When Tanzanian entrepreneur Nisha Kanabar launched Industrie Africa in 2018, the African fashion landscape was still taking shape. Designers from the continent were gaining global attention, but meaningful infrastructure, long-term visibility, and access to markets remained out of reach.

Her company set out to change that.

"Industrie Africa began as a response to absence," Kanabar tells OkayAfrica. "A lack of structure, visibility, and context around Africa's fashion industry. What started as a digital directory has evolved into a dynamic ecosystem."

Five years later, the platform has become a trusted online store and content hub, supporting both long-established and emerging brands, including Doreen Mashika, Dye Lab, Hertunba, and This Is Us. Now, it is stepping into the physical world. Last Friday, July 18, on the shores of Zanzibar's Bawe Island, Industrie Africa marked its fifth anniversary with the launch of SoLA, the Society of Luxury Artisanship.

For Kanabar, this next step builds on what she started in 2018, while adapting to how people want to discover and shop for fashion today. "The mission hasn't changed, but the way we deliver it has. We've moved from simply connecting people to products to influencing how and where those products live in the world."

Moving into physical retail is also a strategic response to challenges African designers still face. While names like Thebe Magugu, Orange Culture, Lagos Space Programme, and Kenneth Ize have gained global recognition, many struggle with reliable production, distribution, and access to customers.

Industrie Africa's answer to this gap is Industrie Africa Select, a new consulting arm that works with luxury hotels and resorts across the continent to design curated retail experiences. SoLA is its first project, and a model for what is possible when retail meets storytelling in a space that focuses on both culture and craftsmanship.

"As luxury travel flourishes across the continent and globally, we kept noticing the same disconnect: beautifully considered hospitality spaces, paired with retail concepts that felt like an afterthought," Kanabar explains. "That gap became our entry point."

At the same time, platforms like Industrie Africa continue to challenge outdated ideas of what African luxury looks like. "African luxury is less about price point and more about process and provenance," Kanabar says. "It's the rhythm of handwork, the intentionality behind materials, the intimacy of small-batches. It possesses a subdued power, inimitably rooted in story, place, and identity."

Paris Fashion Week continued last week with the Men's Spring/Summer collections taking center stage. Some notable designers who showcased their work included Emeric Tchatchoua, the Cameroonian French Canadian founder of 3.Paradis, and Daquisiline Gomis, the French-Senegalese designer behind Jah Jah.

Both designers drew inspiration from their African heritage. Tchatchoua's 3.Paradis collection, titled "Steps to Nowhere," featured earth tones like beige and dark brown as a tribute to the Sahara desert. Meanwhile, Gomis' "A Silent March" collection celebrated his Caribbean and African roots through West African tailored suits and Jamaican crochet patterns. The show also included previews of an upcoming Adidas collaboration and custom sneakers inspired by the Ethiopian flag.

As usual, African stars were out and about in Paris, spotting flamboyant outfits.

Davido in Avant-Garde Street Style

Davido was spotted in two different fits in Paris, but this ensemble he wore to the 3.Paradis' showcase is what really catches the eye. The 5ive singer's look consisted of a white tank top, fur shorts, a cream net top, and a decorated blazer.

AG Baby, the Style Icon

Adekunle Gold was all smiles throughout last week, a befitting demeanor to match his fit choices. In this look, he pairs a dark brown trench coat with a white shirt and a pair of dark green, baggy pants. He completes the swaggering look with loafer shoes and several accessories, including gemstone rings, dark sunglasses, and a dark green tote bag.

Aya Nakamura Giving Sheer Elegance

French Malian pop superstar Aya Nakamura looked like a fairy, as many social media users would say. The singer wore a sheer, off-white halter-neck gown designed with embroidered patterns. A folding hand fan and minimal jewelry complemented her simple and stunning look.

Stormzy in Monochrome

British Ghanaian rap superstar Stormzy attended Jacquemus' show in a sharp and uncomplicated look. His dark olive green ensemble consisted of a long-sleeved, pointed-collar shirt and a pair of wide-leg pants.

Rema’s All-Black Ensemble

Rema consistently exudes an undeniable aura, whether he's rocking maximalist street style outfits or, in this case, an all-black, loose-fitting look. He's the picture of comfortable swagger in a buttoned jacket, loose pants, and leather shoes. His dreads are neatly let down, and dark sunglasses complete the getup.

Asake Looking Clean