The Africa Centre: The Royal Adire Heritage Collection
Adire Oodua Textile Hub with Africa Fashion Week London launch
an exciting new fashion range for The Africa Centre
London, UK – 2nd June, 2025
The Africa Centre and Africa Fashion Week London is proud to announce the launch of a new range of fashion items created by the Adire Oodua Textiles Hub in Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
The organisations entered into partnership last year and this collection is one of a number of featured collaborations they have planned over the next two years. Other activities include cultural exchanges, lectures, workshops and other design and art endeavours.
The range, called “The Royal Adire Heritage Collection for The Africa Centre”, was developed in celebration of The Africa Centre’s 60th anniversary and features The Centre’s iconic logo and comprises t-shirts, boubous (gowns), scarves, bags and kimonos. Each piece highlights the beauty and cultural significance of handcrafted Adire. and is upheld as an example and celebration of African heritage and creativity; showcasing the wealth of indigenous African textiles while supporting and empowering local artisans.
This collaboration reflects The Africa Centre’s strategic theme: The Global African, which amplifies the inherent excellence of the heritage, voices, and creativity of people of African descent around the world. It is a clear example of the Sustainable Development Goals on reducing poverty, gender equality, decent work and economic growth, reduced inequalities and partnerships.
Moreover, it is a manifestation of the African Union (AU)’s Agenda 2063 in its goal for inclusive and sustainable development and the pan-African drive for unity, self-determination, freedom, progress and collective prosperity. The first batch of the collection was delivered to The Africa Centre by Queen Aderonke (Ronke) Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, Olori of the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II.
Queen Ronke said: “We are delighted to bring this idea to life. Adire is more than just a fabric; it's a symbol of heritage, culture, and identity. The Royal Adire Heritage Collection for The Africa Centre celebrates the history and craftsmanship of this iconic textile while showcasing its significance to the world.”
Olu Alake, CEO of The Africa Centre said: “This partnership is a powerful manifestation of how African heritage brings people and institutions together, connects Africa with its diaspora through shared stories and cultural expression, and is a powerful vehicle for education and advocacy, We’re so delighted to work with Adire Oodua Textiles Hub and African Fashion Week London, and this beautiful collection is just the beginning of incredible things that we will be doing together.”
The collection is available for sale at The Africa Centre. For a price list, the collection is available for sale at The Africa Centre. For a price list, or to place an order online, please visit www.africacentre.org.uk. Or email info@africacentre.org.uk.
About The Africa Centre
Located in London, The Africa Centre is a pioneering cultural institution committed to promoting African and diaspora narratives through the arts, education, and innovation. Established in 1964, The Africa Centre celebrates African excellence in arts & culture, thought leadership, innovation and community development.
About Adire Oodua Textiles Hub:
The Adire Oodua Hub is a resource and educational facility dedicated to the preservation of the traditional techniques of Adire textile manufacturing. Based in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, which is believed to be the cradle of civilisation by Yoruba people, The Hub raises awareness and understanding of the sustainability of Adire production through creative educational programmes for adults and children. Participatory learning is the foundation of the Adire teaching model. Workshops, courses, events, and special programs at the Hub allow for creative ingenuity and nurture innovation and leadership
Media Enquiries:
The Africa Centre: Daniel: marketing@africacentre.org.uk
Africa Fashion Week London Press Manager: Chisomo Phiri press@africafashionweeklondonuk.com
