From Aso-Oke to Slow Fashion: Meet the designers of 2026 Africa Fashion Week London

…as Olori Ronke Ademiluyi Ogunwusi Explores Beyond Catwalk

African fashion is having a global moment, and for good reason. Its fearless creativity, deep cultural roots, and modern silhouettes are now staples on international runways.

Leading that charge is Olori Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, Queen of the Ooni of Ife and founder of Africa Fashion Week London. Her vision has been instrumental in positioning African design on the world stage.

She also created Africa Fashion Week Nigeria — the sister platform to AFWL — which returns to Lagos this December as part of the highly anticipated Detty December festivities.

Since launching in 2011, AFWL has grown far beyond a runway. It’s now a key bridge between African designers and the global fashion economy: buyers, retailers, investors, and new audiences. Through partnerships like the British Council’s Creative DNA programme and the Adire Oodua Textile Hub, AFWL champions creativity while driving education, entrepreneurship, and the preservation of African textile heritage.

Now in its 16th year, AFWL returns to Central London from August 17 to 23. The lineup brings together the continent’s most exciting established and emerging names, for collections that speak to innovation, craftsmanship, and the growing global influence of African fashion.

Meet some of the designers set to rip the runway this season.

Juoby & Co:

Juoby & Co. is a contemporary Nigerian fashion brand that creates bold, stylish, and culturally inspired ready-to-wear
pieces for the modern woman. Rooted in creativity and individuality, the brand is known for blending vibrant colors, playful silhouettes, and indigenous fabrics with modern fashion-forward designs that celebrate both heritage and self-expression.

At the heart of Juoby & Co. is a passion for redefining how traditional African textiles are seen and worn. The brand transforms locally sourced fabrics such as adire, George, and other indigenous materials into elevated everyday pieces that feel chic, wearable, and globally relevant. From statement co-ords and structured dresses to experimental silhouettes and easy luxury staples, each collection is designed to make women feel confident, stylish, and unforgettable.

Dian Magesa Fashion:

DianaMagesa is a brand based in Tanzania dealing with upcycling to turn waste into something valuable for make costumes for fashion, music, film, and programs for women and youth. Also, the brand has activities cleaning beaches, from the sea, and protecting creatures and sea flow. The brand’s goal is to have a big industry that produces products from waste, and it’s going to clean the environment, add value, get new costumes, build skills, and create new employees.

Claudia Byron

Claudia Byron is a Zimbabwean luxury fashion designer whose work is defined by refined femininity, structured elegance and a modern global perspective. Her brand focuses on contemporary womenswear that blends strong tailoring, elevated textures and intentional silhouettes with a distinct sense of identity and presence.
Her design approach explores the balance between structure and fluidity, creating garments that are
both expressive and wearable.

Kente Uncut

This is a collection designed by Aduhema, a third-year undergraduate who explores both tailoring and her cultural heritage through her work. For this collection, she developed a personalised kente cloth, drawing inspiration from traditional Ghanaian symbols to convey themes of empowerment, sophistication, and growth. Each illustration and silhouette has been thoughtfully designed by Aduhema, reflecting her artistic vision.

Add an Apron:

Founded in 2024, Add an Apron is a slow fashion brand founded by artist Adéọlá. Using organic cottons and hand-painting, Add an Apron provides unique, bold hand-painted designs on fabric. This brand is excited by promoting their signature concept of the apron as a fashion accessory

Klassic Unisex Couture:

Klassic Unisex Couture is a contemporary fashion brand dedicated to redefining African craftsmanship through modern, globally inspired design. Specialising in unisex couture, the brand creates distinctive clothing using handcrafted Aso Oke and Adire fabrics. Two iconic textiles deeply rooted in African culture and tradition. At Klassic Unisex Couture, every garment is thoughtfully designed to preserve the authenticity, artistry and heritage of these handcrafted materials while introducing fresh silhouettes and contemporary styling.

MaeHem by Reverse Psychology London:

MaeHem by Reverse Psychology London is a contemporary British luxury fashion brand founded by Stella Mae of Nigerian heritage in 2018. Built on the philosophy of “We Merge Cultures to Couture.” Through bold tailoring, sustainable design and the fusion of global cultural influences, MaeHem creates distinctive collections that celebrate Individuality, Craftsmanship, Unity & Music. From statement couture to luxury boutique, Signature Hoods and hospitality collections, the brand reimagines traditional influences through a modern lens, creating pieces that are elegant, purposeful, globally relevant and sustainable

Simeogieme:

Simeogieme is a luxury fashion brand that blends simplicity, sensuality, and sophistication. Founder and Creative Director, Osime Saibu, is a fashion enthusiast with a passion for designing clothing and accessories, as well as painting art and creating patterns, with which the fabrics for her clothes are created. Her collections are inspired by bold patterns, vibrant colours, and artistic influences, designed for women who embrace elegance and individuality. Each piece offers a striking combination of creativity and craftsmanship, ensuring a unique style statement. Perfect for those who love to stand out with grace and confidence.

BKDY

BKDY is a fresh and innovative clothing line founded by Olubukola Adeyemi. Drawing inspiration from her background and
passion for fashion, BKDY aims to create stylish, high-quality apparel that resonates with young, middle-aged trend-conscious consumers. The brand focuses on providing unique, comfortable, and versatile pieces that can be seamlessly integrated into everyday wardrobes.