The 9 Africans Who are Shaping The Global Fashion Industry

Business of Fashion, the leading digital authority on the global fashion industry has released their annual list of the 500 most influential people in the global fashion industry. The BoF 500 is a professional index of the people shaping the global fashion industry, based on hundreds of nominations received from current members of the BoF 500, data analysis and months of research to unearth names from all corners of the globe. This year’s list includes entertainers such as Asap Rocky, Zayn Malik and Beyonce; designers such as Peter Dundas and Marc Jacobs plus magazine editors and stylists.

The list includes 9 people from Africa. This number keeps growing every year albeit dominated by Nigerians and South Africans. So let’s see who made the cut.

1. Adrian Joffe – President Dover street Market, Comme Des Garcons

The retail innovator has grown Comme des Garçons into global multi-brand fashion business with revenues of $220 million.

2. Amaka Osakwe – Designer, Maki Oh

Since its launch in 2010, her ready-to-wear label has become one of Nigeria’s biggest fashion success stories. She has attracted high profile clientele such as Lupita Nyongo, Solange Knowles and Michelle Obama.

3. Edward Enniful – Fashion & Style director, W Magazine 

The Ghanaian-born stylist got his start as the youngest fashion director at i-D magazine and is known for strong narratives and unexpected pairings.

4. Ian Moir – Chief Executive, Woolworths Holdings 

The veteran retailer leads South Africa’s largest department store and oversaw its acquisition of Australia’s David Jones chain.

5. Johan Rupert – Chairman, Richemont