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The West African Brands to Know Ahead of "Detty December"

From the hottest new streetwear brands to slow fashion experts, these are some of Ghana and Nigeria’s biggest and best.

The West African Brands to Know Ahead of "Detty December"

From the hottest new streetwear brands to slow fashion experts, these are some of Ghana and Nigeria’s biggest and best.

December is upon us once again, which means that many of us all around the world are preparing to go home for the holidays. For Ghanaians and Nigerians, though, December represents an even bigger homecoming. “Detty December,” a term coined by Mr. Eazi in 2016 that has since become a colloquial phrase for this annual return to the motherland, is a cultural phenomenon that transcends borders and industries.

“Detty December” is an exciting period of time full of events, from concerts and music festivals to boat races, all taking place in the few weeks leading up to the New Year. Clothes might not be the first thing on anyone’s mind when planning their own December bucket list. Still, with thousands of independent boutiques, luxury designers and streetwear brands making a name for themselves between the two countries, it’s hard to ignore the fashion side of this cultural moment.

Nigeria and Ghana are known globally for their textiles and craftsmanship, and the labels that are emerging from both countries are producing some of the most unique, sustainable and chic designs in the industry right now. Whether you’re touching down in Accra and Lagos this holiday season, or just looking for a brand to transport you there through fabric and style, here are the brands you need on your shopping list this “Detty December.”

RÍRÁN

Detty December, Lagos, Accra, Nigeria, Ghana, African Fashion, Nigerian brands, Ghanaian brands, West African brands, African luxury, Streetwear, Street Souk RÍRÁN is one of Lagos’ best-kept secrets when it comes to the city’s fashion scene. A go-to for flowy sets, occasion dressing and perfectly tailored silhouettes, this is the first store to check out for that inevitable event you have nothing to wear to.

THIS IS US

Detty December, Lagos, Accra, Nigeria, Ghana, African Fashion, Nigerian brands, Ghanaian brands, West African brands, African luxury, Streetwear, Street Souk THIS IS US takes a hyperlocal approach to design, focusing on traditional dyeing and weaving techniques. All the fabric is grown and woven in Katsina and hand-dyed at the Kofar Mata Dye pits in Northern Nigeria, building a unique connection to the land through clothing.

PALMWINE IceCREAM

Detty December, Lagos, Accra, Nigeria, Ghana, African Fashion, Nigerian brands, Ghanaian brands, West African brands, African luxury, Streetwear, Street Souk Founded by Ghanaian-British designer Kusi Kubi, PALMWINE IceCREAM is heavily inspired by Accra’s landscape and Ghana’s rich culture. Sustainability and storytelling are at the heart of the emerging luxury brand, nodding to Kubi’s home country with every collection.

Lisa Folawiyo

Detty December, Lagos, Accra, Nigeria, Ghana, African Fashion, Nigerian brands, Ghanaian brands, West African brands, African luxury, Streetwear, Street Souk Lisa Folawiyo is a trailblazer in the Nigerian fashion scene. Known for combining popular Ankara wax fabric with hand-beaded details and intricate tailoring, the brand’s signature designs are easy to spot. It’s also a celebrity favorite, approved by the likes of Solange Knowles and Temi Otedola.

Jermaine Bleu

Detty December, Lagos, Accra, Nigeria, Ghana, African Fashion, Nigerian brands, Ghanaian brands, West African brands, African luxury, Streetwear, Street Souk Another brand with a heavy focus on traditional textiles and craftsmanship, Jermaine Bleu is amongst the brightest talents coming out of Ghana right now. Founder Jason Jermaine Asiedu transforms colorful Kente fabric into trendy midi skirts, shorts, sets and mini dresses, perfect for turning a look at boat clubs and brunches.

Hertunba

Detty December, Lagos, Accra, Nigeria, Ghana, African Fashion, Nigerian brands, Ghanaian brands, West African brands, African luxury, Streetwear, Street Souk Hertunba is the definition of sustainable luxury. Championing transparency alongside stunning craftsmanship, the brand has a little something for everyone. There’s surrealism, tradition, culture and sensuality, from the fabrics used to the detailed pleating, ruffles and embellishments.

Free the Youth

Detty December, Lagos, Accra, Nigeria, Ghana, African Fashion, Nigerian brands, Ghanaian brands, West African brands, African luxury, Streetwear, Street Souk If you’re looking for the best of West African streetwear, look no further than Free the Youth. Forming both a community and a brand, the Ghanaian label started as a collective aiming to empower creatives through street style. Now, it’s one of the biggest streetwear brands on the continent, partnering with brands like Jordan and Daily Paper.

Street Souk

Detty December, Lagos, Accra, Nigeria, Ghana, African Fashion, Nigerian brands, Ghanaian brands, West African brands, African luxury, Streetwear, Street Souk Another African streetwear giant, Street Souk, is Nigeria and Africa’s largest streetwear label, beginning in 2018. Founded by stylist Iretidayo Zaccheaus, the label has quickly become a leading name in Nigerian fashion for its own clothes, from military-inspired fits to graphic tees in signature shades of black and green.

AJABENG

Detty December, Lagos, Accra, Nigeria, Ghana, African Fashion, Nigerian brands, Ghanaian brands, West African brands, African luxury, Streetwear, Street Souk Launched by Travis Obeng-Casper in 2020, AJABENG experiments with androgyny, playing with feminine and masculine design elements to create the perfect, minimalistic wardrobe. Every piece is made-to-order in soft linens and hand-woven cotton.

KADIJU

Detty December, Lagos, Accra, Nigeria, Ghana, African Fashion, Nigerian brands, Ghanaian brands, West African brands, African luxury, Streetwear, Street Souk KADIJU makes every day an event. Ruffles, bubble hems and puffed sleeves are the standard for this brand, with garments arriving in bright jewel tones and inclusive sizing. Looking for a new statement piece for the season? We’ve no doubt that KADIJU has exactly what you’re thinking of.