African fashion.