By Rita Okoye

In recent years, fashion has become a bright path for many young people in Africa, especially teenagers who are eager to explore their creativity.

In today’s world, where everything seems to come quickly and easily, the African tradition of learning through apprenticeship stands out as a slow yet rewarding process.

For generations, young people in Africa have started their fashion careers by working under experienced mentors and devoting themselves to learning the craft. This journey doesn’t happen overnight, but those who are patient get a valuable and lasting reward. They inherit skills, creativity, and a sense of tradition that they can carry forward in their designs.

In Africa where fabrics are deeply connected to cultural stories and meanings, learning fashion is like learning a new language. Young designers discover the deep significance behind each pattern, colour, and fabric. From the elegant designs of Aso Oke to the bold patterns of Ankara, these apprentices understand that fashion is more than just something to wear, it’s a way to express identity and history.

They spend years perfecting their techniques for cutting, sewing, and adding decorative details to their garments. Along the way, they realise that by mastering these skills, they are not just making beautiful clothes but are helping to keep African culture alive. The art of fashion in Africa is a living tradition that is passed down, from one generation to the other.
One of the designers who has taken this journey and made it his own is Simeon Benjamin Akpan.

Simeon’s passion for African prints began in his childhood when he would watch his mother create custom-made garments in their small home. His mother was a skilled seamstress, and the clothes she made were admired by everyone who saw them. He was inspired by those early years. He developed a deep love for African prints and dreamed of adding more colour and creativity to them. His goal was to make African prints livelier, using bright colours and bold designs to bring them to life.
In 2018, Simeon founded his brand, SimBena, with a vision to celebrate traditional African styles.

He wanted his designs to bring joy and freedom to anybody who wears them. SimBena quickly became known for its beautiful designs and the positivity it radiates. Simeon’s clothes are not just about looking good but about feeling good too.

For young designers, fashion is about keeping the tradition alive and finding new ways to make it relevant today. African textiles, with their rich history and beauty, provide endless inspiration for designers who want to mix old and new styles. Simeon’s brand has become an example of how African fashion can evolve while staying true to its roots.

Through his work, Simeon empowers women, encouraging them to feel confident and free in their own bodies. His designs are a reflection of this belief in freedom and individuality.
SimBena’s clothing collections are known for their joyful, Afrocentric designs that bring the best of traditional African aesthetics and modern creativity.

Simeon’s bold use of colour and innovative patterns have helped him carve a place for himself in the fashion world. His work has garnered attention from prominent media outlets across Africa, and his brand is now available at leading retailers. He has also showcased his collections on both national and international stages, further solidifying his impact in the fashion industry. His rise to success is proof that with hard work, dedication, and a commitment to learning, young African designers can make their mark on the world.

Across Africa, fashion apprenticeships are helping to develop the next generation of designers. Young people are stepping into the fashion world, eager to learn from seasoned experts and build a career in design. These apprenticeships help ensure that African fashion remains a powerful form of expression, allowing apprentices to create a lasting impact on their communities, the industry, and the world.

As they learn, these young designers become skilled creators and cultural ambassadors. They share the richness of African fabrics with the world, showcasing the beauty and diversity of African culture through their designs. Each collection they create is a step toward preserving the traditional skills of African fashion, while also pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the industry. In this way, African fashion continues to grow and evolve from one generation to the next.

Simeon uses African prints and textiles to connect people to their roots, allowing them to wear their culture proudly. Through his collections, he encourages self-expression, helping women feel confident and beautiful in their own skin. This focus on empowerment is something that resonates with many young people entering the fashion industry today.
Let’s move on to the designs from SimBena’s 2020 collection where each piece of clothing displays a fresh take on African aesthetics and thoughtful details that celebrate heritage and modernity.

This outfit is a refreshing take on African-inspired fashion. It utilises intricate patterns and modern styling to create a unique look. It features a three-piece design – a jacket, mini skirt and bralette. Each piece shows the creativity and cultural characteristics of African fashion while keeping it modern and relevant.

The first detail that captures attention is the patterns on the fabric which consists of a rich mix of deep blue and bright yellow. These colours play off each other beautifully as blue is often associated with stability and calm, and yellow is often associated with energy and cheerfulness.

The pattern itself is typical of African prints, which tell stories or symbolize various cultural meanings. This Ankara material used adds visual depth and pays homage to African heritage.

The matching jacket and skirt set is an interesting choice that unifies the outfit. The sleeves are not fitted and they have a bit of room to allow for free movement. This type of structure exudes a laid-back vibe that keeps the look casual, making the jacket adaptable for different occasions and it can be styled for both casual outings and semi-formal events.

The skirt is tailored in a way that complements the jacket without making the outfit too busy. The length of the skirt is way above the knee and the jacket drapes a little below it. The pattern flows seamlessly from the jacket to the skirt, creating continuity and visual harmony. The skirt keeps the outfit suitable for warm weather and balances well with the structure of the jacket.

The bralette adds a contrasting element to the design. The purple lace design adds femininity and softness to the outfit, giving a multi-dimensional feel.

Accessorising could add an extra layer of detail. Since this outfit is quite simple and casual, stunning jewellery like bangles, teardrop earrings and a nice pendant would accentuate the whole look and make it pop.
The use of white heels to style this look is a smart and thoughtful choice. White is a neutral colour that balances the vividness of the outfit without drawing too much attention. The heels elevate the outfit, giving it an element of sophistication.

Although the outfit is stunning, a simpler, solid-coloured bralette might provide a cleaner aesthetic, allowing the print to be the star of the look.

Overall, this outfit is a beautiful showcase of African-inspired design and demonstrates how traditional prints can be woven into modern fashion, creating a look that is both culturally rich and stylishly modern.

This design speaks elegance and sophistication. This outfit made from a combination of Kampala and Bazin fabric features contrasting patterns in black, white, and red. The black-and-white tribal print on the sleeves and central panel is intricate and highly detailed.

This print is bold but does not overwhelm the outfit, rather it creates a sense of structure and symmetry.

The red print that forms the base of the outfit adds a unique twist, giving a sense of modernity and fierceness. This combination of prints creates a beautiful balance between classic and contemporary.

The silhouette of this dress is graceful and designed to drape elegantly. It falls to the floor, giving it a flowing appearance that speaks to traditional African dress styles. The design accentuates the waist, adding shape and structure to the silhouette.

The gathered sleeves add a bit of volume which aligns well with the streamlined shape of the dress. The sleeve style brings a sense of elegance and high fashion, which adds to the outfit’s sophistication.

The neckline is modest and sharp, enhancing the overall elegance and making the outfit versatile for various occasions.
Pairing the outfit with a bold accessory, such as statement earrings, could enhance the look, as long as it doesn’t overpower the prints.
The wrap dress though beautiful, could be improved by adding a subtle slit at the bottom just a little close to the knee to introduce a bit of movement and modern flair.

This outfit is a beautiful example of how African fashion can be modernised while staying rooted in tradition. It successfully captures the essence of African culture, reinterpreted through a contemporary lens.
As the fashion world continues to grow, the African fashion industry is expanding as well. What started as small, local businesses is fast becoming a global movement, with African designers influencing the world stage.

The future of African fashion is bright, and it all starts with the apprenticeship system that has helped shape so many talented designers. By showing dedication to fashion, designers ensure that African fashion stays celebrated for generations to come.