By Yemisi Suleiman
Africa Fashion Week London and Nigeria (AFWL & AFWN) is revolutionizing the fashion industry by providing a global platform for Africa’s Young Creatives to showcase their talents, access financial opportunities, and receive valuable training and mentorship.
This ground-breaking event is committed to empowering Nigerian designers in order to influence fashion’s future, encourage creativity, and propel economic expansion.
Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL), Europe’s largest fashion event that nurtures and promotes African and African-inspired design talent, was founded in 2011 by Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi. “Our goal is to develop the next generation of fashion leaders, drive economic growth, and preserve Nigerian cultural heritage,” says Queen Ronke Ogunwusi, the founder of AFWL & AFWN. “Mentorship and training are two ways this initiative empowers young people in Nigeria. Young designers can improve their abilities and knowledge, which will help them expand their businesses and generate employment, by taking advantage of workshops, masterclasses, and advice from professionals in the field.” she says.
Furthermore, according to Queen Ogunwusi, Africa Fashion Week London and Nigeria are giving young people in the fashion industry access to employment opportunities.
By putting them in touch with possible clients, financiers, and business partners, they can promote economic expansion and employment creation. “The primary goal of this endeavor is to use fashion and textiles to highlight Nigeria’s rich cultural legacy. By celebrating and preserving Nigerian culture, young people are given a sense of pride and ownership, inspiring them to take pride in their work and express themselves through fashion.” says Ogunwusi. Africa Fashion Week London and Nigeria have supported and inspired young designers to launch their own businesses over the years, which has helped to promote innovation and creativity in the fashion industry. According to Queen Ogunwusi, young people are gaining self-worth and confidence as a result of this program. “By empowering them to take pride in their work and express themselves through fashion, we try to boost their self-worth and confidence, which we have done over the years with both events.”
Essentially, the goal of the entire concept is to promote innovation and creativity in the fashion industry. “We are assisting young people in coming up with fresh concepts and solutions by promoting experimentation and innovation in the fashion and textile industries.” said Olori Ogunwusi.
AFWL and AFWN are pioneering a vibrant community of young designers, models, and business professionals, providing a supportive platform for the upcoming generation of fashion leaders to thrive. This dynamic network offers opportunities for collaboration, growth, and success.
As this year’s edition of Africa Fashion Week London approaches on October 11-12 at the Kensington and Chelsea Conference and Events Centre, Hornton Street, London, the event continues to inspire creativity and innovation, drive economic growth and job creation, while also preserving and celebrating African cultural heritage.