Africa Fashion Week London is Returning This August: What You Need To Know

Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) is set to make its return this August for a historic 15th season. This year’s event will be hosted at Space House, located on the fringes of London’s iconic Covent Garden. The venue holds a significant place in the cultural tapestry of London and will soon transition to commercial use only, making this one of its final noteworthy cultural events. 

On Saturday, 9th August, attendees can look forward to an impressive lineup that showcases the best of African design. The day promises to be packed with fashion, innovation, and cultural richness.

Visitors can expect three dynamic catwalk showcases, which will feature a plethora of impressive collections from top African designers. Alongside the catwalk shows, a full exhibition hall will be available for guests to shop, browse, and discover the latest trends to update their summer wardrobes.

In a groundbreaking collaboration, the event will kick off at 7 pm with an enchanting performance by the cast of Disney’s The Lion King. This partnership emphasizes the deep-rooted themes of heritage, identity, and storytelling present in both fashion and theatre. The fusion of theatrical artistry and fashion promises to create an unforgettable experience that highlights the cultural significance of African narratives.

In a testament to its commitment to nurturing talent, AFWL is partnering with the British Council to welcome ten emerging designers from across Africa, specifically Ethiopia, Uganda, Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria. Through the Creative DNA programme, these designers will have a platform to showcase their innovative creations, representing fresh African voices in the global fashion industry.

AFWL is also teasing an exciting new partnership with Meta, with details to be revealed in the near future. This collaboration reflects the growing intersection of fashion, technology, and digital innovation throughout Africa and its diaspora. As the fashion landscape evolves, ventures like this will propel the influence of African fashion onto the global stage, illustrating the dynamism of the creative industry.

AFWL is also collaborating with major UK universities, including Manchester Metropolitan University and Winchester School of Art. This partnership will showcase the ever-growing influence of African textiles and design in both undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses. Attendees can anticipate seeing student collections on the catwalk, as well as featuring the graduate stars from the recent Graduate Fashion Week.

The excitement continues on Sunday, August 10th, where visitors will get the chance to explore:

Adire Oodua Textile Hub: Participants will experience the unveiling of new fabric collections from the Adire Oodua Textile Hub, which showcases the vibrancy and artistry of traditional African textiles.

Heritage Catwalk Show: This incredible show highlights the depth of heritage within fashion, bringing together historical influences and modern interpretations, making it a must-see for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

“This 15th edition is more than a celebration; it’s a bold statement about the future of African fashion.” Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, Founder of Africa Fashion Week London, said in a statement. “We’re proud to bring the world’s attention to the talent, stories, and innovation coming from the continent and its diaspora.”

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