Galeries Lafayette to highlight African fashion
What: Galeries Lafayette partners with Tranoï and Canex to showcase four emerging African designers in a dedicated space at its Haussmann flagship from June 18 to July 8.
Why it is important: The collaboration showcases the growing importance of African fashion in global retail, combining institutional support through Canex with commercial expertise from established fashion platforms like Tranoï and Galeries Lafayette.
Galeries Lafayette's Boulevard Haussmann flagship store is set to become a showcase for African fashion talent through a groundbreaking collaboration with Canex and Tranoï. From June 18 to July 8, the department store will host four distinguished designers in a dedicated space on the third floor of its main building. The initiative features Ghanaian brand Boyedoye, a LVMH Prize 2025 finalist, alongside Casablanca-based Late for Work by Youssef Drissi, Kenyan artisanal jewellery brand We Are Nbo, and Nigerian label Wuman by Ekwerike Chukwuma. This partnership stems from Canex, a programme launched by Afreximbank in 2020, working in conjunction with Tranoï, which has dedicated six seasons to African fashion. The collaboration aims to support African creative talent and facilitate their integration into the international fashion scene, while contributing to the continent's economic transformation through the African Continental Free Trade Area initiative.
IADS Notes: The Galeries Lafayette and Tranoï initiative for African fashion designers aligns with significant developments in the luxury retail landscape. As noted in March 2025, Africa's luxury retail sector is experiencing substantial growth, with millionaire numbers projected to increase by 65% by 2033, creating new opportunities for designer showcase platforms. This collaboration mirrors successful department store initiatives like Selfridges' September 2024 partnership with BFC NewGen, demonstrating how major retailers can effectively support emerging talent through dedicated spaces and strategic partnerships. The selection of promising designers like Boyedoye, a LVMH Prize finalist, particularly highlights how department stores can play a crucial role in bridging the gap between emerging markets and international fashion platforms.
