The FashionEVO Summit & Show 2025, held on September 18 at the Africa Creative Market 2025 at the Landmark Event Centre, Lagos, united visionary minds, talented designers, and creative entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of African fashion.
The event celebrated creativity, commerce, and community, reaffirming Africa’s growing influence in the global fashion ecosystem.
Theme: Creative Bridge – Bridging Creativity, Community and Commerce in Africa’s Fashion Futur
This year’s theme reflected FashionEVO’s mission to position African fashion as a global powerhouse. It focused on how creativity, community, and commerce can work together to drive economic growth and innovation.
Delegates, designers, and industry leaders from across Africa and beyond gathered for a full day of conversations, workshops, and showcases exploring the continent’s fashion evolution.
Insightful Panels and Expert Speakers
The FashionEVO Summit 2025 featured engaging discussions on key topics such as:
- Cross-border collaboration
- Digital transformation
- Fashion education and mentorship
- Sustainability in fashion
- The business of style
Speakers included:
- Sandra Alonge, Creative Director, IFFIZI
- Harriet Hala Kahuzu, Founder, FAB L’Style Magazine
- Ameyaw Debrah, Celebrity Blogger and Journalist
- Blessing Azubike, CcHub
- Achu Blessing Ebere, 360 Creative Innovation Hub
- Sola Babatunde, OSC Group
- Emmy Collins, Emmy Collins London
Sessions were moderated by:
- Tolu Ajibola, Award Winning Broadcaster
- Adaeze Aduaka, Spice TV Presenter
- Maryanne Alabi, International Fashion Consultant and Stylist
These sessions encouraged collaboration and deeper reflection on the future of African fashion.
Empowering Conversations: From Textile to Tech
A highlight of the summit was the keynote by Queen Ronke Ademiluyi Ogunwusi, Founder of Adire Oodua Textile Hub and AFW London and Nigeria.
She explored how traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation can coexist to strengthen Africa’s fashion identity.
She was joined by:
- Kiki Okewale, Founder, Fabric Printing Global
- Femi Olayebi, Founder and CEO, Femi Handbags
Their session, “Textile to Tech: Fashion Supply Chains in a Digital Era,” revealed how technology is transforming design, production, and trade across the continent.
In another session, moderated by Somto Ajuluchukwu, CEO, Vortex Animation, speakers Malik Afegbua, Princess Ifedolapo Onikoyi, and Lasisi Olubunmi explored fashion as an archive and digital as a voice. They discussed how digital platforms preserve African culture and connect local creators with global audiences.
Workshops, Masterclasses, and Skill Development
Participants attended hands-on workshops covering vital topics such as:
- Sustainability and Circular Fashion – Tolulope Omoyeni, Circular Business Platform
- Strategic Pricing and Export Readiness – Lanre Shonoiki, CAFET
- Creative Law and Business Structure – Annie Oti, Africa Fashion Law Services
Additionally, Tallulah Doherty Adetona led a wellness and branding masterclass that encouraged confidence, creativity, and balance for fashion professionals.
These sessions equipped attendees with actionable knowledge to build sustainable and globally competitive fashion brands.
FashionEVO Runway: A Celebration of African Design Excellence
The FashionEVO Show closed the summit with a breathtaking runway showcase celebrating African artistry and innovation.
Designers featured included:
- Amarelis
- Kijipa Couture
- Henri Uduku
- Yigalos
- Salvage
- Sly Monay
- Adire Oodua Textile Hub
- Kola Kuddus
- TF Apparel
- Revolution by Yetty D
The runway also unveiled the Top 3 finalists of the Textile Design Competition, spotlighting new creative talent ready to shape the next generation of African fashion.
FashionEVO Awards 2025: Honoring Creative Trailblazers
The evening concluded with the prestigious FashionEVO Awards, celebrating industry trailblazers who continue to define and elevate Africa’s creative landscape.
Honorees included:
- Hon. Toke Benson – Creative Economy Catalyst Award
- Olori Aderonke Ademiluyi Ogunwusi – Queen Vanguard Award
- Mrs. Femi Olayebi – Ecosystem Builder Award
The ceremony featured vibrant performances by Mahriisah and Angelo, blending fashion, music, and culture in an unforgettable celebration of African creativity.
Strategic Partnerships and Pan African Impact
The summit’s success was powered by strategic collaborations with:
- LEAP Africa
- SIPA
- Fabric Printing Global
- Amel Susan
- Other key industry partners
Throughout the four-day Africa Creative Market, a lively pop-up booth showcased diverse African brands. Attendees engaged directly with designers and discovered the latest innovations across the continent’s fashion landscape.
Leadership Voices on Africa’s Fashion Future
Dr. Yetty Ogunnubi, Founder of FashionEVO and Convener of the Summit, stated:
“FashionEVO is more than a platform. It is a bridge connecting creativity and commerce, linking Africa with the world. This year affirms that African fashion is thriving and setting new global standards.”
Dr. Inya Lawal, Convener of the Africa Creative Market, added:
“FashionEVO 2025 showcased the power of collaboration. It connected artisans, innovators and future leaders, building lasting links between creativity and commerce.”
About FashionEVO
FashionEVO is a leading African fashion platform dedicated to innovation, cultural storytelling, and sustainable growth.
Through its events, media initiatives, and strategic partnerships, FashionEVO empowers designers and creatives to thrive while expanding Africa’s influence on the global fashion stage.
