# Africa to Get First Luxury Fashion Label By Trend Spotter | Published 2006-06-10 | World Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/africa-to-get-first-luxury-fashion-label References: [news.agendainc](http://news.agendainc.com/mt-agenda/content/archives/2006/06/africa_to_get_f_1.html) & [cnn](http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/africa/06/07/africa.fashion.reut/index.html?section=cnn_latest) The Dutch company first traded Indonesian fabrics in West Africa in the mid-1880s and the exotic wax textiles -- fashioned by local tailors into voluminous dresses with fancy fishtail skirts and puffed sleeves -- have come to represent [traditional African design](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/daily). But faced with competition from [cheap Chinese imports](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zouxin), Vlisco wants to branch out into making its own clothes, starting in South Africa where it believes there is demand for a sophisticated label with an African twist. ([REUTERS](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-glenn-1)) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.8/10 - Popularity: 90% | Activity: 77% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [World](https://www.trendhunter.com/world) > [Regional](https://www.trendhunter.com/regional) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Luxury African Fashion:** Opportunity for a luxury fashion label to cater to the growing demand in Africa for sophisticated clothing with an African twist. - **Indigenous African Textiles:** Potential for local tailors to revitalize traditional African design by incorporating indigenous fabrics into contemporary fashion. - **Diversifying African Fashion Industry:** Opportunity for African fashion brands to reduce reliance on imported clothing by expanding local manufacturing capabilities. ### Where This Applies - **Fashion Design and Manufacturing:** Disruptive innovation opportunity for fashion brands to tap into the growing market in Africa by creating unique and high-quality clothing with an African twist. - **Textile Production:** Opportunity for textile producers to collaborate with local tailors and designers in Africa to produce indigenous fabrics and revitalize traditional African textiles. - **Retail and Distribution:** Opportunity for retailers and distributors to support the growth of luxury African fashion by showcasing and promoting these brands to a global audience. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [African Fashion Futures Incubators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/african-fashion-futures-incubator.md) - [Silky Camouflage-Design Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lisous-empire-collection.md) - [Contemporary African Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/daily.md) - [Aluminum-Wrapped Sportswear Store](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/adidas-store-1.md) - [Cult Film-Inspired High Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-lion-king-collection.md) - [Candle Brand Clothing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rizon.md) - [Fashion-Designer Chocolate Shops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/le-chocolat-maxime-frederic.md) - [Collaborative Home Design Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/culture-and-craft.md) - [South African Retail Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amazon-8.md)