Sarah Ajayi: Gold Winner of Graduate Fashion Week London 2025

“I wanted to pay tribute to the power and presence of African market women.”

Introducing Sarah Ajayi, the brilliant creative from Manchester Metropolitan University - AFWL’s proud education partner - who took home the Gold Award at Graduate Fashion Week 2025 on June 16 at The Truman Brewery in London.

We cannot stress how important her win is for the importance of African textile and African-heritage designers. It is the first time in 34 years of Graduate Fashion Week that an African or Black designer has won the Gold Award.

Ajayi’s striking collection, “Queens of the Market,” paid vivid tribute to the strength, grace, and presence of African market women, bringing together Adire fabrics, natural raffia, and basket-inspired silhouettes in a celebration of culture and craftsmanship.

The judging panel lauded her work for its “originality, craft, and creative vision,” with Julien Macdonald, who personally presented her award, highlighting “special attention to design, detail, construction, and fabric manipulation”.

This achievement solidifies Manchester Met’s leadership in nurturing visionary talent and enriches our shared AFWL narrative, bringing dynamic, heritage-infused creativity to the global stage. Sarah Ajayi’s win isn’t just a moment; it’s a movement, setting the tone for the artist that will be seen at AFWL2025.

In Sarah’s words: “ I am over the moon. I am overly excited, I'm so happy. My hard work finally paid off, and I am just so excited to see where this all goes.”

We know where this goes, Sarah! We are going to work hard to have you on the AFWL2025 Catwalk! Africa is the Future.