AFWL Teams Up with Manchester Met for an Innovative Catwalk Showcase

By Glitzedge

Designs by Andrea Georgiou

In celebration of its 15th anniversary, African Fashion Week London (AFWL) has announced a dynamic new partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University (Manchester Met) to present a special heritage-inspired catwalk show this summer.

Recognised as the UK’s longest-running and largest platform for African fashion, AFWL is spotlighting a new generation of talent through this collaboration — placing heritage, creativity, and sustainability at the heart of its 2025 showcase. Six standout fashion students from Manchester Met have been selected to present collections inspired by Adire, the centuries-old indigo-dyed textile rooted in Yoruba tradition.

The selected students were chosen after presenting their innovative takes on Adire to AFWL representatives. Three of their collections will be professionally produced for the live runway, while the other three will be transformed into digital fashion pieces for a virtual showcase. Both formats will debut at AFWL’s highly anticipated event taking place August 9–10 in London.

Designs by Jia Wei Ng

aKatie Greenwood, Lecturer in Fashion Design at Manchester Met, commended the students’ thoughtful reinterpretations of Adire:

“They explored the fabric’s textures and traditions using modern techniques — from intricate knitwear to experimental construction. The goal was to reintroduce Adire to audiences who may be unfamiliar with its rich cultural roots.”

The students’ collections fuse traditional textiles with contemporary influences including Savile Row tailoring, youth culture, and even the Winter Olympics, resulting in fashion that bridges continents and generations.

AFWL’s Press and PR Director, Anna Marie Benedict, shared her excitement:

“The students really got creative with this project. I love the mix of embroidery, quilting, and how they’ve made Adire relevant for cooler climates while preserving its soul.”

Samson Soboye, AFWL’s Head Stylist, highlighted the industrial spirit of Manchester echoed in the designs:

Samson Soboye and Ann Marie
“Manchester is known for its innovation, and these designs reflect that perfectly. Adire itself is a sustainable, heritage-rich textile, and it’s inspiring to see young designers embedding those values into their work.”

The collaboration not only elevates the traditional craftsmanship of African textiles but also reflects Manchester Met’s growing commitment to digital fashion, sustainability, and cultural storytelling.

As AFWL continues to serve as a global stage for African creatives, this latest initiative signals a bright and bold future for heritage-driven design. The 2025 show is set to be a powerful fusion of past and present — all through the eyes of tomorrow’s fashion leaders.