Supported by the British Council’s Creative DNA programme, Xufan is an Ethiopian Afro-futuristic fashion and lifestyle brand founded by designer and digital artist Solome Kiflu. Rooted in storytelling, self-expression, and cultural identity, Xufan blends Ethiopian heritage with futuristic design, gaming culture, cinematic fashion, and contemporary streetwear to create immersive wearable art.

JOAN JADE is a Ugandan based clothing brand, dedicated to crafting outfits that honour the African heritage while appealing to modern contemporary tastes since 2021. 

Inspired by art, heritage, cultural diversity and history, Our design philosophy centres on three core principles; authenticity, superior craftsmanship and individual expression. Supported by the British Council’s Creative DNA programme, the brand works closely with local artisans and use high quality sustainable materials sourced both locally and internationally.

Supported by the British Council’s Creative DNA programme, PatCh is a Zimbabwean accessories brand that uses handcrafted design to preserve and reinterpret cultural identity through contemporary fashion. At the heart of PatCh is a commitment to slow craftsmanship. Each handbag is thoughtfully handmade using time-honoured techniques that celebrate artistry, attention to detail, and the human touch in an increasingly fast-paced fashion industry.

SOLEIL is a Zimbabwean streetwear brand grounded in identity and shaped by the spirit of Africa. Founded in 2023 in Harare, Zimbabwe, the brand approaches sustainability with intention through thoughtful design, storytelling, and a quiet sense of purpose.

Supported by the British Council’s Creative DNA programme, the brand blends cultural symbolism with modern silhouettes, allowing heritage and the present to co-exist. Each piece is made using upcycled and locally sourced materials.

Ohana Family Wear is redefining African swim and resort wear through bold design, cultural storytelling, and unapologetic representation. Founded in Kenya by Neema Nkatha Kinoti, the brand emerged from a powerful mission: to create authentic African-inspired swimwear in an industry where African identity had long been overlooked.

Supported by the British Council Creative DNA 2026 programme, Ohana has grown into one of East Africa’s most exciting contemporary lifestyle brands — blending vibrant African aesthetics with modern silhouettes, performance functionality, and luxury resort energy.

Supported by the British Council’s Creative DNA programme, Founder and Creative Director Maurice Niyigena of Matheo Studio, is a fashion and costume designer. He is passionate about using fashion, art, and creativity to tell African stories, empower youth and women, and inspire positive change through design and culture.

Supported by the British Council’s Creative DNA programme, Republic of Africa is a fashion and cultural innovation company driven by one mission: to restore Africa’s self-belief and elevate the black experience in the world. Born from the legacy of WEAR Ghana - the brand built into one of Ghana’s most loved fashion houses over the past decade - Republic of Africa is the next chapter.

IFFIZI is a Belgian-Nigerian fashion brand founded by Sandra Alonge. Established in 2016, the brand celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, marking a decade of bold design and cultural fusion. IFFIZI blends European styling with African tailoring, creating contemporary pieces that transition effortlessly from day to night.

Supported by the British Council’s Creative DNA programme, Atieno Studio is a contemporary Kenyan fashion brand redefining crochet through bold summer and resort wear.

Supported by the British Council Creative DNA 2026 programme, DIMEJI ILORI approaches fashion as wearable art — exploring identity, spirituality, memory, and quiet power through handcrafted garments designed to be experienced as much as worn.

Introducing one of the Creative DNA’s 2026 cohort showcasing at AFWL2026.

Founded in December 2021, Mastewal Alemu is a contemporary Ethiopian fashion brand based in Addis Ababa. Over the past four years, the brand has established itself as a rising force in sustainable African luxury.

RESANÈA is a Johannesburg-based luxury fashion house debuting at Africa Fashion Week London 2026. Blending African heritage with healing fabrics and contemporary design, the brand presents elevated silk and linen collections inspired by wellness, identity, and cultural storytelling through modern African luxury fashion.

La’baleo Collections is a Ghanaian menswear brand specialising in bespoke, tailor-fit clothing with timeless design. Showcasing at Africa Fashion Week London 2026, the brand delivers classic, well-crafted pieces that combine precision tailoring with modern elegance, while supporting craftsmanship and employment within the African fashion industry.

Nesnie Creations is a Nigerian-born contemporary fashion brand redefining modern Afrocentric style since 2014. Founded in Abuja by two sisters, Olanrewaju Uchechi and Nwachukwu Nneka, the brand blends rich African heritage with contemporary global design to create timeless, high-quality pieces rooted in creativity and craftsmanship.

Born from the shared dream of two sisters, the brand carries within it the memory of countless conversations, sketches, and visions of creating something timeless together. Though one sister has now transitioned, AjiBèkè stands as a tribute to her spirit, a promise that the dream they once held will not only live on, but flourish. Every piece is created in honour of her presence, stitched with memory, resilience, and love.

REALMS is an eco-luxury fashion brand exploring the dialogue between heritage, identity, and modern expression. Rooted in the cultural narratives of Congo-Kinshasa and Madagascar, the brand reimagines tradition through contemporary silhouettes and thoughtful craftsmanship.

A luxury fashion brand offering high-end women’s clothing inspired by bold African prints, art, and creative storytelling. Founded by designer and artist Osime Saibu, Simeogieme is known for its vibrant colour combinations, custom-made fabrics, and sophisticated silhouettes.

Every piece is crafted with a blend of fine tailoring and artistic vision, perfect for confident women who value elegance and individuality. From luxury dresses to stylish separates, Simeogieme delivers standout fashion that celebrates culture, creativity, and confidence.

House of Estree is a London-based African cultural hub and showcasing designer at Africa Fashion Week London 2026. Combining ready-to-wear fashion, handcrafted accessories, art, and home décor, the platform supports African designers and creatives while promoting cultural heritage, community engagement, and sustainable creative enterprise.

David Wej Lagos is a premium Nigerian menswear brand known for jacquard suits, tailored shirts, and luxury accessories. Showcasing at Africa Fashion Week London 2026, the brand blends traditional African aesthetics with modern tailoring, offering bespoke and ready-to-wear collections for the contemporary global man.

Mary Martin London is an internationally acclaimed fashion label known for bespoke, red carpet designs inspired by Black culture. Showcasing at Africa Fashion Week London 2026, Dame Mary Martin’s award-winning work combines bold creativity with cultural storytelling, worn by global celebrities and recognised for its innovation and impact.