9th August, 2018
Credit: Lagos Television
No less than 50 fashion designers from 22 countries will feature at the 2018 edition of the Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) between Aug.10 and Aug.11 at Freemason’s Hall in London, United Kingdom.
The founder of AFWL, Princess Ronke Ademiluyi disclosed this on Thursday in Lagos.
Ademiluyi said that 13 designers from Europe, six from North and South America and 35 from African countries would exhibit their creativity during the two-day event.
According to her, some of the international designers would come from the UK, USA, Italy, France, Brazil and Netherlands and join those from the Africa to exhibit their various designs made from African fabrics.
“We have engaged over 50 household designers from both Africa and European countries to showcase creative designs using our local fabrics.
“This year, more designers from Europe and America are becoming more interested in our fabrics and designs because of their increasing acceptability globally, “she said.
Ademiluyi added that aspiring participants for this year were greater in number than the previous years.
She said that this was a sign of greater acceptability of African fashion globally.
Ademiluyi said that the designers expected from Nigeria would include: Kachi Blazers, Sista By Eyoro, Belois Couture, Moremi Collection, Onyx By Valentina, Ganiyat, Erenti, Becca Apparel, Blingshiki, Signature Secrets and Lady Biba.
According to her, designers from other African countries will include: Mercy Azupwah, George Amua, Aphia Sakyi, WB Collection all from Ghana.
Others include; Evelyne Babin- Tanzania, TIKZN, South AfricaSarayaa, Mamadou Fall, Senegal, Pearl Of Africa -Angola and House Of Yaya from Sierra Leone.
She said that those being expected from Europe at the exhibition: Afrodite, Rusuvero, Kiannara, Jesu Segun, Beau Sapeur, Soboye, Awa Kermel and Mary Martin.
Similarly, she said that: Michi Knitwear, Queen Diambi, AdaChic Designs, Ethnic Revival, Mavaro Bags, Baoba Brasil, and Awa Kermel would be coming from South and North America.
According to her, the designers would be showcasing 50 models on a two-day catwalk show.
She added that their models were scheduled to show on screens of the different countries being represented.
Ademiluyi also said that members of the diplomatic corps, traditional rulers and other invited guests would grace the event.
She said that Africa Fashion Week London, being Europe’s largest fashion event, has in the last seven years promoted and nurtured African inspired designs and talents.
She added, “AFWL had highlighted Africa’s emerging designers and apparel industry and had been at the forefront of bringing awareness of Africa’s burgeoning fashion industry to the international market.
“Since 2011, AFWL has hosted eight catwalk events and contributed expertise to at least 10 more events produced by third parties such as:The Mayor of London’s Black History Month celebrations.’’
Ademiluyi added that the event had also showcased over 800 emerging designers and exhibitors, from Africa, Europe and America, to almost 70,000 visitors, buyers, retailers, influential industry professionals.
She said that AFWL had created a platform for African inspired designers to showcase their creativity to an international market and also supported them in building global social change in Africa.