For designers of African heritage
African fashion doesn't need validation
It needs distribution
Mapmode brings your brand to the right customers in Europe and North America. Our founding designer cohort is now open.
What is Mapmode
Introducing Mapmode
The first curated marketplace dedicated to African fashion.
We connect designers of African heritage with customers who are looking for pieces with craft, character and a story. Tastemakers share your work with their audiences, AI-powered matching will put it in front of the right people, and every order comes straight to you.
Sell globally. Stay independent.
Our story
Why Mapmode exists
- 01 · What we saw
Extraordinary fashion
African designers are creating some of the most exciting fashion in the world. Many brands are already recognised internationally.
- 02 · The real gap
Talent was never the problem. Access is
Reaching customers in Europe and North America still means distance, logistics and visibility.
- 03 · Why we can help
We're building the bridge
Mapmode is based in Europe, with direct access to North America, connecting your atelier with those customers.
From local ateliers to global wardrobes
What you get
Sell globally
Stay independent
No upfront fee
Joining is completely free. You only pay when you sell.
You set your price
Your price stays your price.
You set your commission
You choose what tastemakers earn on the sales they bring you.
Global reach
Customers in the United Kingdom, Europe and North America.
Automatic payouts
Paid on a fixed schedule.
Performance analytics
See what sells, in real time.
How it works
Tastemakers sell
You ship
- 01
Apply & get approved
Tell us about your brand. Our team reviews every application personally and gets back to you by email.
- 02
List your collection
Upload your pieces and set your own prices and commission.
- 03
Orders come to you
Tastemakers feature your pieces in shoppable edits. You ship from your atelier, and payouts are automatic.
Before you apply
Is Mapmode right for your brand?
Our founding cohort is small, by design. If you tick every box, we'd love to meet you.
A designer of African heritage
Your work reflects that heritage, wherever you're based.
Your own online store
Customers can already buy from your website.
You ship worldwide
You can deliver to customers around the world.
Ready for luxury customers
A clear brand identity, quality you're proud of and beautiful product photos.
You want to grow on your terms
Reach new customers while keeping control of your brand and your prices.
FAQ
Your questions, answered
Is it free to join?
Yes. There's no upfront fee. You only pay when you sell: the commission you set for tastemakers, plus a 5% platform fee.
Who sets my prices?
You do. Your price stays your price.
Who decides the commission?
You do. You choose the commission tastemakers earn on the sales they bring you.
How will customers find me?
Our AI will match your pieces with the right customers, and our tastemakers will share them with their audiences in Europe and North America.
Who ships the orders?
You do, from your atelier. Orders come straight to you.
When do I get paid?
Payouts are automatic, on a fixed schedule.
What do founding designers get?
Founding designer status, priority placement at launch, first pick of tastemakers for the first shoppable edits, and a head start on reaching new customers before other brands join.
Founding designer cohort
Apply now
Applications now open
Apply to the founding cohort ↗ Places are limited