Xufan, an emerging African fashion brand founded by Ethiopian designer and digital artist Solome Kiflu, is bringing together Ethiopian heritage, digital culture and futuristic storytelling at African Fashion Week London 2026.
The brand operates across fashion, art, gaming, technology and culture, using immersive collections to explore new approaches to African fashion. Rather than treating clothing solely as a product, Xufan approaches each collection as a form of world-building, combining visual storytelling with experimental design.
Supported by the British Council Creative DNA 2026 programme, Xufan draws inspiration from Ethiopian history alongside science fiction, fantasy, Japanese aesthetics, digital art and contemporary streetwear. The resulting designs combine experimental silhouettes and functional elements with narratives that connect the past, present and imagined future.
The name Xufan, meaning “throne” in Amharic, reflects themes of self-discovery, identity and empowerment. Through its collections, the brand explores belonging, freedom, individuality and human connection, creating garments designed to encourage personal expression and imaginative engagement.
Xufan has previously received recognition through Hub of Africa Addis Fashion Week, Creative DNA Ethiopia and other collaborative creative industry initiatives. Its work reflects a growing generation of African designers exploring fashion as an experience that can extend into art, technology and storytelling.
Solome Kiflu is also a Creative DNA x Studio Smithfield residency delegate. The peer-to-peer exchange residency brings together fashion designers from the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa, providing opportunities for collaboration, learning and the development of long-term creative and professional relationships.
At African Fashion Week London 2026, Xufan continues its exploration of African identity through a contemporary, technology-influenced creative language.
Instagram: @xufan_wear