African Designers Who Stole the Show at Berlin Fashion Week 2026

Berlin Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2026 (January 30–February 2) spotlighted powerful African talent, turning the city’s gray winter into a canvas for vibrant cultural narratives, sustainable innovation, and joyful defiance. Nigerian and Ugandan designers especially shone, blending heritage craftsmanship with Berlin’s inclusive, rebellious spirit, proving the platform’s growing role as a launchpad for global African voices beyond traditional capitals like Paris.

Here are the standout African participants, with real runway visuals and a bit on each designer and how their vision was represented:

1. ORANGE CULTURE

Orange Culture (Nigeria, founded by Adebayo Oke-Lawal), the Lagos-based label, returned for its second Berlin show, delivering a burst of sunshine against the freezing backdrop. Adebayo Oke-Lawal drew from nostalgic memories of Lagos domestic life, drying laundry in the sun, flowers, softness, and family bonds (including his mother’s judicial strength in sculptural tailoring). The collection exploded in bright oranges, reds, yellows, greens, and burnt hues: fluid dresses, delicate shirts, fringed skirts, and blouses that swished with movement, beading, and collaborations with local artisans (prints with Paolo Sisiano, Shekere-inspired bags with Kisara, footwear with Moni Morgan and Kkerele). It was joyful, community-driven, luxurious, vibrant yet grounded, contrasting Berlin’s muted palettes and translating to real local sales as Berliners mixed the colors into their everyday edge.

2. KENNETH IZE

Kenneth Ize (Nigeria, Lagos-based) made a strong Berlin debut in the Intervention program after a sabbatical, channeling pure joy in his Fall 2026 collection. Known for reinterpreting West African textiles like handwoven Aso Oke, he brought vibrant patterns, gender-fluid cuts, and social commentary that challenged norms while celebrating connection and love. The mood was uplifting and communal, with bold fabrics in dynamic silhouettes that felt fresh, culturally rich, and perfectly aligned with Berlin’s politically awake, inclusive energy. It marked a triumphant comeback, positioning Nigerian craftsmanship on the global stage with effortless confidence.

3. Buzigahill

Buzigahill (Uganda, founded by Bobby Kolade), returning to Intervention for the second time, Kampala-based Buzigahill presented “RETURN TO SENDER 12,” a defiant, political act of upcycling second-hand clothes imported from the Global North. Revisiting East Africa’s 60s/70s promise, the collection featured wide collars, bell-bottoms, fringe-draped blazers, and radical local alterations by figures like boda boda riders. It critiqued consumption politics by “returning” garments to thoughtful, individualistic, fashion, sustainable, narrative-driven, and rebellious forms. The looks blended heritage with contemporary edge, emphasizing transformation and critique in muted yet striking textures.

These designers infused Berlin FW26 with heat, heritage, and forward-thinking rebellion. From Lagos nostalgia cutting through snow to Ugandan upcycling manifestos, African fashion was growing its presence. In Lagos right now, this energy feels especially electric, perfect inspo for remixing local prints with global edge.