On 10 August 2025, Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) marked its fifteenth anniversary with a cultural fashion showcase at Space House. Among the honoured guests: the First Lady of Kwarwa, who received a Legacy award for her steadfast support alongside Nigerian royalty. The show was a visual love letter to African creativity and culture.

The show, slated for 16:30, began fashionably late at 17:17. Worth the wait? Absolutely. The afternoon opened with Kenyan performers, DubAfrique, whose vibrant choreography set the tone with pulsing rhythm and undeniable presence. While the staging leaned heavily toward one side of the room, missing the press pit entirely but for a few moments when they entered the stage, the energy was still felt across the room. They ended their performance with the Swahili words asante sana (thank you very much) which was a nod to Africa’s renowned hospitality.

The runway ignited with The Pa Musa, which redefined the traditional bubu (kaftan) with a daring thigh-high slit. The message it conveyed was very clear- this is not your auntie’s kaftan. This is a Gen Z bubu. 

Next came a softer showcase by Dimeji Illori which featured structured yet fluid silhouettes. It was a whispered reminder of walking the runway with pride, polish and a touch of flair. Quiet luxury, the African way. 

Dimeji Ilori

Oyaato followed with a masterclass in opulence with silk brocade kaftans in jewel tones cut with the kind of gravitas that announces royalty before a word is spoken. Perfectly on theme given the nobility seated in the front row.

Tote London delivered sensory satisfaction as the sound of Rema’s hit song Ozeba paired perfectly with the vibrant fashion on full display. YouTube royalty Fumi Desalu Vold, graced the runway with her larger-than-life persona on full display.

The House of Estree did a phenomenal job in showcasing one fabric in different styles. The intricately woven green material was a running theme through the cohesive collection that showed military inspired garments, corsets paired with either velvet or chiffon and a bikini top styled with a cowry shell edge mini skirt.

The runway shows closed with African elders representing Ogun State’s Ijebu people (who the audience were told have fashion woven deep into their DNA). They walked with their signature dignified demeanour. The kind that would make you bend at the knee in reverence to greet them. In an industry still learning to embrace age inclusion, their presence said what words rarely convey, African elders are fashion royalty. Asante sana for the reminder.