As a prelude to this year’s edition of Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL), event organizers recently gathered at the Riverside Terrace at Southbank Centre, London for the Meltdown Festival and Fashion Extravaganza inspired by Grace Jone’s fashion.
The show began with three mini-collections from the universities of Northampton and West London. Themes of the protest were evident in both universities’ collections, including ‘Black Lives Matter’ and ‘Misogynoir Awareness’. The discrimination faced by black women is also presented in powerful graphic prints.
The main show brought drama, African haute couture and elaborate accessories. AFWL lead designer and stylist Soboye gave his 54 ‘Evolving Lagos’ collections including a stunning neoprene bridal gown and an experiment with Adire from Adire Oodua Textile Hub.
Also, Sista from Eyoro represented Nigeria by exhibiting the various fabrics of Adire Oodua Textile Hub. Organza Dress, Gold Dress, Batik Dress and Aso Oke Dress were featured.
Mary Martin London, who always brings drama to the catwalk, thrilled the audience with four new designs from her latest inspiration. They include a dress made entirely of wire, exaggerated necklines and headbands. Prestigious designers – Adebayo Jones, Elfreda Dali, Sista by Eyoro and Kalikas Armor – showcased glamor and classic tailoring.
AFWL 2022, which will be held in Nigeria and the UK respectively, was founded by Princess Ronke Ademiluyi to promote African fabrics, among others, on the global stage. According to Ademiluyi, the event is the longest running African fashion festival in the UK
“This year’s Africa Fashion Week in Nigeria is in partnership with the Lagos Fashion Fair and will be held on September 7-9 at the Eko Hotel and Suites, while the AFWL edition will be held on October 7-8, at Freemasons London . Both fashion weeks will showcase the best African-inspired designs.”
