Looking ahead to one of London's most colourful fashion events while revisiting highlights from my 2025 photography collection.
Every August, London becomes a showcase for some of the most exciting fashion talent from across Africa and the African diaspora. Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) has grown into one of the world’s largest celebrations of African-inspired fashion, bringing together established designers, emerging creatives, models, artists and fashion lovers for a weekend of colour, innovation and cultural expression. The 2026 edition will celebrate its 16th anniversary and promises another inspiring programme of catwalk shows, exhibitions and industry events.
What is Africa Fashion Week London?
Founded by Ronke Ademiluyi, Africa Fashion Week London has become Europe’s leading platform dedicated to African and African-inspired fashion. More than simply a series of runway shows, AFWL provides opportunities for designers, exhibitors and entrepreneurs to connect with buyers, media and the wider fashion industry.
The event celebrates:
- Contemporary African fashion
- Sustainable design
- Emerging designers
- Textile heritage
- Beauty and lifestyle brands
- Fashion education and networking
For many designers, AFWL represents an important international platform to showcase their work to a global audience.
Looking Back at AFWL 2025
Last year’s event marked the 15th anniversary of Africa Fashion Week London and was another fantastic celebration of creativity and craftsmanship.
Walking around the venue, there was an incredible atmosphere as designers, photographers, models and visitors gathered to celebrate African fashion. Every runway featured distinctive collections, from elegant eveningwear to bold contemporary designs inspired by traditional African textiles and craftsmanship.
One collection that particularly caught my attention was Lambert Fashion, whose designs combined striking silhouettes with vibrant colours and beautifully detailed fabrics. The energy on the runway made them a real highlight of the event.
Industry Conversations
AFWL isn’t just about the catwalk.
Day Two opened with a series of talks discussing how artificial intelligence is beginning to influence the fashion industry, exploring both the creative possibilities and the challenges facing designers in the years ahead.
Visitors also heard from make-up artist and beauty leader Eryca Freemantle, who shared insights into beauty, creativity and representation within the fashion industry.
These discussions added another dimension to the weekend, showing that African Fashion Week continues to be a place where fashion, technology and culture meet.
My Favourite Photographic Moments
As a photographer, AFWL always provides an exciting challenge.
Some of the moments I particularly enjoy capturing include:
- Designers celebrating at the end of their collections
- Models backstage making final preparations
- The dramatic lighting during the runway shows
- Intricate fabric details and craftsmanship
- Emotional reactions from audiences
- Portraits that capture the confidence and personality of each model
Fashion photography isn’t simply about photographing clothing—it’s about capturing confidence, movement and storytelling.
Looking Ahead to AFWL 2026
This year’s Africa Fashion Week London promises another exciting programme under the theme “Design Beyond Borders.” The event will take place at 8 Northumberland Avenue, London, with runway shows, exhibitions, shopping opportunities and industry talks bringing together designers from across Africa and beyond.
Visitors can expect:
- New designer collections
- International runway shows
- Fashion exhibitions
- Shopping opportunities
- Industry networking
- Creative talks and discussions
- Beauty and lifestyle brands
With African fashion continuing to gain global recognition, AFWL remains one of London’s standout fashion events and a fantastic opportunity to discover emerging talent alongside established names.
I’ll Be There
I’ll once again be photographing Africa Fashion Week London 2026, capturing the runway action, behind-the-scenes moments and the incredible creativity on display.
After the event I’ll be sharing a full gallery of photographs, highlights from the catwalks and my favourite moments here on the blog.
If you have plans to attend, keep an eye out—you might even find yourself in front of my camera!
