Africa Fashion Week London’s August Line-up Starts Here: Showcasing Designers (part 1)

AFWL2026 marks 16 years of delivering the very best of African and African-inspired fashion to London, firmly establishing itself as a staple of the city’s cultural and fashion calendar. More than a showcase, it is a true festival of colour, style, conversation…and shopping.

This August, AFWL introduces a new wave of designers and creative forces shaping the future of African fashion, from precision tailoring and global menswear to cultural powerhouses and statement-led womenswear.

Here creativity meets commerce, and global audiences discover what’s next. Welcome to the first look at some of the catwalk designers showcasing at AFWL2026.

David Wej Lagos — The Modern Gentleman

David Wej Lagos at AFWL2025. Photo Credit: Africa Fashion Week London

David Wej Lagos brings a refined, global perspective to African menswear where precision tailoring meets cultural identity. Renowned for signature jacquard suits, elevated shirting, and luxury detailing, the brand has built a reputation for dressing men who lead with quiet confidence.

With a growing international footprint and a new London flagship store in Soho, David Wej Lagos represents the evolution of African luxury – clean, intentional, and globally relevant.

@davidwejlagos

Mary Martin London — The Icon

Mary Martin London at AFWL2025. Photo Credit: Africa Fashion Week London

An internationally acclaimed designer with a legacy that commands attention, Dame Mary Martin returns to AFWL as a true force of cultural and creative power. Known for her bespoke, red-carpet designs worn by global celebrities, her work is rooted in storytelling, identity, and bold expression.

From sold-out catwalks across multiple continents to making history at the UK’s Foreign & Commonwealth Office, Mary’s presence is more than fashion – it’s an impact. Get ready for a collection that delivers confidence, heritage, and unexpected showstoppers.

@marymartinlondon

House of Estree — The Cultural Powerhouse

House of Estree. Photo Credit: Africa Fashion Week London

House of Estree arrives at AFWL2026 as more than a showcasing designer; it is a fully realised cultural ecosystem. Based in London, this multi-concept hub brings together ready-to-wear fashion, handcrafted accessories, art, and Afrocentric design, all under one roof.

At its core, House of Estree is about connection, empowering designers, supporting artisans, and creating space for African creativity to thrive. Their presence at AFWL is immersive, intentional, and rooted in community, offering a powerful bridge between heritage and modern expression.

@houseofestree

Add An Apron

Add An Apron is a design concept that transforms the everyday into statement fashion through a single, powerful idea – the apron, reimagined.

Hailing from both Wales and Trinidad, the brand blurs the lines between utility and style, and elevates this functional garment into a bold accessory that adds structure, identity, and edge to any look.

Rooted in creativity and versatility, Add An Apron invites wearers to personalise their style, turning layering into an art form and proving that even the simplest piece can redefine an entire outfit.

@add_an_apron