As African Bank marks its 50th anniversary, the bank is making waves on the international stage by merging finance with fashion.
Under the banner “Africa to the World, and the World to Africa,” African Bank has partnered with renowned fashion house Khosi Nkosi to present two bespoke collections—Legacy and Frontline—at Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks in March 2025.
This bold move signals a powerful intersection of African culture, fashion, and banking, showcasing African innovation on the global stage.
A Vision Rooted in Confidence and Pride
Sbusiso Kumalo, African Bank’s Group Chief Marketing Officer, believes fashion goes beyond clothing. It has the power to shape confidence, perception, and self-identity.
“What we wear ultimately affects our confidence, our stance, and how we’re perceived,” Kumalo states. “Our shift to African prints and designs is a powerful statement of self-celebration and pride.” This belief in the transformative power of fashion has influenced African Bank’s evolving design identity.
Both the Legacy and Frontline collections, designed by Khosi Nkosi, are not just about aesthetics but serve as a celebration of African excellence. The designs seamlessly blend African aesthetics with contemporary styles, offering interchangeable capsule pieces that combine both summer and winter elements.
The collections emphasise durability, comfort, and versatility, catering to a wide range of body types, ages, and occasions.
Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks: A Global Stage for African Innovation
The Legacy Collection will be unveiled at the prestigious Milan Fashion Week at the iconic Villa Erba in Lake Como on March 1. Known for hosting exclusive presentations from global fashion houses like Dior, the venue will be the backdrop for African Bank’s first-ever international fashion show. The collection pays homage to the bank’s resilience and legacy, drawing inspiration from the 1960s era and symbolising the tenacity that has defined African Bank’s journey since its inception.
Kumalo comments on the Legacy collection’s significance: “It represents the power of belief in African excellence. We are proud to stand alongside Khosi Nkosi, a fashion house that epitomises empowerment and innovation.”
On March 9, the Frontline Collection, which doubles as African Bank’s staff uniform, will be showcased at Paris Fashion Week at the Shangri-La Hotel. The collection blends sophistication and cultural pride, proving that daily attire can be both stylish and meaningful.
According to Edna Montse, African Bank’s Group Executive: Transformation & Sustainability, “To see our uniform collection embraced at Paris Fashion Week is extraordinary. It speaks volumes about the audacity of African Bank— not only as a financial institution but as a brand that dares to redefine the norms.”
The Frontline collection integrates vibrant Ankara prints, West African-inspired knitwear, and versatile styles for both men and women. It infuses banking attire with warmth, vibrancy, and unmistakable African flair.
Signature accessories include head wraps, costume jewelry, and specially curated white sneakers, all designed to ensure comfort and style for African Bank’s frontline ambassadors.
Supporting African Talent and Economic Transformation
The partnership between African Bank and Khosi Nkosi highlights the bank’s commitment to nurturing local talent and driving economic transformation. In just under a year, Khosi Nkosi’s fashion house has grown from a small team of four to 40 staff members, making a significant mark on the fashion industry. The team worked closely with African Bank’s brand designers, integrating the bank’s corporate identity into the fabric designs through custom palettes and knitwear.
“We’re witnessing the transformative power of investing in local talent,” says Nobukhosi & Thabo, designers at Khosi Nkosi. “This is the richness of African creativity and craftsmanship—ready for the global stage.”
African Bank’s investment in local designers is more than just a fashion statement. By supporting small businesses and elevating African talent, the bank is ensuring that African creativity is not only recognised locally but celebrated globally.
Redefining the Banking Brand Through Fashion
African Bank’s fashion venture marks a historic first in the banking industry. As the first financial institution to leverage fashion as a vehicle for storytelling and empowerment on such a prestigious international platform, African Bank is reshaping the perception of banking.
Kumalo asserts, “This is bigger than just fashion; it’s about legacy, about shifting perceptions, and about demonstrating that African excellence knows no bounds. We are not just showing clothes – we are showcasing a movement.”
Through this groundbreaking initiative, African Bank is affirming its role in shaping a future where African talent stands shoulder to shoulder with the world’s best. This celebration of belief, resilience, and innovation underscores African Bank’s commitment to uplifting people and possibilities as it celebrates 50 years of backing individuals, businesses, and creativity.
“This is a defining moment in our 50-year journey—a tribute to resilience, empowerment, and the legacy we continue to build,” Kumalo concludes.
The Legacy and Frontline collections are more than just a celebration of fashion—they are a testament to African Bank’s ongoing commitment to elevate Africa’s presence on the global stage and inspire the world.
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