Ten emerging African fashion designers, including Nigerian designer Adedayo Ilori, are set to present their collections at the African Fashion Week London 2026.
The fashion event will hold at 8 Northumberland Avenue and the British Council Headquarters in London, providing the designers with an opportunity to connect with international audiences and explore new markets.
Ilori, founder of the Lagos-based Dimeji Ilori label, is among the designers selected for the showcase. He is also a beneficiary of the British Council’s Creative DNA accelerator programme, which supports emerging fashion entrepreneurs across Africa.
The 2026 edition builds on the partnership between African Fashion Week London and the British Council, with a focus on creating opportunities for African designers to develop their businesses and gain access to international markets.
According to the British Council, the initiative forms part of its efforts to strengthen Africa’s creative economy by supporting emerging talent, expanding professional networks and connecting locally rooted creative businesses with global opportunities.
Creative DNA, the council’s fashion-focused initiative, provides mentorship, skills development and industry connections to designers across the continent.
As part of the programme, AFWL and the British Council have organised an eight-day programme featuring fashion showcases, industry engagements and discussions on the future of African design.
Panel sessions will examine themes including “African Fashion in Education,” “Creativity Beyond Borders” and “African Futures: Where African Design Is Going Now.”
Ilori established his fashion brand in 2021 and has built a reputation for combining heritage fabrics and traditional craftsmanship with contemporary designs.
Speaking ahead of the event, he said the mentorship received through Creative DNA had contributed significantly to the growth of his brand.
“My fashion label has benefitted immensely thanks to the mentorship I have received from Creative DNA. I am looking forward to engaging with other participants on current trends in the fashion industry,” Ilori said.
The British Council Country Director for Nigeria, Donna McGowan, said the organisation was pleased to see the Nigerian designer gain an international platform through the programme.
“We are delighted at the opportunity he has to represent Nigeria at African Fashion Week London,” she said.
McGowan described Nigeria as a major hub of Africa’s creative industry and pledged continued support for young Nigerian designers seeking to expand their businesses.
The organisers said the London showcase would further strengthen efforts to expose African fashion entrepreneurs to new audiences while promoting the continent’s growing influence in the global fashion industry.
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