Exhibitors sign up for AFWL 2023
Africa Fashion Week London is delighted to welcome our national and overseas exhibitors back to London.
Featuring new practices, recycling, and sustainability ethics, and a return to heritage fabrics and textiles, AFWL 2023 is shaping up to be a historic outing with some outstanding exhibitors.
A large many of them are using their platforms as social conscious enterprises.
Welcome to countdown for AFWL 2023
get to know our exhibitors
The
Exhibitors
Akpos Okudu
Akpos Okudu Nwokekoro has been a force to reckon with in the fashion landscape in Nigeria for over 15 years. Since she launched the label in 2009, the brand has left an indelible mark in the fashion scene in Port Harcourt; being one of the the pioneers of ready-to-wear category in the city.
Under Akpos’s direction the brand has gained national and international recognition; showing her collections on various runways both home and abroad.
Her label has been a staple at the African fashion week London for over 3 years .
Her passion for the arts is worthy of commendation; she was named “designer of the year 2022” by fashion city awards, nominated by the Future Awards (2011 & 2022) and MTN (2011) for the “young designer of the year award”.
As a wife and mother of 3 amazing children, legacy is important to her. She is passionate about inspiring the next generation of fashion designers. Over the years she has trained and mentored over 100 young designers.
She describes her clothes as Feminine, functional pieces which has been worn by celebrities, authors, titans of industry and more. The likes of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie , Mercy Johnson, Juliet Ibrahim, Joke Silva, Stephanie Okereke, Toolz, Omawunmi, Tara Fela Durotoye and Adesuwa Oyenokwe have all worn her pieces.
Under Akpos’s direction the brand has gained national and international recognition; showing her collections on various runways both home and abroad.
Her label has been a staple at the African fashion week London for over 3 years .
Her passion for the arts is worthy of commendation; she was named “designer of the year 2022” by fashion city awards, nominated by the Future Awards (2011 & 2022) and MTN (2011) for the “young designer of the year award”.
As a wife and mother of 3 amazing children, legacy is important to her. She is passionate about inspiring the next generation of fashion designers. Over the years she has trained and mentored over 100 young designers.
She describes her clothes as Feminine, functional pieces which has been worn by celebrities, authors, titans of industry and more. The likes of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie , Mercy Johnson, Juliet Ibrahim, Joke Silva, Stephanie Okereke, Toolz, Omawunmi, Tara Fela Durotoye and Adesuwa Oyenokwe have all worn her pieces.
Adjoua Pam
Representing Ghana, Jemima Bentiwa Duncan’s brand Adjoua-Pam infuses old and new techniques into every project. She believes that wearing the right fitted clothes are not only a fundamental part of fashion excellence but are also the building blocks of confident and comfort for the individual woman.
My Story
My passion for making clothes from an obsession with not always find the right clothes as and when you need them. Nominated as best student in my year group, I hold qualifications from Accra Technical University and certificates from Accra’s top design institution Joyce Ababio College of creative design, Ghana where I tutored pattern making working one-on-one with the students.
Over the past 10 years I have since set up my own studio providing custom made wear across the fashion range and working with partners to design and sew classy yet simple, comfortable womenswear for every occasion.
My Story
My passion for making clothes from an obsession with not always find the right clothes as and when you need them. Nominated as best student in my year group, I hold qualifications from Accra Technical University and certificates from Accra’s top design institution Joyce Ababio College of creative design, Ghana where I tutored pattern making working one-on-one with the students.
Over the past 10 years I have since set up my own studio providing custom made wear across the fashion range and working with partners to design and sew classy yet simple, comfortable womenswear for every occasion.
Bittany
Bittany is a fashion brand from Africa founded by Fikayomi Agbola, a visionary entrepreneur driven by her passion for fashion and her unwavering determination to turn adversity into opportunity. Bittany began as a response to disappointments with tailors, blossoming from a mere hobby into an exquisite celebration of African culture and heritage through beautifully crafted designs made for everyone! Our goal is to put a smile on people’s faces and make African fashion accessible worldwide. Bittany embraces family values which birthed the ARÁBÁMBI Collection: Read here:https://bittany.co.uk/collections/all
With the tagline "Be unapologetically unique," Bittany empowers individuals to embrace their personal style while upholding core values of integrity, creativity, and teamwork in every aspect of their operations. This brand is not just about fashion; it advocates slow fashion and sustainability through upcycling techniques and offering alteration and repair services, ensuring the longevity of garments.
But the impact of Bittany goes beyond fashion. Fikayomi's dedication extends to job creation for artisans in Africa and supporting the gig economy in the UK through the sustainable fashion sister business, KÁYÒMI. Driven by a passion for fashion, sustainability, and positive impact, Bittany seeks to make a difference in the world, one stitch at a time. As the African fashion week London approaches, Bittany stands as an exemplar of creativity, cultural richness, and a commitment to a better world.
With the tagline "Be unapologetically unique," Bittany empowers individuals to embrace their personal style while upholding core values of integrity, creativity, and teamwork in every aspect of their operations. This brand is not just about fashion; it advocates slow fashion and sustainability through upcycling techniques and offering alteration and repair services, ensuring the longevity of garments.
But the impact of Bittany goes beyond fashion. Fikayomi's dedication extends to job creation for artisans in Africa and supporting the gig economy in the UK through the sustainable fashion sister business, KÁYÒMI. Driven by a passion for fashion, sustainability, and positive impact, Bittany seeks to make a difference in the world, one stitch at a time. As the African fashion week London approaches, Bittany stands as an exemplar of creativity, cultural richness, and a commitment to a better world.
Ethnicity Clothing
Ethnicity Clothing is a movement that produces quality afro eccentric clothing for women, men and children with a focus on investing and building a technical institute for garment manufacturing in African.
Grass Fields
Grass-Fields Clothing Brand founded in 2013, is a leading name in the fashion industry, known for its captivating designs and exceptional quality. With a passion for celebrating individuality and diversity, we take pride in creating unique pieces that empower and inspire. Our brand has become synonymous with style, effortlessly blending traditional African aesthetics with a modern twist. Every garment is meticulously crafted by our team of skilled artisans, ensuring attention to detail and bright colours.
At Grass-Fields, our customers hold a special place in our hearts. We cherish the relationships we have built over the years, and their satisfaction is our ultimate goal. From the moment you step into our world, you are greeted with warmth and a genuine desire to make you feel extraordinary. We strive to provide an unforgettable shopping experience, with personalized assistance and a wide range of sizes to cater to all body types.
Our customers' happiness is the driving force behind everything we do. We listen to their needs, their desires, and their stories, using them as inspiration to constantly innovate and create fashion-forward designs. We believe in the power of fashion to uplift, connect, and empower individuals, and we make it our mission to deliver that experience to each and every customer.
Discover the magic of Grass-Fields and let us help you express your unique style with confidence and grace.
At Grass-Fields, our customers hold a special place in our hearts. We cherish the relationships we have built over the years, and their satisfaction is our ultimate goal. From the moment you step into our world, you are greeted with warmth and a genuine desire to make you feel extraordinary. We strive to provide an unforgettable shopping experience, with personalized assistance and a wide range of sizes to cater to all body types.
Our customers' happiness is the driving force behind everything we do. We listen to their needs, their desires, and their stories, using them as inspiration to constantly innovate and create fashion-forward designs. We believe in the power of fashion to uplift, connect, and empower individuals, and we make it our mission to deliver that experience to each and every customer.
Discover the magic of Grass-Fields and let us help you express your unique style with confidence and grace.
Ik-Pen
ÌK-PEN is a luxury women’s fashion brand based in Abuja, Nigeria. The brand was founded in 2006 by Ikpen Yvonne Akwitti with the desire for perfection and craftsmanship.
The brand is African inspired with contemporary designs. It’s known for its bespoke services and prêt-a-porter. Her prêt a porter line engages ethnic details and fascinating silhouettes, providing timeless pieces for its opulent clientele, ranging from traditional bridal attires, every day classics, resort and glamorous dresses.
“For the sophisticated woman with style”.
The brand is African inspired with contemporary designs. It’s known for its bespoke services and prêt-a-porter. Her prêt a porter line engages ethnic details and fascinating silhouettes, providing timeless pieces for its opulent clientele, ranging from traditional bridal attires, every day classics, resort and glamorous dresses.
“For the sophisticated woman with style”.
Lara Diamond
Lara Diamond Design was founded by our creative director Lara Akinrele in 2014. Lara Diamond is a ready-to-wear womenswear brand that appeals to women who are stylish, fun, enjoy fashion, love experimenting with prints, and want luxurious pieces that are meticulously tailored, all within an affordable price point. Our fabrics are breathable, fuss-free, and feel effortless when worn. There is a sophisticated element to every one of the pieces which makes them an essential part of every capsule wardrobe.
Lara Diamond every piece is proudly made in Africa. Our factories are based in the heart of Lagos Nigeria while our major stockist is based in Nigeria from where pieces are shipped worldwide. Sustainable and ethical processes are at the heart of our design and manufacturing processes. Our fabrics are sourced from local artisans/dye artists who depend on brands like ours for a continuous cycle of business and livelihood while in-house, our pieces are produced in small runs to preserve quality, authenticity, and avoidance of waste.
Lara Diamond every piece is proudly made in Africa. Our factories are based in the heart of Lagos Nigeria while our major stockist is based in Nigeria from where pieces are shipped worldwide. Sustainable and ethical processes are at the heart of our design and manufacturing processes. Our fabrics are sourced from local artisans/dye artists who depend on brands like ours for a continuous cycle of business and livelihood while in-house, our pieces are produced in small runs to preserve quality, authenticity, and avoidance of waste.
Simeogieme
Simeogieme is a fashionably diverse luxury clothing brand priding itself in exclusivity, originality and quality. Our ethos is simplicity, sensuality and sophistication. The Creative Director, Osime Saibu, is a fashion enthusiast with a passion for designing clothing and accessories. She launched the clothing brand Simeogieme in 2010.
With each design, she aims to exemplify harmony that can be attained in the fusion of diversity, by mixing various patterns, vibrant colours, textures, themes and occasionally, a combination of different fabric types to create harmony in contemporary fashion. She draws inspiration from Africa’s love for vibrant colour and eclectic fashion. Her collections echo her ethos which is “Simplicity, Sensuality & Sophistication”.
Till date, she has worked on five main Collections:
With each design, she aims to exemplify harmony that can be attained in the fusion of diversity, by mixing various patterns, vibrant colours, textures, themes and occasionally, a combination of different fabric types to create harmony in contemporary fashion. She draws inspiration from Africa’s love for vibrant colour and eclectic fashion. Her collections echo her ethos which is “Simplicity, Sensuality & Sophistication”.
Till date, she has worked on five main Collections:
