Highlights From the FashionEVO Summit and Show 2025

Fashion tells stories. It carries voices, cultures, and visions forward in ways that are both visible and lasting. For years, the growth of fashion creative entrepreneurs in Africa has been slowed by obstacles such as limited access to resources, fragmented networks, and a lack of business knowledge. 

Yet in 2025, the narrative is shifting. FashionEVO, in partnership with Africa Creative Market (ACM), has set out to change this reality by building bridges between creativity, commerce, and community. The aim is simple but powerful: eliminate the barriers that hold creatives back, equip them with tools for growth, and give them platforms to shine not only in Africa but across the world.

This year’s edition of ACM, held on September 16-19, 2025, at the Landmark Event Centre, V.I., Lagos, has proven that collaboration works. The vision was clear from the beginning: nurture entrepreneurs, celebrate artistry, and cultivate sustainability.

By offering workshops, mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and public showcases, FashionEVO has created a thriving ecosystem where designers are not just dreamers but active participants in shaping the fashion industry of tomorrow. The partnership with ACM shows what is possible when investment is made not only in clothes but in people, their talents, and their ideas.

The FashionEVO summit & fashion show 2025 began with the Pop-Up Sessions, a series of knowledge-based gatherings where creativity intersected with practicality. Designers and aspiring entrepreneurs gained knowledge of brand positioning, sustainable sourcing, intellectual property, marketing, and digital strategies.

These sessions were not lectures; they were conversations where experts shared real experiences and participants asked questions that mattered to their everyday struggles. It created a sense of community, showing creatives that they are not alone in navigating the demanding landscape of fashion.

From September 16 to 19, the event started with a pop-up boutique, which brought another dimension to the experience. Unlike traditional retail setups, this boutique highlighted the individuality of emerging designers.

Each piece was more than fabric; it was an expression of culture, thought, and experimentation. Visitors could interact directly with designers, watch live demonstrations, and gain insight into the inspiration behind the collections.

The boutique celebrated authenticity; avant-garde designs, unique accessories, and limited-edition pieces that carried the personal touch of the creatives who made them. For the attendees, this was not just an exhibition but a cultural moment, a chance to see fashion as both an art form and a business.

The FE Installation added an immersive element that pushed the boundaries of imagination. At its core, it was about sustainability and innovation. A striking gown made from recycled materials drew attention to the possibilities of eco-conscious design. Interactive digital features allowed audiences to engage with fashion history and envision the future through virtual reality.

This installation showed that the industry can move beyond traditional showcases, becoming a space for storytelling, education, and responsibility. It was a reminder that creativity has no limits when paired with innovation.

On September 18, the anticipation reached its peak with the FashionEVO Fashion Show & Awards at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos. The night was more than a runway; it was a statement.

Designers presented collections that blended bold experimentation with cultural depth. Models showcased garments that ranged from avant-garde to refined classics, each look radiating confidence and meaning.

Beyond the visual spectacle, the evening integrated digital features, with real-time “Look of the Night” voting and instant designer access through QR codes. This made the show interactive, bridging the gap between audience and creator while opening doors for instant networking and commercial opportunities.

The runway was not only a space for Nigerian designers but also a continental showcase. In collaboration with Fashion Connect Africa (FCA), Ghanaian designers shared the stage, proving that African fashion is united, diverse, and globally relevant. The collections demonstrated the vast richness of African style, from heritage-inspired patterns to futuristic silhouettes, each piece reminding the world that African creativity is both rooted and forward-looking.

Among the evening’s highlights was the Textile Design Competition, presented in partnership with Fabric Printing Global. Over 50 entries from students and emerging designers brought fresh perspectives on prints, patterns, and purpose.

The top three winners were announced live on stage, their works unveiled before buyers, ateliers, and media. For these creatives, it was more than recognition; it was a launchpad into visibility and opportunity. The moment symbolized the importance of investing in young voices that will define the next chapter of African textile innovation.

Another moving part of the evening was the FashionEVO Student Designer Competition 2025, hosted by 360 Creative Hub. Students from across Nigeria were invited to design around the theme Creative Bridge: Bridging Creativity, Community, and Commerce in Africa’s Fashion Future.

From countless sketches, one young visionary emerged as the winner, debuting their work on the runway. For the audience, it was a glimpse of the future. For the designer, it was an unforgettable milestone, proof that passion and talent can lead to real opportunities when given the right platform.

The FashionEVO Awards crowned the evening, honoring trailblazers and innovators shaping the fashion ecosystem. The awards were not just about glamour; they were about recognition of resilience, excellence, and influence. From guardians of heritage craftsmanship to forward-thinking ecosystem builders, each recipient embodied the diverse strengths that drive the industry.

The awards highlighted that fashion is not only about style but also about impact: social, cultural, and economic.

The impact of ACM 2025 will continue long after the lights have dimmed and the applause has ended. Designers who showcased their collections gained exposure that could lead to international opportunities.

Students who participated now carry the confidence that their creativity has value. Entrepreneurs who attended the sessions left with practical strategies to build sustainable businesses. And audiences walked away with a deeper appreciation for African fashion as both an art and an industry.

The success of this year’s FashionEVO X ACM partnership proves that when knowledge, resources, and networks are shared, barriers fall. The vision of FashionEVO and ACM is not a one-time showcase but a long-term commitment to building a thriving fashion economy. By centering sustainability, technology, and cultural authenticity, they are ensuring that African fashion has both local strength and global relevance.

As the narrative of African creativity continues to unfold, ACM 2025 has become a defining chapter. It celebrated talent, created opportunities, and emphasized the importance of collaboration. It showed that fashion is not just what we wear; it is who we are, where we come from, and where we are going. The runway became a symbol of resilience and ambition, reminding everyone present that the future of fashion in Africa is unstoppable.

Ahead, we’ve put together some of the fashion designers who stood out with remarkable collections:

Fabric Printing Global

Fabric Printing Global, founded in 2025 in Lagos, is a fashion brand redefining the future of African textiles. At the FashionEvo 2025 runway, they showcased bold sublimation prints on polyester and poly blends, vivid, fresh, and innovative. Even more impressive, every fabric was designed and printed entirely from scratch. A true testament to creativity and craftsmanship; kudos to the team.

The fashion brand proved that style and functionality can go hand in hand, delivering looks that make a statement while keeping practicality in mind with bags spacious enough to carry everything you need. Models commanded attention in towering heels, their outfits bursting with color and pattern, complemented by sleek low-bun hairstyles that perfectly balanced drama with elegance. 

Amarelis

What first caught our eye in the Amarelis masterpieces, from intricate crochet to bold print designs, was the spellbinding fusion of radiant colors and fluid forms. The collection radiated a dynamic blend of energy and elegance, offering a truly captivating visual feast. Each piece felt like a prism, refracting a dazzling spectrum of patterns and hues.

Kijipa Couture

Kijipa Couture took traditional wear beyond its familiar roots, weaving culture and craftsmanship into statement pieces that reflect both the richness of African heritage and the sophistication of modern fashion. With Kijipa Couture, traditional wear got transformed into high fashion.

Fashion and Co Eco

Guided by a mission grounded in sustainability and culture, Fashion & Co ECO transforms heritage fabrics into timeless, eco-conscious fashion. Their creations beautifully merge tradition with innovation, demonstrating that style and sustainability can coexist on the same global runway. The collection featured body-hugging silhouettes, playful fringes, and bold, exaggerated gele headpieces.

Henri Uduku

Henri Uduku’s presentation was a masterclass in refined luxury. His designs, marked by impeccably tailored silhouettes and vibrant accents of color, exuded a timeless elegance. The collection underscored Uduku’s gift for blending classic sophistication with modern sensibilities, resulting in pieces that feel essential in any discerning wardrobe.

With Henri Uduku, every garment becomes a dialogue between culture, craftsmanship, and contemporary design. Rooted in heritage yet inspired by today’s aesthetics, each collection is thoughtfully crafted, celebrating the artistry of locally sourced materials and the individuality of distinctive prints.

Yigalo

The Yigalo Collection features stunning white maxi dresses adorned with intricate 3D floral appliqués and soft, romantic ruffles. Each piece flows with elegance, blending timeless femininity with modern artistry. Designed for statement moments, the collection captures lightness, grace, and sophistication.

Koje Originals

Koje Originals, celebrated for redefining luxury menswear with a perfect balance of timeless elegance and contemporary sophistication, has placed bespoke tailoring and exceptional craftsmanship at the heart of African fashion.

On the FashionEVO runway at ACM 2025, proudly supported by the British Council, the Koje Group unveiled this refined artistry, leaving us truly in awe.

Katie’O Eleganza

It was refreshing to see an African fashion designer reinterpret plaid with such creativity, exploring it in a spectrum of vibrant colors rather than the usual muted tones. That’s exactly what Katie’O Eleganza delivered: transforming the classic pattern into something bold, modern, and versatile.

Each piece carried a sense of playfulness and elegance, proving that plaid can be both timeless and fashion-forward when handled with innovation. From tailored cuts to fluid silhouettes, the collection showcased how a traditional fabric can be elevated into statement-making designs.

Iffizi

IFFIZI immersed us in the true spirit of Nigeria; seamlessly blending rich African bespoke fabrics with innovative European design. Every piece carried a story of creativity and sustainability, crafted with intention and respect. The colors, the textures, the fabrics weren’t just beautiful to see; they were a joy to experience. It wasn’t just fashion on display; it was a living experience.

Sly Monay

There was an undeniable air of regality in every detail of Sly Monay’s collection. Each look radiated sophistication and cultural pride, brought to life by models who embodied the essence of elegance with striking presence. From the lion-head staff to the opulent agbada capes and intricately styled geles, the collection unfolded like a royal procession. A flawless showcase; undoubtedly a 10 out of 10.

Adire Oodua Hub

Adire Oodua Hub presented a stunning display of craftsmanship with their latest collection, featuring a vibrant blue adire ensemble in both a two-piece set and a flowing boubou. The designs skillfully blend various adire patterns, creating a harmonious mix of traditional artistry and contemporary style. Each piece reflects meticulous attention to detail, making the collection both visually striking and culturally resonant.

Paon

Had someone told me that this collection was the work of a man before I actually saw it, I might have doubted it. Experiencing it firsthand, however, left no room for argument. What struck me most was Paon’s deep understanding of women; how he observes, interprets, and celebrates the female form.

Every piece seems designed to highlight and accentuate natural beauty. The collection delivers spectacular dresses featuring delicate ruffles, bold structural designs, and intricate 3D elements, all tailored into body-fitting silhouettes that flatter without compromise. It’s clear that thought, precision, and a reverence for femininity underpin every stitch.

Rukuhs Petali

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At Rukuhs Petali’s latest showcase, florals and bold hues reigned supreme, capturing every eye in the room.

Presented during the FashionEvo summit on Thursday, September 18, the Lagos-based designer sent models down the runway in playful, mood-lifting ensembles that felt both joyful and effortless.

The collection dazzled with full-bodied floral appliqués, accessories exuding vacation-ready charm, and a striking reinterpretation of the kaftan, drenched in sunflowers and reimagined for the modern wardrobe.

Rukuh Petali’s vision was clear: a celebration of color, texture, and whimsical sophistication, a collection that balances heritage-inspired elegance with contemporary flair, leaving the audience both enchanted and inspired.

All photos courtesy: Fashion Police NG