It was the week when fashion came to town as the beautiful, the gorgeous and the fashion savvy turned up to witness the 5th edition of the Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) 2015, a show, which over the years has grown to become Europe’s largest catwalk event of Africa and African inspired fashion designs.
Set in the magnificient West Hall of the Olympia, nestled in the heart of Kensington London, the two day fashion fiesta played host to designers, exhibitors, style reporters and bloggers from around the globe.
As is tradition, the AFWL is at the forefront of promoting and showcasing the very best of Africa’s emerging designers, while capturing the surge of African inspired trends and this year was no exception. Blending several themes to create one whole, designers delivered across the board tailoring and day wear, to party dresses and evening gowns. All or most parts made with the African fabrics, playful in parts and elegant in others. Day one came to a dramatic close with the KZN Fashion Council, South African Collective.
Twenty designers sponsored by the South African Government showcased an extraordinary collection made mostly from SA fabrics, in designs depicting the beauty of the Zulu Kingdom. It was a proud set of South Africans who came on stage waving their country’s flag to am impressed audience.
Day two began on a vibrsnt note with House of Tangerine, Njema Helena, Soraya da Lda, VanElse and others offering a variety of collections; from beautiful bold colours, high Victorian necks, floral patterns conjured up day dresses and ball dresses comprised of chiffon layers and plunging necklines. It was all very prim and very pretty with African Western twist. Artistic fashion designer Steve Mandy returned this year with his wearable works of arts collection comprising of t-shits, and vibrant evening dresses.
The Africa Fashion Week London 2015, came to an enchanting end with a brilliant coordinated collection by Needle Point. Nigeria’s Needle Point collection is one show everyone who had attended the AFWL in the last two years looks forward to. Not afraid to experiment with prints and clashing colours, Her collection as always was bright and full of creativity, bringing playfulness to the Africa Fashion Week London like no other.
From the memorable moments on the runway, to the band stand and energetic performance by Valentine, the AFWL 2015 was no doubt an eventful one. And for Ronke Ademiluyi Founder of the AFWL and her team, while basking in the euphoria of their five years journey, here is hoping they continue to stay true to the vision of promoting and showcasing the very best of Africa’s emerging designers and talents.
See pictures below:
By Yemisi Suleiman
