Innovative Textile Spotlight: Mad&Lee’s Bold Fusion of Craft and Technology | Afrifashion Promotion
When it comes to blending tradition with forward-thinking fashion, Mad&Lee is leading the charge. The winner of this year’s Innovative Textile Use Award at the Afrifashion Online Awards, Mad&Lee is turning heads with designs that push boundaries—while staying rooted in rich African heritage.
We met with the creative minds behind the brand to talk about what drives their innovation, how they balance bold design with wearability, and what’s next on their journey.
On experimenting with textiles:
“At Mad&Lee, we love pushing the boundaries of fashion. Working with innovative textiles gives us the freedom to play with textures, elevate comfort, and add a modern edge to our work.”
This approach allows Mad&Lee to create pieces that are not only visually appealing but also versatile and practical. By exploring new materials, they are able to blend African traditions with cutting-edge technology. This fusion not only creates unique garments but also tells a story that’s deeply rooted in the culture while keeping it fresh and relevant.
On balancing creativity with functionality:
“For us, fashion is about more than just making a statement—it has to function too. That’s why every Mad&Lee piece is designed to be both visually striking and practical. Whether it’s the cut, the texture, or the detailing, we aim to ensure comfort, ease of movement, and lasting quality.”
The brand’s focus on creating designs that marry bold visual appeal with everyday wearability is evident in their process. Every piece is carefully crafted to be as practical as it is stylish. This balance ensures that each garment doesn’t just look good—it feels good, offering comfort and durability for the modern wearer.
What the award means:
“Winning the Innovative Textile Use Award is more than an accolade—it’s a nod to the work we’ve poured into rethinking what fashion can be. It tells us that we’re on the right track, and it motivates us to keep innovating, mixing tradition with modernity in a way that feels bold, yet intentional.”
The award serves as validation for Mad&Lee’s creative direction, encouraging the brand to continue exploring innovative techniques. The recognition reinforces their belief that by combining traditional textiles with modern sensibilities, they are carving a unique path in the fashion world.
How the recognition fuels future innovation:
“This award reinforces our drive to keep exploring the unknown. It shows that daring ideas can resonate and that Mad&Lee has something unique to say in the world of fashion. It’s not just a pat on the back; it’s fuel for even braver, more experimental collections.”
Being recognized with such an esteemed award pushes Mad&Lee to remain fearless in their pursuit of innovation. They view this as an ongoing journey of experimentation, where they are not just creating clothes but making a statement about the future of fashion.
A glimpse into Mad&Lee’s design process:
“We’ve been experimenting with a custom fabric blend made from recycled cotton and silk—luxurious yet breathable. Another standout: 3D embroidery inspired by Yoruba symbols, brought to life through sharp, contemporary tailoring. These details are our way of honoring the past while shaping the future.”
Mad&Lee’s commitment to combining sustainability with tradition is evident in their design choices. By experimenting with eco-friendly materials and blending them with cultural elements, the brand creates pieces that feel timeless yet progressive.
African culture at the core:
“Our designs are deeply rooted in African culture. We pull from fabrics like bogolan and kente, and techniques like tie-dye and beadwork. But we don’t stop there. We modernize them—pairing them with bold color palettes, sharp silhouettes, and eco-conscious materials. The result is a fresh take that still pays respect to where we come from.”
The richness of African culture is more than just an influence for Mad&Lee—it’s the heartbeat of their designs. They take beloved traditional elements and reinterpret them for today’s fashion, creating pieces that feel both nostalgic and forward-thinking.
What’s next for Mad&Lee:
“We’re expanding our Kaftan by Mad&Lee line with new cuts, bold embroidery, and more contemporary flair. We’re also delving deeper into sustainable fabric manipulation and exploring exciting collaborations. Expect menswear with edge, collections inspired by our textile journey, and stories told through every stitch.”
Mad&Lee’s journey is far from over. With plans to expand their Kaftan collection and explore new sustainable practices, the brand is ready to take its innovative approach to the next level. Their future collections promise to be even more bold and impactful, continuing to tell stories of culture and sustainability.
Follow Mad&Lee on Instagram for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and a peek into their bold new era: @MadXLee
Also, check out other Afrifashion Award winners like Sathia Pather, whose creativity is redefining African fashion one photograph at a time.