It is official: COVID fatalities are at an all-time low and all over the world, the red carpets are out. Here in Africa, celebrities, influencers, industry giants and just about everyone are gliding down the red carpet for events centred around product launches, movie premieres, awards and other related shows.

Star-studded occasions deserve only the best outfits, and, if you have one coming up soon but are confused about the best designer to go to for a true show-stopper, we are here to help! Here are 5 African fashion designers whose garments are perfect for the red carpet and just about any blinged-out event you would be attending.

WeizDhurm Franklyn

If you’re looking for an unusual and artistic outfit to make a statement, look no further than the house of WeizDhurmFranklyn. Established by Wisdom Anaba, the fashion label is known for fusing art with fashion.

Whether you’re looking to make an entrance in a bold and daring getup or you’re planning to attend your next event as a whimsical, out-of-this-world creature, WeizDhurm Franklyn has just the outfit for you.

Weizdhurm Franklyn is part of a group of African designers make red-carpet worthy dresses — Image courtesy of WeizDhurm Franklyn via Instagram

Visit weizdhurmfranklyn on Instagram for ready-to-wear and haute couture pieces, and weizdhurmfranklyn bridals for unique bridal wears.

Yartel

‘Simple, but make it a bling affair’ is the best way to describe the overall theme of this Ghanaian-based fashion house.

Ezekiel Yartel is the creative mind behind this celebrity-loved label, and when he started back in 2014, his goal was straightforward: create simple yet sophisticated pieces for every woman. This goal has not changed: whether he is designing clothes for the red carpet or for weddings, Yartel continues to stay true to his vision to this day.

The Ghanaian designer Yartel is part of young African designers making red carpet-worthy clothes — Image courtesy of YartelGH via Instagram

To see more of his work, go to his page, yartelgh on Instagram.

Sima Brew

Without a doubt, Sima Brew belongs to the league of African fashion designers whose name immediately invokes images of stunning red carpet and event dresses. But even more spectacular are her wedding gowns and traditional wedding dresses for the modern bride.

Wedding dress by sima brew — Image courtesy of Sima Brew via Instagram

Like Yartel, Sima Brew’s focus is not so much on complicated designs as it is on the wow effect. Check out sima_brew on Instagram for simple yet stunning pieces for your next event.

Claris by Gerrit Pienaar

Classy. Timeless. Elegant. These are words that best describe the South African fashion brand known for its very sensual matric and runway dresses.

Gerrit Pienaar makes simple red carpet dresses — Image courtesy of Claris by Gerrit Pienaar via Instagram

Just like its designs, Claris by Gerrit Pienaar does not need too many words or fluff: it is simply haute couture at its most elegant.

Woman in a GerritPienaardesigns dress — Image courtesy of Claris by Gerrit Pienaar via Instagram

To discover more designs, head over to gerritpienaardesigns on Instagram.

Keys Fashion

The last on our list, Keys Fashion by Ryan Keys is by no means the least. This South African fashion label also specialises in matric and runway dresses but unlike its fellow Mzansi brand on this list, Keys Fashion makes more modern pieces that are perfect for the red carpet, weddings and other similar events.