Last weekend, from 9-10 August, I had the chance to attend Africa Fashion Week London in collaboration with Darling Magazine UK. It was exciting to see the heart of London come alive with so much colour, rhythm, and celebration as Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) marked its 15th anniversary at Space House on Kemble Street.
The event was well attended, with a great turnout and many dignitaries and VIP’s allowing the city to welcome the spirit of African creativity and a joyful blend of tradition, innovation, and community. The most noteworthy attendees included Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, Founder of Africa Fashion Week London; Her Excellency, Ambassador Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq, the First Lady of Kwara State and Her Excellency, Chief Barr. (Dr.) Chioma Deborah Uzodimma FIMC, CMC, the First Lady of Imo State and many more.
The precursor to the main event was their Press Conference which took place on Thursday 7th of August, celebrating the future of African fashion and its place on the global stage. This conference brought together industry leaders, creatives, and innovators for an inspiring Industry Day.
Staying true to its ethos of going beyond the runway, this milestone edition of AFWL opened with insightful conversations led by HRH Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi. The discussions looked ahead to a future where African fashion continues to influence and inspire the global stage. Themes of sustainability, ethical practice, and cultural storytelling took centre stage, complemented by vibrant exhibitions and bustling market stalls showcasing handcrafted accessories, unique footwear, and the rich flavours of Africa’s cuisine.
Across the two days, the programme offered a rich exchange of ideas, with engaging panel discussions that included conversations with Bola and an interactive Q&A. The dialogue moved seamlessly between industry insights, creative vision, and audience curiosity, creating a welcoming space where designers, entrepreneurs, and fashion enthusiasts could connect and share perspectives.
When the runway lights came up, the atmosphere shifted into pure celebration. A kaleidoscope of colour and energy filled the stage, as both established names and emerging voices in African design unveiled their work. Bold prints, fluid silhouettes, and enduring textiles wove stories of heritage and imagination. From the refined elegance of Lambert Fashion to the playful sophistication of Sevaria, Epica, Ometsey, Black Fine & Fly, Shwanda Kollection, and Dagmawit, each collection brought its own distinct beauty and strength to the showcase.
One of the most memorable moments came when Tuntop Fashion House transformed their catwalk show into a celebration, with models dancing to Pharrell’s Happy — an embodiment of the exuberance at the heart of African fashion.
This year, Sierra Leonean designers such as IZELIA and Tesmaraneh drew admiration for their dedication to locally sourced fabrics and traditional dyeing techniques, while the participation of brands from over 24 African nations underscored AFWL’s standing as a truly global platform. Since its inception in 2011, the event has welcomed talent from 68 countries, securing its place as the largest and longest-running celebration of African fashion in the world.
As the 15th anniversary came to a close, one message resonated above all: African fashion is more than just style – it is identity, pride, and connection. From the energy of the front rows to the joy spilling across the runway, AFWL 2025 affirmed the brilliance of African creativity on the international stage and promised even greater triumphs in 2026.
Final Thought
There is a growing and lasting connection between China, Africa, and the wider Asian region when it comes to culture and fashion. This year’s shows reflected that beautifully: several Chinese models brought a new dynamic to the runway, while one of the designers from the Winchester School of Art — herself Chinese — added another layer to the cross-cultural exchange.
It was a joy to witness this element of diversity. As I waited for the next show to begin, I found myself scrolling through images and reels of my friend Saori in Tokyo, who runs a thriving vintage fashion boutique. Among her most popular pieces are garments made from vibrant African prints — a reminder of how far-reaching African fashion’s influence has become. I couldn’t help but wish she were here to experience it in person. Perhaps next year.
Africa Fashion Week London is, above all, a feast for the senses. The air is filled with positive energy, bursts of colour, and an unmistakable sense of joy. It’s not only the catwalk that shines, but the entire atmosphere of the event is full of excitement, character, and celebration. If you’re in need of a dose of pure happiness, ensure you get yourself a ticket to attend the next one – and immerse in the experience.
About Africa Fashion Week London
Africa Fashion Week London’s annual catwalk and exhibition event is one of the world’s largest and longest-running showcases of African and African-inspired fashion & design. Now in its 15th year, Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) has hosted 3000 emerging and established designers and exhibitors to 75,000 visitors, including buyers, retailers, industry professionals and global media.
Overall, 26 African nations and 67 countries have been represented, including diaspora designers from Brazil, Europe, Asia, the Caribbean and the Americas. Additionally, AFWL has produced 12 third-party events such as the Southbank Centre’s Africa Utopia and Meltdown Festival, The Mayor of London’s Africa on the Square, and The Africa Centre’s Summer Festival.
Such is the importance of AFWL, that the initiative positively impacts, directly and indirectly, over 5000 individuals annually including SMEs, designers, tailors, textile designers, students, visitors, models, stylists, photographers, journalists, caterers, artists, tech and production staff and lovers of fashion.
Words & Photography – Talented Stylist Pat Lyttle @stylistpatlyttle | Stylist Pat Lyttle
