The Telfar Shopping Bag may not be as recognizable or as expensive as iconic designs from Chanel or Dior, but it has become just as coveted among fashionistas. It’s attracted young shoppers with the chance to be part of an inclusive community, rewriting the rules of the ‘It bag’ in the process.

From Burna Boy and Tiwa Savage to Mr. Eazi and Davido, young West Africans living on the continent and in the diaspora are part of a closer community than ever and are creating global icons. So how can brands support the relationship diasporans have with their West African roots?

For some, being a cosmopolitan means being a citizen of the world and embracing values that transcend nationalities. For others, it’s synonymous with the homogenisation of local cultures. Canvas8 spoke to Atossa Araxia Abrahamian to understand the state of modern cosmopolitanism.

As people realise the eco and socio-economic cost of the fashion industry, both brands and shoppers are reevaluating their role in it. To keep things green and community-focused, designer Thebe Magugu prioritises local production and local talent – from textile mills to printmakers to pleaters.