Article by Kitty Noofah
African Fashion Week London (AFWL) 2026 returned to the capital for another vibrant celebration of African and African-inspired fashion, bringing together designers, creatives, artists, industry professionals, photographers and fashion enthusiasts. Taking place at 8 Northumberland Avenue, London, the event celebrated fashion as an expression of culture, heritage, individuality and global style.
Kitty Noofah, Beauty Editor for FABUK Magazine, attended the show alongside FABUK photographers Paul Winstone, Monika Schaible and Fil Mazzarino, capturing the fashion, personalities and creative atmosphere of AFWL 2026.
Celebrating 16 Years of African Fashion in London
AFWL 2026 marks 16 years of colour, creativity and global style. Since launching in 2011, Africa Fashion Week London has grown into one of the capital’s vibrant celebrations of African and African-inspired fashion.
Over the years, the platform has showcased more than 2,000 designers and creatives, creating opportunities for emerging talent, established brands, students and artisans from across Africa and the African diaspora.
Today, AFWL has established its place on London’s fashion calendar, bringing together fashion, colour, music, shopping and culture while continuing to introduce audiences to an exciting range of creative voices.
The 2026 edition takes place over two days, featuring catwalk showcases, independent fashion brands, beauty and lifestyle exhibitors, influencer activations and opportunities for visitors to shop directly from participating designers.
At the heart of African Fashion Week London is Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, Founder of Africa Fashion Week London, Africa Fashion Week Nigeria and the Adire Oodua Textile & Training Hub.
Through her work and initiatives, Queen Ronke continues to champion African designers, textiles, craftsmanship and creative talent, helping to give African fashion greater visibility on the international stage.
Three Catwalk Shows
A major part of the AFWL 2026 programme featured three catwalk presentations throughout the day, each offering its own perspective on contemporary fashion and creative talent.
The programme began from 2pm to 3:30pm with the New Talent Catwalk Featuring FIDO, providing a platform for new talent to present their creativity on the AFWL runway.
From 4pm to 5:30pm, the Next Gen Runway turned the spotlight towards emerging talent and the next generation of designers.
The programme continued from 7pm to 9:30pm with the VIP Catwalk Showcase Featuring Yemi Alade, bringing the day’s three catwalk presentations to an exciting conclusion.
The Team Behind AFWL 2026
AFWL 2026 was organised by Stella Mae, Anna Marie Benedict and the African Fashion Week London team, bringing together the many creative and professional elements required to deliver the event.
Anna Marie Benedict, Press and PR Director, plays an important role in the communications and media presence surrounding African Fashion Week London, connecting the event with members of the press, photographers and the wider fashion industry.
Stella Mae is a London-born and London-based artist, fashion designer and brand owner. Her brand, MaeHem by Reverse Psychology London, merges cultures through fashion while bringing happiness, creativity and individuality to the forefront.
Reverse Psychology London represents the wider movement and creative philosophy, while MaeHem is the fashion brand that resides under it.
MaeHem is recognised for its signature hoods, blending global fabrics and cultural influences, including African and tartan prints, to create distinctive pieces for both women and men.
The concept reflects the increasingly global language of fashion — bringing together textiles and cultural influences that may originate in different parts of the world and transforming them into something individual and contemporary.
Fashion, Culture and the Next Generation
What makes African Fashion Week London particularly significant is its ability to bring different generations of creativity together.
Emerging designers are given the opportunity to stand alongside more established names, while visitors can discover independent fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands and engage directly with the people behind the designs.
AFWL also demonstrates how fashion can become a meeting point for cultures. African textiles, craftsmanship and heritage can sit alongside contemporary silhouettes and global influences, allowing designers to celebrate where they come from while creating fashion for an international audience.
After 16 years, African Fashion Week London continues to provide a stage for creativity, entrepreneurship and cultural expression.
AFWL 2026 celebrates not only what African fashion has achieved, but also the designers, artists and emerging talents who are shaping what comes next.
Photography credit: Christine De Oliveira Photography
Instagram: @chrisdeoliveira22
Website: christinedeoliveiraphotography.com