African Bank x Khosi Nkosi: Redefining Fashion and Finance

This month, African Bank’s collaboration with renowned fashion house Khosi Nkosi marked an unprecedented shift in the worlds of fashion and finance. Together they showcased two collections at Milan and Paris Fashion Week.

This initiative reflects the bank's vision of empowering African excellence through both cultural and economic transformation. African Bank is a prominent South African financial institution established in 1975. The bank came to being after the inaugural NAFCOC meeting, in soweto, as a way to overcome economic obstacles faced by African people. Its ethos revolves around empowering customers through accessible and innovative financial products.

Khosi Nkosi is a South African luxury fashion house that was founded in 2008 after winning a young designer competition. Renowned for its bold, elegant designs, the brand celebrates African culture and craftsmanship. It’s ethos revolves around empowering people through high-end fashion that blends contemporary style with rich, traditional elements.

As a magazine that explores the intersection of fashion, culture and business, Trendsetters Only now turns its focus toward this innovative initiative. For African Bank, the collaboration represents a chance to shape perceptions and leave lasting impressions. “What we wear ultimately affects our confidence, stance, and how we are perceived,” noted sbuSiso Kumalo, African Bank’s Group Chief Marketing Officer, in a press release.

This partnership with Khosi Nkosi shows a new approach toward brand identity and aligns with the bank’s motivation of uplifting Africans. Through merging corporate clothing and African aesthetics the collections assert finance’s contribution to culture on a global scale. “Whether in business, finance, or creativity, we exist to uplift and empower.

By taking this collection to the global stage, we are reaffirming our role in shaping a future where African talent stands tall alongside the world's best.” said Edna Montse, African Bank’s Group Executive.

On March 1, the Legacy Collection was presented at the esteemed Villa Erba, in Milan. The event was followed by the Frontline collection on March 9, showcased at the renowned Shangri-La Hotel in Paris.

This marked the first time a financial institution has used fashion as a medium for storytelling on such a global scale. The collaboration represented more than just an opportunity for visibility; it represents legacy. “To see our uniform collection embraced at Paris Fashion Week is something truly extraordinary. It speaks volumes about the audacity of African Bank as a brand that dares to redefine the norms.

This is a moment of pride, not just for us, but for every African who dares to dream.” said Montse explained. The Legacy collection was an homage to the 1960’s and African Bank’s resilience throughout the years.

The Frontline collection reimagined African Bank’s staff uniforms, using Ankara prints, headwraps and West African inspired Knitwear. Nobukhosi and Thabo, the design duo behind Khosi Nkosi, drew inspiration from African Banks brand style guide, and collaborated with their team in order to integrate three of the Bank’s graphics into fabric designs.

The collection received an overwhelmingly supportive reception which ignited the African creative space. In attendance were esteemed South African guests such as influencer and entrepreneur Pamela Mtanga and actress Nomzamo Mbatha who walked the runway in Paris and closed the Milan show.

“This collaboration is a testament to the growing influence of African fashion,” said Montse, “It speaks volumes about African Bank’s commitment to supporting local talent and elevating African fashion on the global stage.” said Montse.

This brings visibility to and promotes the funding of the African creative industry. Nobukhosi and Thabo stated in a press release that the collaboration demonstrated the power of investing in local talent and puts the richness of African creativity and craftsmanship on global display.

African Bank and Khosi Nkosi’s collaboration sets a new precedent for how financial institutions can use fashion to shape their identity, empower African talent, and make a statement on an international platform.

Woven into the fabric of this collection is a movement that redefines fashion and finance.