By Yemisi Suleiman

After a brilliant showing at Africa Fashion Week Brazil, Africa Fashion Week London AFWL returns for this year’s edition, bringing a little samba heat to the proceedings.  

Thirteen years on and Africa Fashion Week London remains one of the most consistent Fashion Weeks in the world. This year’s event will be moving from the all-time base at Freemasons’ Hall, (due to some major construction works taking place at the building) and moving to the Central London Venue.

Billed to hold October 27th – 29th, this year’s event is in collaboration with Black History and Lifestyle Awards. It will also, for the first time, host the UK Africa Trade Expo on Day 1 as announced by the organizers.

The AFWL 2023 will feature high-level panel talks and workshops, fabulous exhibitor stands as well as catwalk showcases featuring the best of African creativity and design, closing with the Black History and Lifestyle Awards x AFWL VIP Gala event.  

Meet some of the new designers and exhibitors whose stunning creativity will be on display at the AFWL 2023.

OJ Clothing

Based in the Lekki neighborhood of Lagos, menswear brand, OJ Clothing brings a certain something to a man’s silhouette.  Pushing boundaries of a traditional and modern look, brand creator, OJ Samuel, believes his creations are artistic, innovative, original, and inventive.  We like what we see and can’t wait to see them on the catwalk at AFWL2023.

ÌK-PEN

ÌK-PEN is a luxury women’s fashion brand based in Abuja, Nigeria. The brand was founded in 2006 by Ikpen Yvonne Akwitti with the desire for perfection and craftsmanship. With a specialty in contemporary African-inspired design, the brand focuses on bespoke services as well as prêt-a-porter, which engages ethnic details and fascinating silhouettes, ranging from traditional bridal attires, everyday classics, and resorts to glamorous dresses.

Elpis Megalio

Elpis Megalio is the epitome of bespoke and ready-to-wear fashion, curated for the modern woman seeking individuality. Inspired by the fusion of art and wanderlust, Creative Director, Olufunke Afolabi, fearlessly explores the vibrant world of colours, pushing design boundaries with unparalleled craftsmanship. Elpis Megalio believes in empowering women to embrace their uniqueness and radiate confidence. Their curated pieces are crafted with a vision to make every woman feel truly beautiful, adorned in outfits designed exclusively for her.

 Patrick Slim

 Innovative and African-inspired Menswear designer, Patrick Slim, is reinventing an utterly modern approach to fashion in Lagos, Nigeria, and the world.

Piilz and Poizn

Piillz and Poizn return to the AFWL catwalk with their cutting-edge women’s fashion that offers unique, high-style garments that are designed to make a bold statement. With its fearless approach to fashion, Piillz and Poizn has quickly gained a reputation as one of the most daring and innovative fashion labels on the market.

Founded in 2018, by Ifeoma Kate Umenyiora to share her passion for pushing for borderless fashion. Piillz and Poizn combine edgy, avant-garde designs with luxurious fabrics and impeccable attention to detail. At the heart of Piilz n Poizn’s aesthetic is the idea that fashion should be fun, daring, and playful.

One of the hallmarks of Piillz and Poizn’s design philosophy is a focus on shape and structure. Piilz n Poizn garments are carefully constructed to flatter the form, with intricate draping, strategic cut-outs, and sculptural silhouettes that emphasize the natural curves of the body. This attention to detail gives Piillz and Poizn’s clothing line a distinctive, high-end feel that is unmatched by other fashion brands.