Cameroon is emerging as a potential fashion hub in Central Africa, despite geopolitical challenges and a demanding business environment. While the country lags behind major fashion markets in West, East, and Southern Africa, it remains a promising second-tier market. Though formal retail spaces are limited, modern shopping malls have recently opened in key cities like Douala and Yaoundé, providing a growing platform for designers.
Trained at prestigious design schools and driven by innovation, these Cameroonian fashion designers are making waves on the international stage as they redefine African fashion. With a modern vision and a strong grasp of global trends, they are captivating audiences worldwide.
Imane Ayissi
Imane Ayissi was born into a family of artists and athletes in Cameroon. His father was a boxing champion, and his mother was crowned Miss Cameroon in 1960. Ayissi’s early years were steeped in creativity, leading him to join the Ballet National du Cameroun. He later toured the world, performing with renowned choreographers and artists, including Patrick Dupont.
Alongside his dance career, Ayissi worked as a model for luxury fashion houses such as Dior, Givenchy, Lanvin, Yves Saint Laurent, and Valentino. His experience in high fashion fueled his passion for design, which he had developed as a child in Cameroon, where he crafted his first garments for his mother.
Ayissi’s designs seamlessly blend African traditions with Western haute couture. His collections often feature evocative names such as Voodoo Mood and Idoutt, combining traditional craftsmanship with innovative fabrics. His work pays homage to African artistry while embracing Parisian haute couture influences, including designers like Madeleine Vionnet, Cristóbal Balenciaga, Yves Saint Laurent, and Azzedine Alaïa.
Beyond fashion, Ayissi is committed to developing Africa’s textile industry and supporting fashion education. His latest collection at Paris Couture Week 2025 celebrated African craftsmanship with modern elegance, further cementing his influence in the global fashion scene.
Claudie Kameni (formerly LaVie By CK)
A self-taught designer based in Los Angeles, Claudie Kameni is known for her vibrant, bold prints and celebration of African culture. Her designs have been worn by numerous celebrities, including Tracee Ellis Ross, Viola Davis, and Amanda Seales.
Kameni’s breakthrough moment came in 2018 when Tracee Ellis Ross wore a custom dress to host the American Music Awards. Since then, her work has been featured in Vanity Fair, at the BET Awards, and on the Golden Globes red carpet.
In 2020, Kameni made her debut at New York Fashion Week, presenting a collection that showcased her signature bright patterns and structured silhouettes. She attributes much of her success to the growing recognition of Black designers, emphasizing the importance of sustained visibility for Black talent in the industry.
Recently, she rebranded from LaVie By CK to Claudie Kameni, continuing to push boundaries in global fashion.
Nyorh Agwe
Born in Cameroon, Nyorh Agwe moved to Italy with her mother when she was just three weeks old. Italian became her first language before she returned to Cameroon at age four, only to relocate again to the United States two years later. Her nomadic upbringing shaped her artistic identity, allowing her to explore self-expression through fashion.
Agwe discovered her passion for design in high school after watching Project Runway. Determined to follow in the footsteps of the contestants, she applied to Parsons School of Design—one of the top fashion schools in the U.S.—and was accepted. She graduated in 2015 and later pursued an MBA at Nova Southeastern University.
Now based in New York, Agwe’s designs reflect her multicultural background, blending African heritage with contemporary global influences.
Gilles Touré
Gilles Touré is known for his conceptual and avant-garde approach to fashion. His collections often carry strong social messages, challenging conventional fashion norms. Touré is a strong advocate for ethical and sustainable fashion, using his platform to push for more responsible industry practices.
His work continues to break boundaries, merging creativity with a commitment to sustainability.
Augustine Mabiama (Nakuin Couture)
Raised in Yaoundé, Augustine Mabiama took an unconventional path into fashion. Initially, she aimed for a career in economics but faced obstacles in gaining admission to university. A chance discovery of the newly opened Cheick Anta Diop School of Arts and Crafts in Yaoundé changed her trajectory.
Determined to make an impact, Mabiama graduated in 2009 and started her brand, Nakuin Couture, from home. She reinvested her earnings into better equipment and actively promoted her work through fashion shows and exhibitions.
As her brand gained recognition, she relocated to Douala, where she opened the Nakuin Couture boutique in the upscale Bonapriso neighborhood in 2014. Her designs continue to be celebrated for their elegance and craftsmanship.
Nathalie Chebou Moth (OMÔL)
Nathalie Chebou Moth founded OMÔL in 2020, blending femininity with fierceness while drawing inspiration from Cameroonian culture. A self-taught designer, she created OMÔL with the vision of redefining African fashion on a global scale.
OMÔL emphasizes eco-consciousness and community support, integrating traditional craftsmanship into contemporary designs. Chebou Moth aims to spark a Pan-African fashion movement that showcases Africa’s creative potential beyond mainstream industry constraints.
Kibonen Nfi
Kibonen Nfi is a Cameroonian designer whose work merges modern fashion with traditional influences from Cameroon’s North-West region. She gained international recognition when Lupita Nyong’o wore one of her creations on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2016.
Inspired by the rich clothing heritage of her homeland, Nfi continues to bring Cameroonian craftsmanship to the forefront of global fashion.
Shasha Design
Shasha is a certified Cameroonian couture designer renowned for her daring and glamorous bridal designs. Her craftsmanship sets a new standard for luxury bridalwear.
In 2024, she unveiled the Combo Collection, a stunning bridal line that showcased her innovative approach to wedding couture. Her work continues to redefine elegance in Cameroonian fashion.
Cameroon’s fashion industry is brimming with talent, with designers making significant strides on the global stage. Whether through haute couture, sustainable fashion, or bold ready-to-wear designs, these visionaries are shaping the future of African fashion.
As international recognition grows, Cameroon is poised to solidify its place as a key player in the African fashion landscape. Keep an eye on these designers in 2025—they are redefining what it means to be a Cameroonian fashion powerhouse.
