African Fashion Week London (AFWL) 2025 was a tapestry of heritage, innovation, and unapologetic style. From August 7th to 10th, the capital became the epicentre of African creativity as AFWL celebrated its 15th anniversary.
In its milestone year, the event doubled down on its mission: to honour the continent’s rich cultural legacy while shaping a future where sustainability and economic empowerment are not trends, but pillars of the industry.
The four-day spectacle unfolded like a cinematic journey. Catwalks became stages for cultural displays, and exhibition halls buzzed with the energy of designers, with conversations about global reach echoing through panel discussions.
If you thought you’d seen African fashion at its finest, AFWL 2025 proved there’s always more to discover, and more to celebrate.
From the indigo-dyed beauty of Adire to next-gen designers redefining what “African luxury” means, every moment was crafted to surprise, inspire, and invite the world into a dialogue between past and future. And yet, between the scent-filled runway, cutting-edge collections, and unforgettable finales, there were moments so striking they demand a second look.
Speaking of surprises, one of the moments that demands a rewatch was the part where we thought the model “fell.” Then she turned it into an intriguing performance, which added just the right amount of adrenaline rush that people needed.
Without further ado, here are the AFWL 2025 highlights you may have missed that will shape conversations long after the last model left the runway.
A Sensational “Pride Lands” Performance
AFWL 2025 opened with an electrifying performance of the Pride Lands theme songs, brought to life by Njiwe No Female, Lelo Sge, and Siphon Mlombile.
Dressed in a custom masterpiece by Bola Obileye, the performers delivered a show that was nothing short of magical, a perfect symphony of sound and sartorial brilliance.
Kwara’s Regal Moment on the Runway
Designer Dimeji Ilori presented a breathtaking Kwara Collection sponsored by the First Lady of Kwara, Her Excellency Prof. Mrs. Olufolake AbdulRazaq. Using the state’s traditional Aso Oke “Sanyan,” the collection was a testament to cultural pride and artisanal mastery.
The grand finale reached a crescendo when the First Lady herself graced the runway, an embodiment of African pride and empowerment, moments before receiving the prestigious Legacy Award.
Debuts that Defined the Runway
African Fashion Week London 2025 marked the highly anticipated debut of Efata by Juba with its TALES collection, where creative director Julie Baidoe-Ansah fused heritage with modern luxury to create an unapologetically Afropolitan aesthetic.
“It was more than a fashion show, it was a declaration of purpose,” she shared, and we can’t agree more.
Lagos-based menswear brand, David Wej, also made a debut with its House of Flannels collection, where the house reimagined heritage and craftsmanship for the modern man with impeccable tailoring and timeless style.
FiftyFourMag: Africa Has Entered the Chat
Another standout moment came when fiftyfourmag brought unapologetic energy to the runway.
From bold prints to jaw-dropping silhouettes, the message was clear: “Africa has entered the chat.” Their showcase was a masterclass in creativity, featuring a sophisticated blend of crochet with flowing fabrics, open-weave mesh textures, and artisanal tailoring.
A chartreuse-hued, fringed two-piece suit, paired with a structured, cropped jacket and statement accessories, became an instant crowd favourite, challenging traditional menswear norms and redefining contemporary African style.
Àtnúdá
Àtnúdá took heritage and made it runway-worthy, blending traditional Nigerian craftsmanship with sleek, modern tailoring.
Structured silhouettes and intricate hem detailing spoke of precision and pride. It was a love letter to cultural expression wrapped in the polish of contemporary design, standing tall among AFWL 2025’s most sophisticated presentations.
Sarah Ajayi’s Queens of the Market
Fresh off winning the Gold Award and FACE Excellence Prize at Graduate Fashion Week 2025, Sarah Ajayi brought her Queens of the Market collection home to AFWL.
Her tribute to African market women featured natural raffia and African prints sculpted into undulating, dramatic forms that seemed to move with their own rhythm. Woven hats and bold, statement earrings completed the looks, making each model feel like a walking archive of cultural pride and modern artistry.
Simeogieme’s Love Letter to Healing
In one of the most emotional presentations of the week, Simeogieme unveiled her Spring/Summer 2026 Love Bloom collection, a personal reflection of her journey overcoming leukemia.
Flowing capes symbolized the embrace of divine love, while the move from her signature painted prints to digital artworks represented a bold new creative chapter, leaving many eager to see what’s next.
Sustainable Statements from AfroWema
From Kibera, Kenya, AfroWema turned sustainability into luxury.
The brand upcycled vibrant denim and Kitenge fabrics, infusing them with bold, conscious design. Every look celebrated African heritage while showing the world that eco-friendly fashion can be just as glamorous as it is meaningful.
The Ojude Oba-Inspired Catwalk
The runway turned into a regal procession as the Ojude Oba-inspired showcase honored the rich traditions of Ijebu-Ode. Distinguished personalities stepped out in lavish aso-oke, couture tailoring, and sculpted headpieces, with each ensemble paying homage to culture, community, and craftsmanship.
Makenzy Creations’ Crochet Royalty
Makenzy Creations proved that crochet is far from basic. Their runway looks transformed intricate threads into wearable art — from elegant gowns to matching headwear and handbags.
Each piece blended cultural richness with contemporary silhouettes, making crochet an unexpected star of the AFWL stage.
Silvia Osawe Brought Edo Elegance in Motion
Silvia Osawe’s designs brought her signature rhythm to the runway.
Fusing ancestral rhythm with modern poise, she paid homage to her Edo heritage through fluid silhouettes adorned with striking red beads. Each step was a stunning visual that celebrated tradition.
AFWL 2025 in One Word: Unforgettable. From bold prints to whispered elegance, from rising voices to iconic trailblazers, African Fashion Week London 2025 was not just another fashion event; it was a heartbeat, a homecoming, and a celebration of Africa’s creative spirit.
Photo: Instagram/@timelessnationltd
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Evelyn Adenike is an Associate Beauty Editor at Fashion Police Nigeria, where she covers all things beauty, from the glossiest nail trends to the best skincare finds. With a soft spot for storytelling and an eye for what’s fresh, she brings culture, creativity, and just the right dash of drama to every post. If it’s bold, beautiful, and blog-worthy, Evelyn’s probably already writing about it.
