March 2025 Fashion Recap: Top Global and African Trends & Events

March 2025 has been a vibrant month in the fashion world, marked by significant events and announcements that have influenced both global and African fashion landscapes. From international fashion weeks to notable African showcases, here’s a recap of the month’s most impactful moments.

Shanghai Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2025

Shanghai Fashion Week (SHFW) concluded its Autumn/Winter 2025 season with a spotlight on local talent. The event saw increased showroom traffic and renewed interest from buyers, despite a slower post-pandemic recovery. Brands like Shushu/Tong and Jacques Wei stood out, blending creativity with commercial appeal. Traditional Chinese techniques were celebrated, reflecting a fusion of heritage and modern design. SHFW’s emphasis on supporting new and independent designers underscores its commitment to nurturing emerging talent in a competitive market.

From Shushu Tong FW collection

Picture Credit: Vogue magazine

From Jacques Wei F/W collection

Picture credit: Vogue magazine

Milan Design Week: Fashion Meets Design

Milan Design Week witnessed an increasing presence of fashion brands, transforming traditional design showcases into immersive experiences. Fashion houses such as Loewe, Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Bottega Veneta utilized historic Milanese venues for their exhibitions, blending fashion, design, and art. The series of exhibitions highlighted the synergy between the fashion and design industries, with designers bringing the theatricality of catwalk shows into the realm of home decor. Such collaborations not only elevate the design experience but also align with growing consumer interest in making decor a status symbol.

Picture Credit: @milan.design.week (IG)

Picture Credit: @milan.design.week (IG)

Doechii’s Bold Statement at the GLAAD Media Awards

At the 2025 GLAAD Media Awards, artist Doechii made a striking fashion statement by donning an ensemble from John Galliano’s Spring 2024 collection for Maison Margiela. Her outfit featured a laminated nude plastic corset top with asymmetrical shoulders and a deconstructed black midi skirt, accessorized uniquely with a measuring tape and pincushion. This bold choice exemplified her distinct fashion sense and rule-breaking spirit, diverging from traditional styling norms.

Picture Credit: @justdoechii (IG)

African Fashion Highlights

In the African fashion scene, significant events have been announced that promise to elevate the continent’s fashion industry.

Meet Africa Fashion Festival 2025 in Delta State

Delta State, Nigeria, has been confirmed as the official host for the 2025 Meet Africa Fashion Festival (MAFEST), scheduled from April 24th to 26th in Asaba. The state government’s endorsement aligns with its objective to leverage culture, tourism, and the creative economy as key contributors to economic growth. MAFEST aims to showcase Africa’s rich cultural heritage and boost the local economy through job creation and talent development.

African Kids Fashion Week 2025

Set for May 2025, the African Kids Fashion Week (AKFW) is poised to celebrate African creativity and innovation in children’s fashion. With the theme “Rooted in Culture, Made for the World,” AKFW 2025 seeks to bridge Africa’s rich heritage with contemporary global fashion trends. The event will feature workshops, panel discussions, and fashion shows, providing a platform for entrepreneurs, designers, and creatives in children’s fashion.

Picture credit: Jollofmash.com

Undoubtedly, the past few weeks in the local and global fashion industry have served a lot, but if there’s one thing we know about fashion, it’s that there’s always something new around the corner. With April on the horizon, we can’t help but wonder—What trends will take center stage next? Which designers will surprise us? And how will African fashion continue its rise on the global scene? Whatever happens, one thing is for sure: fashion never stands still, and we’ll be here to keep you updated every step of the way. Stay tuned!