Has the fashion industry FORGOTTEN an ENTIRE CONTINENT?

I bet you own an item of clothing from a Spanish brand (Zara) or Irish brand (Primark) or perhaps an Italian brand (Valentino, Gucci, Versace, Prada etc.) 

Do you own something from an African brand though? 

This is not a trick question. 

African fashion brands (i.e. brands by African fashion designers) have been largely overlooked, regulated to being worn only in the Spring/Summer months and by mostly Africans themselves. 

Why is this?

I came to the UK from Nigeria when I was 1 year old and didn't fully recognise the true beauty of African fashion until Year 1 at University in London. I was exposed to it in my African Carribean Society (ACS) for our annual fashion show. I couldn't believe how contemporary and wearable the designs were if I'm honest. My view of African fashion I realise now was very distorted. I only ever saw the Aunties and Uncles wear 'African fashion' and it was not fashion that got me excited. 

The question is, now that I've 'seen the light' why are we not all wearing more fashion by African designers? The World is so big and made up of many Continents, yet the Fashion the majority of us wear is so small, made up of several Continents.

I would love to see a World where African designers are equally celebrated on a global scale.