African Queen was founded in 2008 by Nicola Leitch, a passionate fashionista and business woman with just as much passion for helping others to help themselves. African Queen is based on the philosophy of respect and dignity and helping others to help themselves.

Nicola’s passion for fashion started when, as a young girl growing up in Kano, Nigeria, she fell in love with the beautiful African crafts in the markets. The earthy richness of the North African colours seduced her, along with the vivid scarlet of the flame trees. As a teenager, she made her own clothing and progressed to having her own successful fashion label, La Bella. Her clothing has been worn by celebrities, has featured in Femina, the Sunday Times and the Sunday Times Magazine and was shown on the prestigious Mercedes Benz fashion week. Nicola has also dressed many past Miss South Africas.

After selling her fashion business a decade ago and pursuing other business interests, Nicola decided in 2008 to venture back into the industry with African Queen – this time incorporating social and economic upliftment principles into her business model. A percentage of all profits go to feeding schemes, job creation and training projects, many of which have been initiated by Nicola herself.

African Queen is about “luxury with a conscience”. We all want to own beautiful things. You want that gorgeous handbag in luxurious deep chocolate brown leather but …. We unashamedly say, “spoil yourself, but at the same time, do it responsibly”. Every product you buy from African Queen helps support a local community project. Please click here to read more about who we support.

What makes us different?

African Queen products are Euro-Afro in design, making them favourites with local and international fashionistas. They are unusual, handcrafted and thus unique pieces.The African Queen range melds African beauty with international design elements, creating “functional wearable art”. Each piece has a unique element– whether it be the beadwork, lining or design.