In the world of fashion, accessories aren’t just add-ons — they’re declarations. Across the African continent, a powerful new wave of designers is using jewelry, handbags, and wearable art to express identity, heritage, and bold creative vision.
As part of The Folklore 50 Africa, we’re proud to highlight five standout accessories designers whose work is redefining adornment. These creatives are crafting pieces that speak volumes — about craftsmanship, culture, and the future of African design.
Hayat Rida Amissah – Founder, Khoi (Ghana)
Minimal yet deeply intentional, Khoi is a Ghanaian accessories brand led by Hayat Rida Amissah, known for its sculptural jewelry and bags that balance artistry and function. Each piece is an exploration of form and restraint, a quiet challenge to maximalism that reflects a new kind of luxury rooted in design integrity. With her eye for detail and a modern Afro-modern aesthetic, Hayat is placing West African jewelry design on the global accessories map.
Dorcas Kadiri – Founder, AFRIQUE KOD (Nigeria)
Dorcas Kadiri founded AFRIQUE KOD with a mission: to center African craftsmanship through sustainable, handmade leather goods. Based in Nigeria, the brand celebrates local artisanship and functionality with a distinctive, earthy design language. As a proud member of The Folklore community, Dorcas is building a brand that doesn’t just make products — it makes impact. Her work reminds us that style and sustainability don’t just coexist — they belong together.
Adele Dejak – Founder & Creative Director, Adele Dejak (Kenya)
For over a decade, Adele Dejak has been a trailblazer in African luxury accessories. Her eponymous brand, based in Nairobi, fuses traditional materials like brass and recycled glass with modern silhouettes that command attention. With influences ranging from Bauhaus to tribal symbolism, Adele’s work is rooted in storytelling and cultural pride. Her pieces are not just worn, they’re lived in. She remains a beacon of excellence, setting the standard for Afrocentric luxury worldwide.
Adedoyin Somuyiwa – Founder, RAENNA (Nigeria)
Elegant and unapologetically bold, RAENNA is the brainchild of Lagos-based designer Adedoyin Somuyiwa. Known for crafting jewelry that blends sculptural design with feminine strength, RAENNA pieces exude quiet confidence. Each collection pays homage to individuality and African womanhood, creating space for accessories that are both timeless and assertive. Through her work, Adedoyin is carving out a new standard for elevated, woman-centered luxury in Nigeria.
Jessika Balzer & Vincent Urbain – Co-Founders, Project Dyad (South Africa)
At the intersection of utility and experimental design sits Project Dyad, a Cape Town-based accessories label founded by Jessika Balzer and Vincent Urbain. Known for their geometric, genderless silhouettes and functional forms, Project Dyad re-imagines what everyday bags can look and feel like. Their work is refreshingly boundaryless, blending European precision with a South African creative spirit. The result? Accessories that double as design statements.
Why These Designers Matter
In their hands, accessories are more than fashion — they’re tools of empowerment, self-expression, and cultural connection. Each designer brings a unique approach to craft and identity, proving that Africa’s accessories scene is as diverse and visionary as its people.
At The Folklore, we’re proud to celebrate these voices — and support a movement where statement pieces aren’t just stylish, they’re revolutionary.
