Designers Flock to Return to Africa Fashion Week London 2020

VETERAN DESIGNERS FLOCK TO AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON 2020

FIRM FAVOURITES COME BACK TIME AND TIME AGAIN

South Africa's Kwa Zulu Natal designers are back for the fifth year! We are so delighted to announce that firm favourites, Trade & Industry Kwa Zulu Natal designers are back in their own special pavilion.  Every year, the designers initiative bring old favourites and new designers to AFWL.  Last year, we welcomed back House of Sluvin with their signature sunshine yellows (Misty is floating above in Sluvin), newcomer Precious Lulu mini collection in rich blacks and teals (Angel is being angelic below).  Expect at least 8 designers from the TIKZN co-operative.

Gemstones and Shimmies  Onyx By Valentina back for the third year.  Nigerian luxe designer, Valentina Utoh, Creative Director of the brand consistently wows us with her heavily embellished dresses.  She has finally opened her atelier in Lagos, saying, “Bringing art to life through couture pieces has always been my dream. Onyx by Valentina pieces are especially hand-crafted using stones, beads and quality fabric to create detailed, iconic clothing for women."  Onyx by name, it is a gemstone that she often incorporates in the designs. (Rebecca shimmies below).

Capes, anyone? Aphia Saki, the celebrity-endorsed, Ghanaian accessory brand was a favourite on and off the catwalk.   Here is singer/songwriter Shingai of the Noisettes at AFWL2019 in a feather and beaded cape. We cannot wait to see what she brings to AFWL2020 - sneak peeks seem to have her signature rope necklaces, capes and beaded neckpieces, but also incorporating with gold mask motifs.  Exciting times for this young designer already making waves in the celebrity world.

We can always count on Soboye. AFWL Head Stylist, Samson Soboye always brings a twist to AFWL.  Supreme at layering and mixing patterns, it's no wonder he is in demand as a university lecturer as well as a red-carpet designer and stylist.  Last year, Soboye brought a Kente/Kimono -inspired collection - the famous Ghanaian weave mixed with ankara print, golden chains, kimonos and the ever-present sequin.  On paper, why would it work - but it did!  (See Vanessa leaning into her monochromatic look - ruffles of kente colour provided drama)

EXPECT AT AFWL2020

Expect exciting catwalk shows, expect to shop until you drop, expect celebrities, African food, and inspiring talks forum. There's plenty to see and do at Africa Fashion Week London 2020. 2020 will also see the launch of our Graduate Fashion & Design day.  Universities and Higher Education Colleges will be invited to register their students of fashion, hair & beauty, architecture and habitat design, art, photography & journalism to take part in our student catwalk and exhibition day. Doors open:  12 Noon Freemasons' Hall 60 Great Queen Street London WC2B 5AZ   6th August - Graduate Fashion & Design Showcase 7th August - AFWL2020 Friday Showcase, Exhibition & Business Fashion Talks Forum 8th August - AFWL2020 Saturday Showcase, Exhibition & Business Fashion Talks Forum

FRIDAY 7 AUGUST EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT Click on the image above and use code AFWL10YEARS for our £10 tickets. A huge 66% off original price of £30. Hurry! Only a few tickets left at this price SATURDAY 8 AUGUST EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT Click on the image above and use code AFWL10YEARS for our £10 tickets. A huge 66% off original price of £30. Hurry! Only a few tickets left at this price