Africa Fashion Weeks: Blending cultural heritage with modern fashion

Africa Fashion Weeks Nigeria and London, has achieved a remarkable milestone by fostering entrepreneurship, skills training, and job creation for African fashion creatives to thrive.

The platform is celebrating 10 and 14 years of promoting African fashion creatives and blending African cultural heritage with modern fashion.

Speaking at the event, the founder, Olori Aderonke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, said since its inception in 2011, initiatives like the Adire Textile Training and Production Hub have showcased over 3,000 African brands globally, helping preserve cultural heritage.

“For 10 and 14 years, Africa Fashion Weeks Nigeria and London have fostered the growth of African fashion creatives. We believe creativity requires supportive platforms,” she said.
“Beyond showcasing, we educate global audiences about African fashion and preserve cultural heritage in textiles through initiatives like the Adire Textile Training and Production Hub.

“Our primary vision is to empower fashion creatives for financial sustainability, create jobs through creativity, generate wealth, alleviate poverty, and educate through the creative sector. By 2030, Africa needs 450 million jobs for its youth, necessitating a shift from traditional curriculums to future-focused skills training.”

Olori Aderonke further emphasised the vast job opportunities in the fashion industry’s value chain, benefiting entrepreneurs such as tailors, photographers, content creators, and makeup artists, as well as providing platforms for show producers and technical producers.