U Motle 55
An annual portrait book and archive of African fashion creatives from all 55 countries. Established names alongside emerging creatives, in one place where the world can find them.
So that African fashion is seen, found and remembered.
U Motle 55 is both an editorial book and a directory. Each entry carries the creator’s name, brand, country and city, a description, their philosophy, an image and links, so readers can go straight from discovering a creator to finding their work.
Every year the archive grows, becoming an ongoing digital discovery database for African fashion.
The digital edition
Free for everyone, with an option to donate.
The portrait book
Print copies are sold to raise funds for creatives, including for institutions and libraries.
A gallery, not a runway
An exhibition in Dubai in December 2026: portraits, garments, films and talks.
Be part of U Motle 55.
The open call is for African fashion creatives on the continent and in the diaspora, established and emerging. It runs for one month, and creatives supply their own photographs. When the call is open, scan the code to apply.
Hear when the next call opens
U Motle 55 · Open call