The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2025 - Issue 38

bitecatwalk The Bite Magazine captured the electrifying vibes as Africa Fashion Week London held their 15th anniversary edition at Space House in Covent Garden. AFRICA FASHIONWEEK T his year, Africa Fashion Week London held their 15th extrav- aganza celebration of African fashion, artistry, and cultural heritage at Space House in Covent Gar- den. The speculative office development designed by Richard Seifert & Partners in the late 1960s and completed in 1968 by the developer Harry Hyams was once occupied by the Civil Aviation Authority. Its brutalist design, featuring a cylindrical 17-storey tower and an eight-storey slab, is characterised by its precast concrete fa- cades, making it distinctive. With three dynamic shows at 2 pm, 4 pm and 7 pm, designers from across Africa and the diaspora brought the runway to life with a blend of tradition, innovation, and show-stopping performance. The 2 pm Catwalk Spectacular set the tone with an eclectic mix of established creative in- stitutions and fresh independent voices, including Sarah Ajayi, the Winchester School of Art, Manchester Metropolitan University Adire Project, Afrowema, Sil- via Osawe, Princess Vogue Fashion, Yetty Couture and Zainab O. The 4 pm segment saw the British Council Creative DNA Delegation present a daz- zling vision of Africa’s fashion future. De- signers included Sevaria, Epica Jewellery and Kisero Nairobi from Kenya; Ometsey from Ghana; Black Fine & Fly and Hen- ri Uduku from Nigeria, Dagmawit from Ethiopia; and Shwanda Kollection from Uganda. Other creatives, such as Victoria Grace, Fassy Couture, UDefineU, ANTI, Mumini Fashion Since 1961, and Atnuda, showcased innovation, ethical fashion, and cross-cultural collaboration. At 7 pm, AFWL co-founder, Prince Kamari, hosted the VIP Atelier Catwalk, starting with a special presentation. The Disney Theatrical Group brought West End magic to the runway with a breath- taking live performance from The Lion King in full costume and character. In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, the theat- rical group and AFWL united to create a fusion of storytelling and style, deliv- ering a powerful opening number that immersed the audience in the colours, rhythms, and energy of the Pride Lands. AFWL creative director, Bola Obileye, designed the performers’ custom out- fits. Leading singer and actress Thenjiwe Nofemele, who plays Rafiki in The Lion King, was dressed in a bespoke creation that fused traditional African textiles with contemporary runway flair, re- flecting the character's wisdom and the event's vibrant energy. Supporting singers Matthew Nhlapho and Sipho Mlombile were also outfitted in tailored, African-in- spired garments designed to complement the production's theatrical aesthetic. We highlight a few designers who caught our eye as they presented their collections at the event. LONDON2025