Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) 2023: Designers Illuminated the Catwalk

In a dazzling convergence of culture, style, and innovation, the highly anticipated Africa Fashion Week London 2023 catwalk show took the fashion world by storm. The weekend’s event at the Institute of Directors in Piccadilly, London, proved to be a mesmerizing showcase of the continent’s rich tapestry of design, with a spectacular array of African designers stealing the spotlight. 

From the vibrant colours and patterns inspired by traditional African heritage to cutting-edge contemporary trends, the catwalk came alive with genius creativity that took the audience on a journey through Africa’s diverse fashion landscape, celebrating the incredible talent and vision that is redefining the global fashion industry.

Here are a few of the standout collections of AFWL2023 leading the pack

David Wej

Established in Lagos, Nigeria in 2008 by Adedayo David Eweje, David Wej is an award-winning international premium lifestyle brand renowned for their distinctive traditionally inspired bespoke jacquard suits, classic shirts and accessories.

David brought elegant stripes with matching accessories to his menswear proving the designer has a master eye for sartorial elegance.

Adire Oodua Textile Hub

The Adire Oodua Textile Hub, established in 2021 by the founder of Africa Fashion Week London & Nigeria, Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Oguswusi and under the Chairmanship of His Majesty, the Ooni of Ife,  stands as a testament to her remarkable vision, drive, and determination. 

At its core, the textile hub is a beacon for preserving and promoting the indigenous fabric of South West Nigeria, demonstrating international recognition and respect.

Mary Martin London

Mary Martin London is an internationally acclaimed fashion artist known for her bespoke designs, favoured by celebrities on red carpets worldwide. Her vibrant and boundary-breaking creations have sold out catwalk shows in various destinations, including London, Accra, Brazil, Ghana, South Africa, and Scotland.

Simeogieme

Simeogieme is a fashionably diverse luxury clothing brand priding itself in exclusivity, originality and quality. The brand’s ethos is simplicity, sensuality and sophistication. The Creative Director, Osime Saibu, is a fashion enthusiast with a passion for designing clothing and accessories. She launched the clothing brand in 2010.

This collection was one of the standout collections of the show.  Deceptively simple, but with extraordinary grace, architectural detail, tightly pleated fabrics and original patterns, Simeogieme had her exhibition stand downstairs, she was definitely one to visit to buy straight from the catwalk

Pa Musa

The Pa Musa is a Sierra Leonean designer and interior decorator who specialises in the gara-tie-die technique and the use of soft textured fabric. A well known figure in the Sierra Leone fashion scene, his eccentric character and over-the-top pieces had made him one of Sierra Leone’s most avant-garde designers. 

The mens and womenswear collection gave an extravagant use of fabric that ebbed and flowed with the AFWL models.

Hertunba

Hertunba is a sustainable women’s wear brand hand crafting durable garments. 

All the brand’s items are locally made with a target to provide adult education/training for women in our community and empower our artisans while growing the Hertunba brand simultaneously.

If Hertunba’s quality and sheer design creativity is indicative of their education platform, then the brand is clearly winning!

Precious Lulu Couture

Introducing one of the Trade & Investment Kwazulu Natal designers, Precious Lulu Couture is an exclusive women’s wear hub, dedicated to high fashion creations with intense attention to detail, bold ethnic elements and cosmopolitan silhouettes.

In 2019 when we last saw Precious Lulu, feathers were very much featured.  For 2023, we saw more feathers beautifully arranged as torso pieces, KZN famous beadwork thoroughly elegant outlines.