@arisenews At the Launch of Africa Fashion Week 2025! Adire isn't just fabric, it's history, identity, and the future! ✨ The 2025 Africa Fashion Week London & Nigeria just unveiled, celebrating Adire's powerful comeback on the global stage. From ancient roots to economic empowerment, we're reclaiming our narrative! From indigo-dyed masterpieces to high-level cultural exchange, this was more than fashion, it was a statement. #ARISENEWS #africafashionweek #NightOfIndigoElu #AFWL2025 #AfricanElegance #IndigoMagic #CultureMeetsDiplomacy #UKNigeria #FashionWithPurpose #HeritageOnTheRunway #TikTokNigeria #LagosEvents #AnkaraVibes #SupportAfricanCreatives #Adire #AfricanFashion #Culture #Heritage #MadeInNigeria ♬ original sound – ARISE News
In the lead-up to the 15th anniversary of Africa Fashion Week London, Founder Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi has unveiled a cultural and economic vision that ties Africa’s heritage to global fashion.
Speaking at the pre-event, themed ‘A Night of Indigo Elu’, held at the British Deputy High Commissioner’s residence in Lagos on Tuesday, Queen Ronke highlighted the significance of indigenous textiles like Adire and Indigo to Africa’s identity and economy.
“It’s a roadmap to Africa Fashion Week London. It’s our 15th anniversary in London this year. We’re opening with Disney the Lion King, but we thought that it would be nice to show something that actually speaks about our heritage,” she said.
The event spotlighted Indigo, also known as Eru, a traditional dye rooted in Osun State. Queen Ronke noted that many people are unaware of the state’s rich connection to the dye, which prompted a partnership with the Governor of Osun State to elevate its visibility and economic value.
“A lot of people do not know that we have Indigo, also known as Eru, in Osun State. So we’re partnering with His Excellency, the Governor of Osun State, to promote the Indigo dye that is known in Osun State, but a lot of people do not know that, and that’s what inspired this evening,” she explained.
She emphasized the growing international demand for African textiles like Adire, which she says is increasingly embraced by global designers, including those outside the continent.
“A lot of people, a lot of designers, even non-Nigerians, non-Africans, are using our textiles now. And what that shows is that African fashion is now our time. It’s now the time for African textiles.”
Beyond fashion trends, she stressed the industry’s deeper economic and cultural impact.
“What it does to our economies, it grows our GDP, it creates jobs, it creates wealth, but at the same time, it preserves our cultural heritage, because Adire is part of our cultural heritage.”
The 2025 pre-events began in May, with a partnership between Africa Fashion Week and the London School of Economics, where selected African creatives explored the business side of fashion. The Lagos gathering marks the second step in the countdown to the landmark London showcase.
“This is the second one, which is a night of Indigo at the British Deputy High Commissioner’s residence. So it’s all a roadmap to Africa Fashion Week London, and just a teaser of what is to come at the 15th anniversary of Africa Fashion Week London.”
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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