African Fashion Is Not Just a Trend, It’s a Force Queen Ronke Ademiluyi Ogunwusi Speaks on AFWL’s Global Impact

In a powerful statement that resonates with pride, heritage, and vision, Queen Ronke Ademiluyi Ogunwusi, the founder of Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL), has declared that African fashion is no longer just a trend,it is a global force. Her message highlights the remarkable journey African fashion has taken, moving from being a seasonal buzzword to becoming a lasting movement that shapes global style and culture.

African Fashion Week London: A Movement, Not Just a Show

Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) was founded to give African designers a global stage to showcase their work. Over the years, it has grown into the largest annual African fashion event in the UK, drawing designers, models, creatives, and fashion lovers from all around the world.

According to Queen Ronke, AFWL is not just a fashion show, but a platform that celebrates African culture, heritage, and entrepreneurship. It helps African designers break into international markets while remaining rooted in their identity.

A Platform Empowering African Designers

AFWL has provided a spotlight for thousands of designers,both emerging and established—who use traditional African fabrics, patterns, and techniques in modern, innovative ways. From bold Ankara prints to intricately woven Aso Oke and Kente, these creations tell stories of African history, pride, and creativity.

Queen Ronke emphasizes that African fashion is authentic, sustainable, and powerful, with the potential to uplift entire communities through job creation and cultural export.

Changing the Narrative of African Fashion

For many years, African fashion was either overlooked or misunderstood by mainstream fashion industries. But thanks to platforms like AFWL, that narrative is changing. African fashion is now being embraced globally by celebrities, influencers, and designers for its uniqueness and versatility.

Queen Ronke believes that fashion is a tool for cultural diplomacy. By wearing African designs and promoting our local artisans, people are also promoting African identity, unity, and pride.

More Than Clothes; A Cultural Force

What makes African fashion a force, according to Queen Ronke, is that it goes beyond clothing. It is about storytelling, identity, empowerment, and representation. Fashion is being used to tell the African story through colours, patterns, and craftsmanship that have been passed down through generations.

Empowering Women and Youth Through Fashion

A passionate advocate for women and youth empowerment, Queen Ronke sees fashion as a way to give back to society. Through training programs, mentorships, and access to international platforms, many young creatives are getting the opportunity to turn their passion into sustainable careers.

Looking to the Future

With each edition of AFWL, Queen Ronke continues to push for African fashion to be recognized, respected, and celebrated around the world. Her vision is not just to promote beautiful clothing but to build an industry that creates jobs, preserves culture, and inspires confidence in African creatives.

African Fashion Is Here to Stay

Queen Ronke Ademiluyi Ogunwusi’s statement is a reminder that African fashion is not just a passing phase. It is here to stay. It is a cultural and economic movement with the power to transform lives, tell stories, and reshape how the world sees Africa.

Written By Fortune Davidson