Bridging Fashion, Culture: How Arivla is Empowering African Designers

Tosin Clegg

Post-COVID-19, Africa has witnessed a surge in its digital sector, especially in e-commerce, which has directly impacted the fashion industry. A key player in this movement is Arivla, an innovative and newly launched e-commerce platform designed to revolutionise the fashion ecosystem. Arivla aims to bridge the gap between fashion retailers and their customers, creating a reliable and accessible marketplace for all. Their vision is to elevate cultural fashion by providing a unique and inclusive experience. We act as a central hub for a passionate community, celebrating diversity and heritage through fashion. 

At the moment the African fashion sector is brimming with potential, shaped by the continent’s rich cultural diversity, growing youthful population, urbanisation, and the rise of digital technology. Highlighted in the UNESCO report Africa: A New Global Fashion Leader, Africa has the necessary ingredients to emerge as a global leader in fashion if the ecosystem receives adequate support.

Arivla stands for empowerment, resilience, and self-reliance. It embodies a commitment to promoting and celebrating African culture. The platform offers users, whether vendors or customers, an easy and intuitive interface, allowing them to create profiles and engage in fashion-related services. Initially starting in Nigeria, the brand has ambitious goals to expand across the world, becoming a go-to hub for all things fashion globally. Arivla is positioning itself as a crucial player in the growing African fashion ecosystem by tackling the challenges of connecting fashion retailers to their ideal customers. Through its user-friendly interface and inclusive approach, the brand seeks to empower vendors and consumers, fostering a vibrant and interconnected fashion community.

CEO and Founder of Arivla, Mrs. Ivy Okike-Fatusin, stated that, “My passion for fashion and Africa was the catalyst for the birth of Arivla. I wanted to promote the beauty of African cultural fashion and local businesses that champion it to the world while also giving budding fashion entrepreneurs a platform to be discovered and celebrated globally. 

“Whether you’re in a small village or a bustling city, Arivla has a place for you. This isn’t to take away from the more established fashion brands but about shining a light on their incredible work as well. I believe e-commerce is the missing ingredient in bolstering African fashion exports. With my background in technology and a love for business and connecting people, building an e-commerce hub for African cultural fashion enthusiasts was essential. It’s about creating opportunities and making African fashion accessible to the world.”

 The brand is committed to making African fashion a global symbol of elegance and cultural pride. By giving African retailers the necessary visibility, Arivla is helping to bring the beauty of African fashion known for its grandeur and sophistication to the world. For fashion-forward individuals and lovers of culture, Arivla offers a unique experience where fashion meets tradition. Every piece on the platform tells a story, and every design reflects the spirit of African celebration and identity.