Founder of Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) HRM Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi has reaffirmed dedication to elevating Africa’s fashion on the global stage, just as United Nation’s cultural body, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization(UNESCO) has recently projected regional fashion to become one of next world fashion leaders.
Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi declared this on the occasion of AFWL’s 15th anniversary, highlighting the platform’s efforts at spotligting Africa’s fashion to the globe.
She reminisced on the platform’s strides in 15 years, including empowering over 1000 talents across the region, towards positioning African fashion as a formidable force in global industry.
“This year marks 15 years of Africa Fashion Week London, a pioneering platform that has championed African designers when few others would. In a time when the global fashion industry underestimated the value of African creativity, we chose to believe in our heritage, our people and our power.
“Since its first edition, AFWL has consistently created avenues for visibility, growth, and global engagement for African designers. We’ve opened doors for over 1,000 designers and artisans, spotlighted Africa’s cultural richness, and inspired a global rethinking of what fashion can be. We are not just a fashion event, but a statement. A celebration and movement that continues to grow and redefine narratives, “she stated.
Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi asserted that the vision of AFWL beyond fashion, sought to project Africa’s creativity, culture and couture, in addition to economic empowerment of players.
“For 15 years, we have created platforms where designers could thrive, artisans could shine, and African fashion seen, respected, and celebrated. What started as a platform for visibility has grown into a legacy of empowerment, pride, and global impact. The best is yet to come”, she added.
Beyond her achievements in fashion, Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi has also vested footprint in cultural development. AFWL stands as a testament to her dedication, resilience, and unwavering belief in the potential of African talent.
