In a dazzling convergence of culture, style, and innovation, the highly anticipated Africa Fashion Week London 2023 catwalk show took the fashion world by storm.
The weekend’s event at the Institute of Directors in Piccadilly, London, proved to be a showcase of the continent’s rich tapestry of design, with a spectacular array of African designers stealing the spotlight.
From the vibrant colours and patterns inspired by traditional African heritage to cutting-edge contemporary trends, the catwalk came alive with genius creativity that took the audience on a journey through Africa’s diverse fashion landscape, celebrating the incredible talent and vision that is redefining the global fashion industry.
Read also: Africa Fashion Week London: Meet the designers
Here are a few of the standout collections of AFWL2023 leading the pack.
David Wej
Established in Lagos, Nigeria in 2008 by Adedayo David Eweje, David Wej is an award-winning international premium lifestyle brand renowned for their distinctive traditionally inspired bespoke jacquard suits, classic shirts and accessories.
David brought elegant stripes with matching accessories to his menswear proving the designer has a master eye for sartorial elegance.
Adire Oodua
The Adire Oodua Textile Hub, established in 2021 by the founder of Africa Fashion Week London & Nigeria, Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Oguswusi and under the Chairmanship of His Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, stands as a testament to her remarkable vision, drive, and determination.
At its core, the textile hub is a beacon for preserving and promoting the indigenous fabric of South West Nigeria, demonstrating international recognition and respect.
Mary Martin London
Mary Martin London is an internationally acclaimed fashion artist known for her bespoke designs, favoured by celebrities on red carpets worldwide. Her vibrant and boundary-breaking creations have sold out catwalk shows in various destinations, including London, Accra, Brazil, Ghana, South Africa, and Scotland.
Simeogieme
Simeogieme is a fashionably diverse luxury clothing brand priding itself in exclusivity, originality and quality. Our ethos is simplicity, sensuality and sophistication. The Creative Director, Osime Saibu, is a fashion enthusiast with a passion for designing clothing and accessories. She launched the clothing brand in 2010.
This collection was one of the standout collections of the show. Deceptively simple, but with extraordinary grace, architectural detail, tightly pleated fabrics and original patterns, Simeogieme had her exhibition stand downstairs, she was definitely one to visit to buy straight from the catwalk.
Read also: Fashion stallions set to promote African heritage in London
Pa Musa
The Pa Musa is a Sierra Leonean designer and interior decorator who specialises in the gara-tie-die technique and the use of soft textured fabric. A well know figure in the Sierra Leone fashion scene, his eccentric character and over-the-top pieces had made him one of Sierra Leone’s most avant-garde designers.
The men and women’s wear collection gave us extravagant use of fabric that ebbed and flowed with the AFWL models.
