?Nigerian fashion designer Adedayo Ilori, founder of the Lagos-based Dimeji Ilori label, showcased his latest collection at African Fashion Week London (AFWL) 2026, held at 8 Northumberland Avenue and the British Council Headquarters in London.
?Ilori, a beneficiary of the British Council’s Creative DNA accelerator programme, featured alongside several emerging designers at this year’s international event. The showcase builds on last year’s debut partnership, reaffirming the British Council’s commitment to championing African fashion talent on the global stage.
?The initiative aligns with the council’s strategy to drive sustainable growth by expanding market access for African fashion entrepreneurs while investing in locally rooted, globally connected creative economies.
?Creative DNA expands access to global markets
Creative DNA is the British Council’s flagship fashion initiative designed to nurture the African fashion ecosystem by deepening designer skills, expanding knowledge, and building international networks.
?Through their partnership, AFWL and the British Council developed an eight-day programme providing emerging African designers with direct pathways to explore international market access and engage new global audiences.
?Ilori founded Dimeji Ilori in 2021. The Lagos-based designer has gained rapid recognition for an emotionally charged design language that combines heritage textiles, artisanal techniques, and contemporary silhouettes.
?’My fashion label has benefitted immensely thanks to the mentorship I have received from Creative DNA,’ Ilori said. ‘I am looking forward to engaging with other participants on current trends in the fashion industry.’
?Panel discussions focus on future of African design
Panel topics at this year’s edition include African Fashion in Education, Creativity Beyond Borders, and African Futures: Where African Design Is Going Now.
?British Council Country Director Donna McGowan highlighted the impact of the initiative on the continent’s creative sector.
?’Adedayo’s brand has come a long way since Creative DNA started working with him,’ McGowan said. ‘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.’
?Ten designers presented under the Creative DNA banner at AFWL 2026: ?Bettydora Odhiambo (Atieno Studio, Kenya), Joan Nantege (Joan Jade, Uganda), ?Mastewal Belay (Mastewal Alemu, Ethiopia), ?Maurice Niyigena (Matheo Studio, Rwanda) and ?Neema Nkatha Kinoti (Ohana Swimwear, Kenya).
Others designers are: ?Chido Kaseke (Patch Maoko, Zimbabwe), ?Nyame-Nhyiraba Awura (Republic of Africa, Ghana), Ropafadzo Kuki Mapira (Soleil, Zimbabwe), Solome Kiflu (Xufan, Ethiopia) and ?Adedayo Ilori (Dimeji Ilori, Nigeria)