Nigerian designer *Adedayo Ilori*, founder of Lagos-based label _Dimeji Ilori_, took centre stage at *Africa Fashion Week London 2026* as a beneficiary of the *British Council’s Creative DNA accelerator programme*.
The 2026 edition of AFWL was held at #8 Northumberland Avenue and the British Council Headquarters, London. It marked the second year of partnership between AFWL and the British Council, with a renewed focus on showcasing emerging African fashion talent to global buyers, press and investors.
Building on last year’s debut collaboration, this year’s showcase reaffirmed the British Council’s commitment to championing Africa’s creative economy. The goal: drive sustainable growth by connecting the next generation of African fashion entrepreneurs to international markets while strengthening ecosystems rooted in local heritage.
Creative DNA is the British Council’s flagship fashion initiative across Africa. It supports designers through skills training, business knowledge and network expansion.
Through the partnership with AFWL, the two organizations delivered an *eight-day programme* designed to help emerging designers explore market access pathways and present their work to new audiences.
“Adedayo’s brand has come a long way since Creative DNA started working with him. We are delighted at the opportunity he has to represent Nigeria at Africa Fashion Week London,” said *Donna McGowan*, Country Director, British Council Nigeria.
“Nigeria is the hub of Africa’s creative industry, and we will continue to collaborate with young Nigerian designers as they seek to grow their businesses.”
Adedayo founded _Dimeji Ilori_ in 2021. Based in Lagos, he has gained attention for what organizers describe as an “emotionally charged design language” — blending heritage textiles, artisanal techniques and contemporary silhouettes into collections that feel both deeply Nigerian and globally relevant.
“My fashion label has benefitted immensely thanks to the mentorship I have received from Creative DNA. I am looking forward to engaging with other participants on current trends in the fashion industry,” Adedayo said.
Adedayo was joined by nine other Creative DNA designers at AFWL 2026:
– Bettydora Odhiambo – Atieno Studio, Kenya
– Joan Nantege– Joan Jade, Uganda
– Mastewal Belay – Mastewal Alemu, Ethiopia
– Maurice Niyigena – Matheo Studio, Rwanda
– Neema Nkatha Kinoti – Ohana Swimwear, Kenya
– Chido Kaseke – Patch Maoko, Zimbabwe
– Nyame-Nhyiraba Awura – Republic of Africa, Ghana
– Ropafadzo Kuki Mapira – Soleil, Zimbabwe
– *Solome Kiflu* – Xufan, Ethiopia
Beyond the runway, AFWL 2026 hosted panel discussions on key issues shaping the continent’s fashion future. Topics included _African Fashion in Education_, _Creativity Beyond Borders_, and _African Futures: Where African Design Is Going Now_.
With Nigeria positioned as Africa’s creative powerhouse, the selection of Adedayo Ilori underscores the country’s growing influence on the global fashion stage — and the role of partnerships like Creative DNA in taking African design from local ateliers to London runways.
