“It’s been exciting to participate in this important moment in African fashion and to learn about the immense talent at its forefront. We found that sustainability and a slow fashion model is one that most designers employ naturally. And we fell in love with brands from a number of countries who take inspiration from their culture to create unique contemporary aesthetics,” says KOIBIRD founder and creative director Belma Gaudio.

“The collections were all so fresh that it was hard to choose which brands to bring back to the UK,” she continues. “We opted for Kenneth Ize, who counts Naomi Campbell as a fan, and Lisa Folawiyo, who makes luxuriously embellished womenswear. Neither could we resist Loza Maléombho’s fierce tailoring or the cerebral designs of LVMH Award winner Thebe Magugu.”

Also in the edit – much of which is exclusive to KOIBIRD in the UK - you’ll find statement jewellery from Ami Doshi Shah, Kikoromeo’s tie-dye jumpsuits and floaty silk trousers by Anyango Mpinga - all from Kenya. From Ghana, we have AAKS’ hand-woven bags, Christie Brown’s embroidered dresses and beach-ready looks by CFDA Award winners Studio One Eighty Nine. Two favourites from South Africa are MaXhosa Africa’s graphic knitwear and Rich Mnisi’s androgynous silhouettes. And from Nigeria, KOIBIRD has selected the colourful flamboyance of Orange Culture, the youthful chic of Clan and the grown up sensibilities of Ejiro Amos Tafiri.