FashionEVO Fashion Show and Awards 2025: Honouring the Trailblazers of African Creativity
The countdown has begun for one of the most anticipated nights of Africa Creative Market 2025. On September 18th, FashionEVO will bring together a spectacular fashion show and awards ceremony spotlighting pioneers, innovators, and cultural custodians whose work continues to define Africa’s creative future. This year’s awards roster reads like a hall of fame, celebrating personalities who have not only shaped the African fashion landscape but have also left lasting imprints on the global stage.
Among the honourees is Mrs. Femi Olayebi, the powerhouse behind FemiHandbags, whose dedication to nurturing ecosystems for African designers has earned her the title of The Ecosystem Builder. Her work reflects both entrepreneurial vision and mentorship that has opened doors for countless emerging brands.
Menswear excellence will take centre stage as Clement Mudiaga Enajemo, founder of MUDI Africa, receives the Grandmaster of Men’s Fashion award, while Ugochukwu Monye, creative director of Ugo Monye, is recognised as the Legend of Innovation in Menswear. These trailblazers have consistently redefined masculinity in African fashion, merging tradition and modernity in unforgettable ways. No celebration of African fashion would be complete without honouring its queens. Olori Aderonke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, the force behind Africa Fashion Week London and Nigeria, will be awarded the Queen Vanguard distinction, recognising her decades long commitment to elevating African designers on international stages. Likewise, Sandrah Tubobereni, founder of TUBO, receives the Innovative Maestro honour for her fearless creativity and distinctive bridal and ready-to-wear innovations.
At the intersection of artistry and craft, Eneoma Azubike Chigo, Creative Director of Zubby Definition, will be awarded The Master of Hair Craft Award, spotlighting his exceptional innovation and mastery in hair artistry.
The Design Excellence Award will go to Ejiro Michelle Amos-Tafiri, founder of her eponymous label, Ejiro Amos Tafiri, whose timeless craftsmanship and unique design voice have made her one of Nigeria’s most admired creative entrepreneurs.
With a career that spans haute couture to theatrical stage design, Frank Osodi Richard, Head Designer of House of BUNOR, will be honoured with the Lifetime Achievement in African Couture Award, recognising decades of excellence that have influenced generations.
From the world of beauty, Bimpe Onakoya, award winning makeup artist and a regular presence backstage at international fashion weeks, will receive the Visionary Makeup Artist Award for her artistry, mentorship, and role in elevating Nigeria’s beauty industry globally.
Renowned photographer Kelechi Amadi-Obi will be celebrated with the Grand Master of Photography Award, a fitting tribute to his decades long career of shaping visual narratives and capturing some of Africa’s most iconic cultural moments.
The awards will also recognise leadership in policy and creative economy development. Hon. Toke Benson, representing Lagos State Government, will be presented with The Creative Economy Catalyst Award for her commitment to supporting policies that nurture the growth of the sector.
Dr. Inya Lawal, Founder of Africa Creative Market, will receive the Industry Catalyst Award for her visionary work in convening platforms that connect Africa’s creative industries with global markets.
Retail excellence will be spotlighted with Adenike Ogunlesi, Founder of Ruff ’n’ Tumble, receiving the Legend of Fashion Retail Award. Her contributions to children’s fashion and entrepreneurship have left an indelible mark on the industry.
Sandra Alonge, Creative Director of IFFIZI, will be honoured with the Cultural Fusion & Craftsmanship Award for her work that brings African heritage into dialogue with contemporary design.
From Ghana, Kofi Okyere Darko (KOD), Director at the Diaspora Affairs Office, Office of the President (DAOOP), will be recognised as a Fashion Storyteller & Cultural Innovator for his enduring role as a broadcaster, designer, and advocate of Ghanaian fashion.
Also celebrated will be Claudia Kwarteng-Lumor, Founder of Glitz Africa, who will receive the Fashion Industry Development Award for her ongoing efforts in building one of West Africa’s most influential fashion platforms, including the widely respected Glitz Africa Fashion Week.
As the runway lights prepare to shine on September 18th, this stellar list of award recipients sets the stage for a night that will be both celebratory and historic. With the FashionEVO Summit, Fashion Show, and Awards taking place as part of Africa Creative Market 2025, anticipation is building for an unforgettable celebration that merges creativity, community, and commerce in the heart of Lagos.
More than a single evening of glamour, the FashionEVO Fashion Show and Awards 2025 promises to stand as a collective tribute to the ambition, creativity, and legacy driving Africa’s cultural industries forward. By honouring these individuals, FashionEVO reaffirms its commitment to spotlighting African excellence and ensuring that the global fashion conversation continues to echo with African voices.
