British Council’s Creative DNA Programme Takes African Designers to London Fashion Week
Nigerian designer Adedayo Ilori, founder of the Lagos-based fashion label Dimeji Ilori, showcased his latest collection, Ancestral Intelligencer, at Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) 2026.
Ilori participated in the event as a beneficiary of the British Council’s Creative DNA accelerator programme, which supports emerging fashion talent across Africa.
Building on last year’s debut partnership, this year’s showcase reaffirmed the British Council’s commitment to promoting emerging African designers on the global stage.
The initiative reflects the council’s vision of supporting sustainable growth by championing creative talent and expanding access to international markets for the next generation of African fashion entrepreneurs. It also aims to invest in creative-economy ecosystems that are rooted in local contexts and connected globally.
Creative DNA is the British Council’s fashion initiative, designed to support and strengthen Africa’s fashion ecosystem by developing designers’ skills, deepening their knowledge and expanding their professional networks.
Through its partnership with AFWL, the programme aimed to give emerging African designers opportunities to explore pathways to new markets and present their work to wider audiences.
Ilori founded Dimeji Ilori in 2021. His designs combine heritage textiles, artisanal techniques and contemporary silhouettes. The brand has drawn attention for its emotionally charged aesthetic, which blends local influences with a global outlook.
‘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,’ said Adedayo.
British Nigeria Council Country Director Donna McGowan said the designer’s brand had developed significantly since joining the programme.
‘Adedayo’s brand has come a long way since Creative DNA started working with him. We are delighted at the opportunity he had to represent Nigeria at African Fashion Week London. 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,’ said British Nigeria Council Country Director Donna McGowan.
Ilori was among 10 designers presenting under the Creative DNA banner at this year’s AFWL. The other participants were Bettydora Odhiambo of Atieno Studio, Kenya; Joan Nantege of Joan Jade, Uganda; Mastewal Belay of Mastewal Alemu, Ethiopia; Maurice Niyigena of Matheo Studio, Rwanda; Neema Nkatha Kinoti of Ohana Swimwear, Kenya; Chido Kaseke of Patch Maoko, Zimbabwe; Nyame-Nhyiraba Awura of Republic of Africa, Ghana; Ropafadzo Kuki Mapira of Soleil, Zimbabwe; and Solome Kiflu of Xufan, Ethiopia.
