The Runway Coterie Unveils 20 Designers in a Landmark Showcase at Entertainment Week Africa 2025

Entertainment Week Africa 2025 delivered one of its biggest cultural highlights with The Runway Coterie, a landmark fashion presentation that brought together 20 designers in a single, high-impact showcase at Livespot Entertarium.

As part of Entertainment Week Africa’s evolution from its previous identity as Entertainment Week Lagos, the fashion show returned this year with renewed purpose, unveiling a stronger, more intentional commitment to nurturing next-generation African designers. The EWA Runway Coterie took centre stage as a key pillar of this expansion, aligning with the festival’s broader mission to “Close the Gap” by connecting creative talent to platforms, mentorship, investment and global visibility.

The Runway Coterie at Entertainment Week Africa 2025 spotlighted 20 designers in an immersive showcase supported by Heineken and Essenza, held at Livespot Entertarium Lagos. Photo Credit: Entertainment Week Africa

From 120+ entries received, 9 emerging designers were selected and all 9 were part of the 20 designers that walked the runway, presenting their most forward-thinking interpretations of contemporary African style. Designers including Korede James, Dust of the Earth, Nex by Necca, Josh Amor, PK Crochet, Estaz, David Black, Bernard Samuel and Sevon Dejana brought a fresh, high-energy lens to craftsmanship, sustainability, silhouette exploration and cultural expression — positioning the runway as a standout moment of the week.

As part of EWA’s long-term creative development mandate, the 9 emerging designers will now move into the next stage:

Structured mentorship with industry leaders, and
A guaranteed platform at EWA 2026, ensuring continuity, growth and regional visibility.

This year’s Coterie attracted a diverse crowd of fashion editors, digital platforms, celebrity stylists, content creators, brand partners, and entertainment industry voices. The adjacent EW Africa Fashion Café served as a hub for creator interviews, talent moments, and designer interactions throughout the night. Guests enjoyed bespoke experiences curated by Heineken and Essenza, adding layers of discovery and lifestyle immersion to the fashion showcase.

The fashion programme sits within a wider ecosystem that brought 28,683 attendees, 50+ industries, and 150+ speakers across multiple hubs including Livespot Entertarium, Eko Hotel, EbonyLife Place and Alliance Française. EWA 2025 featured extensive programming across film, music, tech, creator economy and investment — all designed to spark cross-sector collaboration and move Africa’s creative industries toward global competitiveness. Fashion played a strategic role this year by anchoring the conversation around talent development, innovation and pan-African identity.