The First Lady of Kwara State took centre stage at Africa Fashion Week London 2025, with a dazzling celebration of culture, creativity, and heritage that captured global attention. The highlight of the event was the recognition of Her Excellency, Ambassador (Dr) Olufolake AbdulRazaq, First Lady of Kwara State, was honoured with the prestigious Legacy Lifetime Achievement Award for her unwavering commitment to promoting African culture, fashion, and women’s empowerment.

Africa Fashion Week London 2025. Photo Credit: Monika Schailbe
Africa Fashion Week London 2025. Photo Credit: Monika Schailbe
In partnership with Aso-Ofi Kwara, the state presented a spectacular showcase that merged tradition with modern design. The Kwara State Collection, designed by the renowned Dimeji Ilori, paid homage to the rich textile heritage of the region while reimagining it for contemporary fashion. Featuring intricate patterns, bold colours, and the iconic Aso-Ofi fabric, the collection stood out as a celebration of Kwara’s identity on the international stage.
In a truly historic moment, the First Lady of Kwara joined the runway alongside the models, walking out with the collection in a powerful display of elegance and pride. Her presence symbolised not only the importance of cultural preservation but also her leadership in championing African fashion as a global force.Africa Fashion Week London has long been a platform for showcasing the richness of African design, and this year, Kwara State’s presentation reaffirmed its reputation as the home of timeless artistry and craftsmanship. With the Legacy Lifetime Achievement Award, the First Lady’s commitment to culture, youth empowerment, and fashion innovation has been internationally recognised.

ABOUT AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON

Africa Fashion Week London’s annual catwalk and exhibition event is one of the world’s largest and longest-running showcases of African and African-inspired fashion & design. 

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Now in its 15th year, Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) has hosted 3000 emerging and established designers and exhibitors to 75,000 visitors, including buyers, retailers, industry professionals and global media.  Overall, 26 African countries and 67 countries have been represented, including diaspora designers from Brazil, Europe, Asia, the Caribbean and the Americas. 

Additionally, AFWL has produced 12 third-party events such as the Southbank Centre’s Africa Utopia and Meltdown Festival, The Mayor of London’s Africa on the Square, and The Africa Centre’s Summer Festival. 

Such is the importance of AFWL, that the initiative positively impacts, directly and indirectly, over 5000 individuals annually including SMEs, designers, tailors, textile designers, students, visitors, models, stylists, photographers, journalists, caterers, artists, tech and production staff and lovers of fashion.

Africa Fashion Week London 2025. Photo Credit: Africa Fashion Week London
Africa Fashion Week London 2025. Photo Credit: Africa Fashion Week London