Vivacious Nicola Leitch is the one whose laughter can always be heard above the chatter at a lunch party. Mother of  three, this multi-tasking  mom/wife/ business woman/socialite/ fashion fundi, is a full time New African Woman who believes passionately in the essence of Ubuntu (interconnectedness) and in being one's bother (and sister's) keeper.

I've Always Believed in Women

"I've always believed in women," Nicola explains."As a daughter, mother and wife, I know what an important role we  women play in the tough core that underpins a family. I also know that no matter whether you are white and rich or black and poor or any combination of those, women still have to deal with various shades of discrimination every day. If you want to look at the economic face of discrimination, look at the JSE - it is still very white and male at the top isn't it?"

Nicola explains that because of the changes in South Africa over the past 15 years she has felt  a strong need to connect more closely with craft women and work in partnership with them to create something truly magic, truly African.

With her Nigerian roots, South African heritage and her passion for fashion, effervescent Nicci, who appears to be in perpetual motion, has turned her dream into the African Queen range of wearable art. An eclectic range of beautiful, handmade pieces, created with quality leather, glass beads, stones and fabric by caring and skilled hands … with plenty of African love.

Passion for Fashion

Nicola takes up her story: "My passion for fashion started when, as a young girl growing up in Kano, Nigeria, I saw beautiful African crafts in the markets. The earthy richness of North African colours always attracted me, along with the vivid scarlet of the flame trees. Our staff wore beautiful exotic robes and many had dramatic turbans with gold threads and beadwork. This had an enormous influence on my young and impressionable mind. Later, as a teenager, I made my own clothing and progressed to having my own successful fashion label.

My clothing was worn by many celebrities and appeared on Femina's front cover, Sunday Times front cover and the Sunday Times Magazine. It was shown on the prestigious Mercedes Benz fashion week and I dressed many of the Miss South Africas." 

This fashion business was sold in 2000 in order for Nicola to pursue other business interests. However  the yearning to get back to the world of fashion world  was to strong and because of the changed times and her own personal convictions, Nicola Leitch decided that  this time, she would involve herself in fashion with social relevance and a conscience.

The African Queen range harnesses the African spirit of beauty, teamwork, and Ubuntu into the production of Functional Wearable Art at its best.

"Each item we produce captures a bit of the essence of African beauty," says Nicci. "In a world where everything is mass-produced, these pieces of functional art are handmade with care, pride, and beauty, giving both the maker and the wearer the dignity they deserve."

Get to Know Nicola Leitch

JOB:  Self confessed designer and lover of all things beautiful.

STYLE ICON: Ralph Lauren. Safari Chic.

PERSONAL STYLE: Dressing according to my mood for that day.  Always have one thing over the top, i.e. very very large handbag.  Less clutter is more.

MOST CHERISHED ITEM IN MY CUPBOARD. Very good flat high top leather black boot.  Have worn them in the desert and in the snow.  They always look uber chic.

FAVOURITE COLOURS: Turquoise (reminds me of the sea) Cherry Red makes me feel sexy especially in a lipstick.  Chocolate (memoirs of the bush) Black, white, khaki all neutrals.  Life is too short to have only one favourite.

BEST SHOP: Robot, Sandton Square for all things different and funky.

BEST COFFEE: A must everyday. Seattle to get the day started with a bang.

MOST DELICIOUS RESTUARANT: Radisson Hotel 13rd floor food sublime and views forever.

FAVOURITE ITEMs OF CLOTHING. A Burberry Charcoal and Maroon Coat with grey fur collar...divine.  My white linen crisp shirts.

BEST COUNTRY: South Africa of course. We have the best of the best and have such big beautiful open skies.

THINGS I LOVE THE MOST: To laugh, laughter is a medicine and dance like no one is watching.

PEOPLE I MOST ADMIRE: African Mama’s who are the backbone of our society who never stop singing and smiling and of course my wonderful my husband family and friends…

MUSIC: Hill song, Vivaldi’s Four seasons, U2 and a whole range of stuff.

Contact Nicola Leitch at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it