Joachim Garments is a contemporary luxury fashion brand from Lesotho, founded in 2018 and inspired by the rich heritage of Basotho culture.

Making history as part of Lesotho's first-ever participation at Africa Fashion Week London 2026, the brand combines refined tailoring, traditional symbolism and conscious craftsmanship to create sophisticated, globally relevant African fashion.

Diana Magesa is a Tanzanian fashion artist and costume designer creating innovative sustainable fashion from recycled and reclaimed materials.

Her work combines environmental activism, community empowerment and contemporary African design through award-winning costumes, upcycled fashion and creative skills development for women and young people.

Iconics Clothing is a Lesotho-based fashion brand redefining African apparel through innovation, technology, and contemporary design. We create premium fashion that seamlessly blends functionality, comfort, and modern style, with a strong commitment to quality craftsmanship and local manufacturing.

Klassic Unisex Couture is a contemporary Nigerian fashion brand creating modern unisex clothing from handcrafted Aso-Oke and Adire textiles. Showcasing and exhibiting at Africa Fashion Week London 2026, the brand blends traditional African craftsmanship with contemporary tailoring, celebrating Nigeria's textile heritage through timeless, globally inspired design. The resurgence of heritage textiles has placed Aso-Oke and Adire at the forefront of contemporary African luxury.

Founded in 2020 by Olori Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, Adire Oodua Textile Hub is a leading Nigerian centre preserving and promoting authentic Yoruba Adire and Aso-Oke textiles.

The Hub empowers artisans through skills development, cultural tourism and sustainable textile innovation while celebrating West Africa’s heritage on the global stage.

Juoby & Co. is a contemporary Nigerian fashion brand creating bold ready-to-wear womenswear inspired by African heritage.

Showcasing and exhibiting at Africa Fashion Week London 2026, the brand transforms Adire and indigenous textiles into colourful, fashion-forward collections, combining modern design, handcrafted accessories and contemporary African luxury.

Thethana is a leading luxury womenswear brand from Lesotho, reimagining Basotho heritage through contemporary African fashion. Supported by GIZ and making history as part of Lesotho's first-ever representation at Africa Fashion Week London 2026, the brand combines cultural storytelling, ethical craftsmanship and modern luxury with internationally export-ready design.

Elegant Dolls is a South African luxury womenswear brand established in 2015, specialising in bespoke couture, contemporary ready-to-wear and elegant occasionwear.

Showcasing at Africa Fashion Week London 2026, the brand combines refined tailoring, exceptional craftsmanship and contemporary African design to create timeless collections celebrating confidence, femininity and sophistication.

Komeh Swish is a Nigerian fashion house founded by Miriam Kome Jegede and co-founded by Atiemoria Jegede, built on a passion for creating pieces that feel timeless, feminine, and intentional. The brand is known for its luxury bridal couture, eveningwear, and ready-to-wear collections, combining clean structure, detailed craftsmanship, and modern elegance. Over the years, Komeh Swish has worked with brides and women across different parts of the world, creating pieces that are personal, refined, and made to stand out. With a growing presence in the fashion space, the brand continues to evolve through couture, ready-to-wear, and creative storytelling.

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.