Ibrahim Fernandez wlia@shareafrica.live May 4, 2022

IBRAHIM FERNANDEZ

2022 AFU Award Winner
Brand: IBRAHIM FERNANDEZ - Originally from Côte d'Ivoire.

Ibrahim Fernandez, a young designer from Marcory , never would have imagined that he’d one day make a name for himself in the fashion world. With a background in business school, he entered the industry somewhat by chance. He felt the need to revamp his wardrobe, using his own fabrics in designs he created himself. His prints—produced in both Mali and Côte d’Ivoire—would become his hallmark. The designer will participate in the continent’s most cutting-edge fashion events to showcase his talent: Afrik Fashion Show, Moreno’s Fashion, and the highly prestigious Dakar Fashion Week and Glitz Fashion Week. He will be honored for his body of work with the Special Recognition Award at Runway Trybe in Nigeria.

Today, this fashion designer represents a new generation of designers in Côte d’Ivoire. As a visionary artistic director, he has revolutionized the Ivorian ready-to-wear and haute couture scenes. His remarkable career is marked by an unwavering passion for fashion design and the art of couture.

Since it was featured by Africa Fashion Up, Ibrahim Fernandez has established himself as one of West Africa’s leading fashion designers. This young designer, with his innovative textile and clothing creations, has quickly caught the attention of the industry’s top professionals. His original designs blend tradition and modernity and perfectly capture the essence of African streetwear while adhering to the codes of elegance.

At the most prestigious fashion shows, he has distinguished himself through the exceptional quality of his designs. His dresses and collections presented at fashion weeks have captivated internationally renowned models and stylists. The silhouettes he presents in each collection—whether for the spring-summer or fall-winter season—demonstrate his proven talent as a fashion designer.

This Ivorian fashion designer’s career is gaining momentum thanks to his selection as the designer of the official uniforms for the Ivory Coast national team for the 2026 World Cup. This major distinction reaffirms his standing among major brands, which are now seeking him out for private sales and exclusive collaborations. Ibrahim Fernandez now embodies the excellence of contemporary African haute couture, inspiring a new generation of young designers and fashion creators—in keeping with the spirit of Africa Fashion Up, of which he was a 2022 winner.