Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) is a two-day event held every October during UK Black History Month.
Now in its 13th year, AFWL has become one of Europe’s largest African fashion and creativity showcases.
The event, which attracts a diverse mix of fashion enthusiasts, designers, and industry experts, features catwalk shows, panel discussions, a bustling marketplace, and an exhibition of the latest Afro-centric designs.
A brief history of AFWL
Founded by Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi in 2011, I still remember the excitement when the event launched. The anticipation of having such a groundbreaking show land in London.
Though the initial years were somewhat underwhelming, and the event can still feel chaotic at times, AFWL has matured into a significant platform that unites African fashion with global audiences.
The 2024 highlights, designers and collections
This year’s edition featured more designers from across Africa, Europe, and the US, with broader collections, from menswear to womenswear and kidswear to jewellery.
Despite the show’s increasing international presence, however, designers and prints from Nigeria, Ghana, and Southern Africa still seemed to dominate.
Some designers I had the pleasure of speaking to included:
- Adire Oodua – a Nigerian brand dedicated to preserving traditional Adire textile techniques.
- Awe Kids Official – a children’s fashion brand for babies to up to 11 years old.
- Cèdre Expressions – bespoke garments and a platform for children interested in fashion.
- House of Afrika – customised clothing made in Ghana.
- Kgosing – garments from Botswana.
- Lou Aymé – a sustainable fashion brand based in France.
- Roots of Fatima – a US-based fashion art brand that specialises in accessories, headpieces, and upcycling.
- Sanyan – a brand rooted in the Yoruba concept of “Sanyan,” meaning King of Fabrics.
Insights from AFWL designers and visitors
Beyond the fashion, AFWL is a celebration of community, storytelling, cultural pride and identity. Here’s what some of the designers and attendees had to say:
Karen Williams, founder of Sanyan, shared:
“AFWL is a great event in a very central London venue. It’s important to have something like this that showcases African designers. It’s now my third year participating, and I’ve noticed more international brands this time. The hype and opportunities remain just as elevated as ever.”
Maria Hornsby-Odoi, founder of House of Afrika, expressed:
“This is my first time as a designer at the event. It’s been inspiring and encouraging. Such events let you know what people are looking for – they want to be affiliated with something culturally. Our designs can’t be found on the high street, so you come here to find things you can’t find anywhere else.”
Visitors, too, were full of excitement. One said:
“I just saw one of my favourite designers, Made in Africa. Speaking to the designers about how they started their brands and their inspiration was fantastic. The exhibition could have been bigger, but otherwise, it’s been a top-notch event.”
AFWL is a showcase of the continent’s vibrant style, colours and flair with modern interpretations of traditional African attire.
AFWL exhibits and displays
Aquila Benjamin, founder of Roots of Fatima. The brand describes itself as wearable art.
AFWL brings together designers, content creators and fashion enthusiasts.
Backstage at AFWL.
Africa Fashion Week London took place from 11 to 12 October at the Kensington and Chelsea Conference Event Centre. Tickets for the exhibition were free, while tickets for the catwalks were £50. Look out for the event on their website, which will take place at a similar time next year.