Celebrating 15 Years of Cultural Empowerment: Africa Fashion Week London Redefines Global Fashion with Heritage, Innovation, and Impact

As Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) commemorates its remarkable 15th anniversary, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment in the evolution of African and African-inspired fashion on the global stage. Founded in 2011 by the visionary Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, AFWL has blossomed into the world’s longest-running showcase dedicated to celebrating the richness of African creativity and craftsmanship beyond the continent. With over 2,700 designers featured and a vibrant global presence, AFWL has not only transformed perceptions of African fashion but has also played a vital role in nurturing emerging talent and fostering educational partnerships.

In this exclusive interview with FashionEVO, we delve into the heart of AFWL’s journey, exploring the values, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped its legacy. As we reflect on the past and look toward the future, we pose 15 thought-provoking questions to uncover the insights and experiences that have propelled AFWL to the forefront of the fashion industry. Join us as we celebrate the stories of resilience, innovation, and empowerment that continue to define AFWL’s mission and impact:

• Looking back at the first edition of Africa Fashion Week London, what moment would you describe as the turning point for the platform?

The turning point came when we witnessed the overwhelming turnout and enthusiasm from both designers and the public at our inaugural event—it affirmed that there was a real hunger for African fashion to be seen, celebrated, and taken seriously on the global stage.

• What does longevity mean to you in an industry that is constantly chasing the next new thing?

Longevity means staying rooted in purpose while embracing evolution and education. It’s about creating a platform that consistently nurtures talent, adapts to trends, and stands firm in promoting African heritage with authenticity and innovation.  For example, if it wasn’t for COVID, we probably would not have been receptive to an enquiry of partnership from Henley Business School.  We understood that our event would not be the same for the foreseeable future, but were agile enough to understand that there would be a real challenge supporting designers through this unprecedented time. Luckily, it seemed that educational institutions were thinking the same otherwise we may have not have developed such strong partnerships with UK and International universities, inspiring the next generation of young designers and developing business tools and opportunities for established ones too.

• From your perspective, how has AFWL remained relevant through changing trends, shifting markets, and an evolving diaspora?

By staying connected to the pulse of the diaspora, believing in emerging talent, and promoting fashion that tells powerful cultural stories, AFWL has become more than a catwalk show, it’s a cultural movement. For example, let me tell you a story about fabric.  In 2015, a designer brand called Victoria Grace from Togo found a gorgeous fabric in the markets around Lome.  She built a collection and brought it to London for AFWL2015.  In the audience was a department store who liked the collection and wanted to stock it.  Victoria Grace agreed to terms, then returned to Lome to look for the woman who sold her the original fabric.  She was nowhere to be found, nor was there any of the same fabric anywhere in the markets.  Victoria Grace lost an important stockist that could have established her as an international designer.  That was a moment of clarity for us at AFWL.  We had to help designers fulfil potential orders with a reliable supply of textiles.  This story was the genesis for the creation of the Adire Oodua Textile Hub in Ile Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.  A place where designers could design or have made any amount of fabric made by artisans – giving a sustainable living wage to the textile makers and a steady supply of fabric for designers.

• What values or guiding principles have helped keep the vision ​ over the past fifteen years?

Heritage, community, accessibility, and empowerment have been our guiding pillars. We’ve always prioritised giving voice to underrepresented designers and creating platforms where African creativity can thrive.  We are also making sure that African fashion and African heritage textiles are making their way into UK University BA and MA degree courses.

• In your experience, what does true visibility look like for African designers in global fashion?

True visibility means more than inclusion; it means influence. It’s when African designers are not just participating in global conversations but shaping them—through ownership, representation, and recognition on their own terms.

• Since its launch, what has been the most unexpected impact of the platform?

One unexpected impact has been the deep sense of pride it has instilled in younger generations, both in Africa and the diaspora. Seeing themselves and their culture reflected on a global stage has empowered countless creatives to pursue fashion as a viable and meaningful path.  I’ll tell you another story.  One of so many similar stories we may not ever know about.  For two years, Silvia Osawe, a young fashion and textile student from University of Northampton came to volunteer at Africa Fashion Week London.  She was one of the many volunteers we have help on the event days.  Fast-forward to her graduating year, this year, her University put her forward to participate in Graduate Fashion Week.  Silvia was shortlisted for two awards – Dame Zandra Rhodes Fashion Textiles Award and The Face Prize.  Her inspiration was Africa Fashion Week London.  She saw so many designers being unapologetic about their roots and how that translated into their designs, that she was compelled to create her final year textile and collection celebrating her own Edo (a region in Nigeria) culture.  We will see her collection at AFWL2025 and we will be very proud of her.  We cannot underestimate the influence we have – even if it’s unknowing.

• AFWL has hosted designers from across continents. At this point in its journey, what does cross-cultural exchange mean to the platform?

It means mutual respect and creative dialogue, celebrating our differences while finding common ground through fashion. Cross-cultural exchange helps strengthen narratives we share and opens doors for collaboration and unity.  In 2023, we partnered with an organisation to bring Africa Fashion Week Brazil to Sao Paulo.  A three-day event that really celebrated Brazil’s strong connection with West Africa, the fashion, language, food and culture.

• How do you measure success today compared to when AFWL began?

In the beginning, success was about visibility and numbers. Today, it’s about impact – how many careers we’ve launched, how much awareness we’ve raised, and how deeply we’ve influenced perceptions of African fashion locally and globally. How many people who maybe have never seen traditional textiles or embellishments, or beadwork, or jewelry!

• What lessons from building AFWL continue to shape your leadership and collaborations today?

Resilience, patience, and the power of collective vision.  Collaboration, collaboration, collaboration!  It is vitally important and I’ve learned that meaningful change requires consistency, and that it’s the collaboration rooted in shared purpose that creates lasting impact.

• The Adire Oodua Textile Hub is a powerful symbol of heritage and innovation. How does its work align with the future AFWL is helping to build?

The Hub exemplifies the fusion of tradition and technology, preserving ancient textile techniques while creating new economic opportunities. It reflects our broader mission to ensure African fashion is both culturally rich and economically sustainable and available to all international creatives.

• How do you ensure that supporting young talent moves beyond exposure into long-term opportunity?

We connect young designers with mentors, buyers, and industry networks. We also plan to build on mentoring opportunities with major brands, training on business development, branding, garment technology, and sustainability, ensuring they have the tools to build lasting careers beyond university.  We understand that it can be a real shock to leave the cradle of Uni and enter or TRY to enter the fashion industry if there are few jobs.  We need to give as many opportunities to young creatives as we can.

• What shifts have you observed in designer mindset over the years, especially regarding business acumen and sustainability?

There’s a growing emphasis on storytelling, ethical production, and brand longevity. Today’s designers are much more strategic, balancing creativity with entrepreneurship and recognising the value of sustainability for both planet and profit.

• What kinds of industry conversations are you hoping to lead through this year’s edition?

We want to spotlight African-led innovation, the importance of cultural intellectual property, and the role of technology and AI in creative industry development. We also aim to amplify conversations around sustainability and inclusivity within the global industry.

• What role do you see AFWL playing in connecting fashion to broader conversations about identity, culture, and community?

AFWL is a bridge, connecting the past to the present, and fashion to identity. We celebrate not just clothing but the cultural narratives behind them, empowering communities to take pride in who they are and where they come from.

• In one sentence, how would you define the next era of AFWL?

The next era of AFWL is about global influence, deeper cultural storytelling, and building an education ecosystem where African fashion leads, innovates, and thrives sustainably.

As we reflect on the journey of Africa Fashion Week London over the past fifteen years, it’s evident that the organization is not just maintaining momentum; it’s intensifying its commitment. With a focus on access, education, and empowering African fashion, AFWL is firmly rooted in the hands of its creators.

Queen Ronke’s vision transcends mere runway shows and glamorous events; it is fundamentally about redistributing power. By preserving traditional techniques and establishing a robust infrastructure for emerging talent, her efforts illustrate that legacy is not merely a reflection of the past but a dynamic foundation for the future.

As AFWL embarks on its next chapter, one thing is unmistakable: this platform is not only sharing the stories of African fashion but also actively shaping their trajectory.

Mark your calendars for AFWL 2025, taking place from Saturday, August 9 to Sunday, August 10, 2025, at Space House, 1 Kemble Street, London. We look forward to seeing you there!