Ten Africa fashion designers are gearing up to showcase their creative products at African Fashion Week London (AFWL) 2026, taking place at 8 Northumberland Avenue and the British Council Headquarters.
Among the ten designers include Nigerian designer, Adedayo Ilori, founder of the Dimeji Ilori label and a beneficiary of the British Council’s Creative DNA accelerator programme, among its showcased designers this year.
This edition is expected to build on the success of the partnerships with AFWL and British Council, reaffirming the council’s ongoing commitment to championing emerging African fashion talent on the global stage.
A statement said the initiative aligns with the British Council’s vision to drive sustainable growth by championing creative talent and expanding access to global markets for the next generation of African fashion entrepreneurs while investing in creative economy ecosystems that are rooted in local contexts and globally connected.
It added that Creative DNA is the British Council’s fashion initiative designed to support and uplift the fashion ecosystem in Africa.
‘It achieves this objective by nurturing designers’ skills, deepening their knowledge and expanding their networks.
‘Through their partnership, AFWL and the British Council have developed a thoughtfully designed eight-day programme that provides emerging African designers opportunities to explore market access pathways and share their work with new audiences,’ the statement read.
Adedayo founded his brand Dimeji Ilori in 2021. Based in Lagos, Adedayo has quickly gained attention for his emotionally charged design language, where heritage textiles, artisanal techniques, and contemporary silhouettes come together in collections that feel both deeply rooted and globally relevant.
‘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,’ said Adedayo.
Some of the topics that will be discussed at the panels include African Fashion in Education, Creativity Beyond Borders and African Futures: Where African Design Is Going Now.
Director, British Nigeria Council Country, Donna McGowan said Adedayo’s brand has come a long way since Creative DNA started working with him.
‘We are delighted at the opportunity he has to represent Nigeria at African Fashion Week London.
‘Nigeria is the hub of Africa’s creative industry, and we will continue to collaborate with young Nigerian designers as they seek to grow their businesses,’ she said.