It was a night of glamour, artistry, and cultural pride as the E1 Championship Fashion Show brought together some of Africa’s most exceptional designers under one roof. 

The event transformed the EbonyLife Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, into a dazzling celebration of creativity and innovation — a testament to Africa’s rising influence on the global fashion stage.

Curated by RikaotoByMe, the showcase featured visionary designers from across the continent and the diaspora, including Tannymash (Zimbabwe), Afrikayla, Keannie Fashion Empire, What 2 Wear, Anjoreen Couture, Prince Glam Style (Nigeria), SGTC Clothing (Ghana), and Dashikipride African Designers in the Diaspora (New York City). Each collection reflected a seamless blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary aesthetics, capturing the vibrant spirit of modern African fashion.

“This was more than a runway show; it was a platform to celebrate Africa’s creative excellence,” said Maryam Elisha, Founder and CEO of RikaotoByMe. “Through vision, partnership, and purpose, we are showcasing African talent to the world while driving intra-African trade and investment in the creative economy.”

The evening opened with Afrikayla by Ibijoke Shallangwa, whose collection reimagined African heritage fabrics such as Ankara, Adire, Aso Oke, and Kente in chic, urban silhouettes. “We’re passionate about telling Africa’s story through fashion,” Shallangwa noted. “Every piece carries a slice of history stitched into style — that’s Afrikayla.”

What 2 Wear redefined the traditional Agbada with refined craftsmanship and minimalist detailing, while Keannie Fashion Line brought playfulness and sophistication to the runway with chic, curve-accentuating dresses for the modern woman. The grand finale by RikaotoByMe was a showstopper — a collection of intricately embellished luxury gowns that shimmered under the lights, embodying African opulence and craftsmanship at its peak.

Elisha expressed gratitude to Afreximbank, through its CANEX program, FEDA, and the Lagos State Government for their unwavering support. “This event was made possible through collaboration,” she said. “It united designers, artisans, and models from across the continent to tell a single story — the story of African innovation.”

The fashion show also served as a cultural exchange platform, giving international beauty queens who attended the E1 Lagos Grand Prix a firsthand experience of Africa’s elegance and sophistication. It underscored that luxury and style thrive not only in Paris or New York but also in the vibrant fashion capital that Lagos has become.

Beyond the glitz, the E1 Championship Fashion Show reinforced the transformative power of collaboration in Africa’s creative sector. By merging fashion, culture, and sustainability, the event created new opportunities for job creation, business networking, and global visibility for African designers and brands.

“I’m deeply grateful to every sponsor and designer who brought their vision to life on this runway,” Elisha added. “Together, we’ve proven that Africa’s creative industry is not just participating in the global fashion conversation — we are leading it.”

The success of the E1 Championship Fashion Show sends a bold message to the world: Africa’s creatives are ready — ready to trade, to innovate, and to lead. With continued investment and collaboration, the continent’s fashion industry will keep transforming imagination into enterprise and dreams into opportunity.