Seven Established and Upcoming Angolan Fashion brands to know now

November 15, 2024By ADJOAA .

In 1979 Angola gained its independence from Portugal. One would think that after receiving independence from colonial rule that a country would thrive in peace and harmony, but that was not the case for Angola. Until 2002, Angola was riddled with civil war and constant political unrest.

Angola has since flourished into one of the largest economies in Sub-Saharan Africa. The country is also home to one of the oldest cultures in the world; Bantu with heavy Portuguese influences. With its capital city Luanda dubbed as the Paris of Africa, this stunning coastal nation is located right on the Atlantic coast that boasts old European charm and is the centre of fashion, art and music.

This economic power has also offered us great talents shining a bright light on what Africa has to offer the global fashion industry. From Maria Borges breaking down boundaries by being the first African woman to grace the cover of ELLE U.S. Magazine after 20 years and the first ever model to walk the Victoria Secret Fashion Show with natural hair! Walking the Victoria Secret Fashion Show with her natural hair inspired more models the following year to walk the show in its natural form. Maria Borges believes in embracing your natural beauty and her overall goal is to inspire women especially those who feel underrepresented in the fashion and beauty industry.

This November at ADJOAA, we have rounded up a few names to know and remember who have established themselves as powerhouses in the Angolan fashion industry and contributing to shaping across African fashion to celebrate and to promote Angola’s unique cultural heritage, artistry and innovation.

DAUVIA DESIGNS

After graduating from High School in 2011, Dauvia Nijenhuis began to make clothes for close family and friends. It wasn't long before her unique creations caught the eye of many, leading to her receiving invitations to showcase her clothing at prestigious fashion shows around the world. Her brand then quickly became a well-known luxury brand in Angola that is loved by women from all over the world. Then it all changed in 2016 when Vlisco, a world-renowned Dutch fabric manufacturer that specializes in African wax print fabric recognized her amazing talent and chose her to create an entire collection using their latest prints! To top it all off, in the same year Dauvia was honoured with an award for Best African Designer in the Netherlands and has been featured in BOTH British Vogue and Vogue Netherlands!

Her achievements are a true testament to her hard work and dedication to her craft. Dauvia Designs is a brand that beautifully blends African and European influences, appealing to women all over the world. With a mission to conquer the fashion industry with her unique and stylish creations, Dauvia is on a journey to showcase the best of both worlds through her clothing.

Dauvia Nijenhuis answers to the global quiet luxury trend with an Angolan twist. Most of her recent designs are low-key chic, with a more subtle use of traditional Angolan patterns, a departure from her previous styles with more elaboration and brightness.

(Photos Courtesy of: @dauvia instagram)

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The Gina III Suit Jacket by Kente Gentleman

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NADIR TATI

Nadir Tati is undoubtedly the leading figure in contemporary African style and fashion in Angola. Not only is she a passionate advocate for African art and human rights, but she also dedicates her time to working with disadvantaged children.

Nadir's talent and dedication have not gone unnoticed - she has been awarded the Best Designer of Angola Prize for three consecutive years in 2010, 2011, and 2012. In addition, she was named the Angola Diva of Fashion in 2011 and 2012, as well as the Diva of the Year in 2012, where she took home two trophies at the same event. The prestigious Sirius Award, given to Angolan personalities in 2013, was rightfully bestowed upon Nadir Tati for her excellence in business and the fashion industry, as well as for elevating the reputation of Angola on the global stage.

One of Nadir's most remarkable achievements was being the first Angolan and African stylist to dress a film actress for the Oscars in Hollywood. Rachel Mwanza, from the Republic of Congo and nominated for Best Foreign Film in 2013, graced the red carpet in a stunning piece from Nadir's collection.

More recently, Nadir Tati designed the national Angola traditional dress for the Paris 2024 Olympics just like she did for the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021! It is impossible not to mention Nadir Tati when it comes to Angola fashion. She also worked with the 2021 Biennale of Luanda. In her hands, fabrics have become canvases for her to exhibit the beauty of Angola through traditional patterns and silhouettes.

Nadir Tati's impact on the fashion world is truly awe-inspiring and continues to make waves internationally.

(Photos Courtesy of @nadirtati Instagram)

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Rose Palhares

Rose Palhares is on a mission to introduce social responsibility into the fashion industry in Angola, using her identity as a fashion designer, a citizen and a female entrepreneur. In her minimalist and timeless 2024 Cacimbo collection featuring signature draping embellishments, African fashion meets social awareness. She blends Africa-inspired colour palette with female empowerment. Meanwhile, Rose Palhares is also an ambassador of TEXTUNG II, the largest textile factory in Angola. Her effort to endorse local manufacturing and promote cultural heritage are exactly why we need to introduce her to our ADJOAA readers.

Embodying a unique design ethos, the brand encapsulates the spirit of Angolan culture, creating every piece with a one-of-a-kind fusion of style and cultural opulence. Rose Palhares serves as a shining example of the dynamic fashion scene in Angola, delivering ready-to-wear creations that speak to contemporary style while honouring the exquisite beauty of her Angolan heritage.

(Photos Courtesy of @rose.palhares.rtw instagram)

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Soraya da Piedade

Soraya da Piedade is the pride of Angolan designers. Not only is she a designer, she is also a public figure and Golden Globe winner for the best designer of the year in 2015 and 2019. Known for her boundless creativity, she combines African aesthetics and avant-garde fashion. Geometrical designs, expressive printings can be seen from her previous works.

Recently, she has shifted her focus to bridal-wear, merging her innovative gentleness with elegance and classism, such as by adding laser cutting elements on the wedding dress sleeves.

(Photos Courtesy of @sorayadapiedade instagram)

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Pretah

Unlike the other designers we have mentioned, Pretah’s founder took a slightly different approach when incorporating Angolan elements into her designs. The Angolan aesthetics are transformed into garbs of vividity and grace and bright-coloured prints. The jewelleries with uneven surfaces, are a reflection of traditional Angolan beadwork that adorn the indigenous tribes people of Angola. Pretah designs can be described as ethereal clothing and one of a kind jewellery that are easy to wear but embody a sense of individualism and sophisticated style.

(Photos Courtesy of Pretah.ao instagram)

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FIU NEGRU

Fiu Negru is a dynamic Angolan fashion brand established in 2013 by Mariângela Almeida, offering a range of stylish women's ready-to-wear products. Our mission is to blend innovation with the rich traditions of Angolan craftsmanship, ensuring that our designs are both cutting-edge and culturally authentic. At the core of our brand is a deep commitment to preserving the designer's African heritage, with the very name Fiu Negru paying homage to our roots. Join us on this exciting journey as we celebrate the beauty and diversity of Angolan fashion!

Fiu Negru is where fashion meets art which is beautifully depicted in both the CACIMBO 24 collection and the latest AURORA collection. The designer utilized stretchy and flowy fabrics, generating a sense of fluidity and individuality, without relying on bright and colourful patterns. The designs are minimalistic but far from basic or simple; reflecting a different side of the luxury Angola fashion scene.