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Africa Fashion Week London

Runway shows highlight the best fashion both from and influenced by the continent
Written by Jerome Conway
31/08/2019 06:30 PM

BREAKING THE MOULD: Designers from across Africa, Europe and further afield took place in this year’s AFWL (photos: Joanna Mitroi Photography)

AFWL 2019 was an event like no other – the commercial partnership with EPG Media brought about a number of progressive modifications to the existing platform and, based on the overwhelming feedback organisers have told Life & Style they received, it was an unprecedented success.

Marking a monumental milestone for African fashion globally AFWL took place over two days earlier this month opening its doors to a grand ceremony of African splendour with rhythmic dancers, drums and colourful, ethical designs, worn to welcome the queues of excited fashion lovers.

TONE
The AFWL raised catwalk set a new tone as designers raised the bar showcasing collections across five catwalk shows. The first show on August 9 had designers stealing the limelight including TIKZN Collective with more than 10 designers from South Africa including Laaste by EDI and Urban Zulu.


SHOWCASE: Designer collections from the event (photos: Joanna Mitroi Photography)

Friday afternoon’s show included brands such as Sherah, Thabied, which had fashionistas in a frenzy as they snapped to capture next season’s look.

Saturday was overwhelming and brands such as Da Viva presenting Arewa Fashion Creation and Queen Diambi of DRC Congo displaying remarkable collections stole the show.

AFWL 2019’s catwalk shows were fully sold out and the finale which took place on Saturday evening, concluded in a celebrity catwalk powered by Bluxe and live performances by several artistes including AFWL 2019 ambassador Shingai wearing featured designer Vanessa Gounden, whose collection had the audience and press in awe, showcasing natural handcrafted fabrics and ethically engineered designs to a standing ovation.

CELEBRITIES
Other celebrities on the catwalk included funny man Eddie Kadi, Dr Kelechi Anyikude, Brenda Edwards, Yetunde Oduwole, Sandy Bogle of Gogglebox fame and Smade, founder of AfroNation.

The front row was overrun with VIPs including Nigerian High Commissioner, His Excellency George Adesola Oguntade, CFR, CON, Caryn Franklin of the BBC’s Clothes Show, Man City Under 18s striker Dodi Rasmussen El’Circy, judge on BBC One’s All Together Now’s Alfredo Carreira and many more.

Next year marks the 10-year anniversary and is set to be an unparalleled exotic African extravaganza fashion week.

Posted on: 31/08/2019 06:30 PM

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