12 Brands You Need On Your Summer Wishlist
Your summer wish list sorted
It’s time to make way for the hazy summer days. Now that vaccine passports are eagerly waiting to collect flight stamps and relaxed lockdown rules are kicking into effect, there are already clear signs that things are slowly phasing back into normal. All across the world, festival and concert lineups are being announced every other week and fashion runways opening up once again to fashion lovers everywhere.
While we still need to be safe and maintain a healthy distance from people in public spaces, our summer itinerary is piling up by the second and there are already a million hot-button events to hit over the next few weeks. So, it’s time to ditch the sweats and the athleisure wear and opt for more stunning and glittering sartorial choices whatever your plans may be this holiday season. Whether you’re preparing to have a hot girl summer with your best mates or prefer smaller events where you can dress as comfortably as possible, we’ve got you covered on what’s hot this season.
To this end, the NATIVE creative assistant, Ada Nwakor has compiled a foolproof summer shopping list of African-owned fashion and accessories brands to shop till you drop.
Blndstudio
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BLNDE was founded by Ariana Udeh in November 2020 and officially launched on May 12, 2021, a national holiday now known as BLNDE day! Offering fun, youthful statement pieces that challenge the status quo, the womenswear brand ultimately promotes self-expression and exploration. BLNDE is also inspired by go-getting Gen Z women that are constantly pushing the boundaries of style in Nigeria and the idea of how women “should” be dressed. Currently, their Ginger Set is the brand’s best-seller. It features an 11-inch micro skirt and a cropped tank top with a corset closure. Looks cute on any stylish lady.
Shakara World
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Shakara W0rld was formed in late April 2021 by Shalewa Badiru. Shakara is known for sourcing only vintage designer items but recently, they have also branched into the sale of their own clothes. They also offer renting options for those not committed to making a full purchase. Renting clothes is a novel idea in Nigeria and was inspired by a need to save resources and create sustainable modes of production where viable material doesn’t get discarded. Currently, the brand only sells one of each product, rooted in the idea that each item is personal to its owner. If you’re the type to wear tabi boots in the heat of Lagos or throw on a shaggy hat before diving into a mosh pit, this is the best place to shop.
Rendoll
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Rendoll is a Nigerian-owned womenswear brand founded by Reni Kekere-Ekun in June 2019. This is probably one of our favourites on the list. All crafted and designed in Lagos, Nigeria, the brand boasts of superb quality and chic, classy style for all women and all body types from sizes Uk 6-24. This summer, colours seem to be a defining theme and Rendoll is no different as they’ve just released their vibrant SS21 collection, complete with all the resplendent colours imaginable. This summer also, Rendoll launched its first swimwear collection which is absolutely to die for! We recommend the Rendoll NIKKI set, Jordyn set and Larissa dress. For swimwear, the RIVIERA is a yes from us. Love it!
Shakkar Shades
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Shakkar Shades is a sunglasses brand for the African millennial and Gen Z founded in 2017 and designed by Idara Akai and Sore Odunsi. For diversity on the list, we had to include an eyewear brand knowing that there is no better time to rock a nice pair of sunglasses like the summertime. The brand also sells tees and totes which are essentials for OOTD’s this summer. Their latest collection, ‘Nostalgia’ is mainly inspired by the ’60s and ’80s as they push the limits on eyewear to deliver timeless, classic frames for all sexes. Your summer wardrobe isn’t complete without Shakkar.
Kilentar
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Kilentar is a womenswear brand known for its ultra-feminine, clean, elegant pieces. Formed back in October of 2019 by Michelle Adepoju, the fashion brand is well underway to making a big splash this summer with their latest clothing and beachwear collections. and it has already made waves. Whether it’s the latest Aye set that’s been donned by your favourite Star Girl or the Ileke bikini set, Kilentar has all the girls sorted out for chic, staple summer pieces. Don’t miss out on this.
SXGWMN
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Founded by Rachel Enoh in 2020, SXGWMN is the womenswear brand for stylish young women under the parent brand, Shade of Gray. Since then, the brand has created exclusive pieces for badass females who are or would love to exude their bold and sexy side. The current best-seller at Sxgwmn is the NBC Bloom set which is perfect for a summer day to night outing. However, keep your eyes peeled for the brand’s IG account where Rachel and her host of talented influencers are constantly teasing new collections.
Meji Meji
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Tolu Coye and Dotun Abeshinbioke’s clothing brand, Meji Meji is an exercise of the pair’s deep love for their Nigerian heritage. The fashion designer and creative director both met when they were in New York, fashioning a formidable friendship that has spurred several creative outputs including their fashion line. Meji Meji, as the brand name depicts, is the union of two minds and hearts creating timeless pieces for the pan-African woman. Championing “boldness and liberation”, the fashion label boasts a charming collection of graphic tees with pidgin slangs, vibrant bucket hats, and the latest hot seller: the Meji Meji Samurai flip flops which all your favourite Nigerian stars are already sporting.
Second Skin Label
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Second Skin label is a womenswear brand founded in 2020 by Onyeka Ambrose. The brand highlights the beautiful Black skin tones in varying shades from nudes, to browns, blacks and more. The brand does a great job of praising the darker-skinned Black women which in the fashion world isn’t always the case. Your summer wardrobe definitely needs both the AZIRA and the AYLA collections which are lovely for every and all occasion.
Lulla Studio
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Lulla studio was founded in Lagos Nigeria by Lu Adesola and is known for its amazing unique prints and androgynous styles. Inspired by the designer’s cultural and artistic views, the clothes are internationally and locally sourced here in Nigeria using adire and native prints and patterns. Currently, their best seller is the Genesis collection which has been worn by the likes of Davido already this summer. Additionally, the Aliza Co-ord set and the Gad set are also good options to include in your wardrobe. Stylish yet comfortable.
Milfland
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Mifland is an American-based brand founded by Tobi Egberongbe which caters to both females and male consumers. The brand creates both clothes and accessories which showcases the high level of design, photography architecture the designer possesses. Rucksack is a statement piece of raw Leather bags that are handmade and well made and of great quality. My favorite pieces for the summer are bucket hats, Cabana shirts and shorts, perfect for a summer outing or beach day. The colours and styles are so insta ready.
AAKS
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Founded by Akosua Afriye-Kumi, a fashion student from Ghana who studied at Kingston University in England, AAKS is a Ghanaian brand that is known for its delicious handcrafted bags. A bag is always needed during the summer because how else would you be able to carry your valuables or essentials when going to the beach or to a party or rave. Why not try out an AAKS bag this summer? All the bags featured on AAKS are all made by women in Ghana with the aim to increase jobs within Africa. The best bags are her Hana pompon bags – you can never go wrong with a cute mini bag with a lovely colour and pompoms all over it. If bigger sizes are your style, then try out the Baba berry bag.
SS label
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A beach day is never far away when you live in the tropics. Model and designer, Sharon Smithy knows this all too well as she’s got all the hit girls covered with her eponymous beachwear line, made to perfection. Created at the start of 2020, just before the world fell into lockdown mode, the hot button label has wasted no time breaking into the market with eye-catching bikinis and two-piece sets donned by your favourite models and influencers.
Featured image credits/NATIVE
Words by Tami Makinde and Ada Nwakor
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