By Peace Udugba -The Daily Torch Media
Nigerian fashion designer Adedayo Ilori has showcased his latest collection, Ancestral Intelligence, at African Fashion Week London (AFWL) 2026, with support from the British Council’s Creative DNA accelerator programme.
Ilori, founder of the Lagos-based fashion brand Dimeji Ilori, joined other emerging African designers to present their creations at the international fashion event, reinforcing Nigeria’s growing presence in the global creative industry.
His participation underscores the role of the British Council’s Creative DNA programme in helping African fashion entrepreneurs develop their businesses, access international markets and connect with a wider network of industry professionals.
Building on the success of its debut partnership with African Fashion Week London last year, the British Council continued its support for emerging African designers at this year’s edition.
The initiative is part of the council’s broader commitment to promoting sustainable growth in Africa’s creative economy by nurturing local talent and creating opportunities for international collaboration.
How British Council’s Creative DNA Is Empowering African Designers
Creative DNA is a British Council initiative designed to strengthen Africa’s fashion ecosystem by equipping designers with essential skills, industry knowledge, mentorship and professional networks.
Through its partnership with African Fashion Week London, the programme provides emerging designers with opportunities to showcase their work to new audiences, explore market access opportunities and build relationships that could support their long-term business growth.
The initiative also seeks to strengthen creative industry ecosystems by connecting locally rooted African fashion businesses with international markets.
Dimeji Ilori Blends African Heritage With Contemporary Fashion
Founded in 2021, Dimeji Ilori has attracted attention for its distinctive design approach, combining heritage textiles, artisanal craftsmanship and contemporary silhouettes.
Based in Lagos, the brand draws inspiration from cultural heritage while presenting designs suited to an increasingly interconnected global fashion market.
Its latest collection, Ancestral Intelligence, reflects the designer’s continued exploration of the relationship between heritage, craftsmanship and contemporary fashion expression.
Speaking on the benefits of the Creative DNA programme, Ilori said the mentorship he received had contributed significantly to the growth of his fashion label.
“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,” he said.
British Council Hails Nigerian Designer’s Progress
The British Council’s Country Director for Nigeria, Donna McGowan, expressed delight at the opportunity for Ilori to represent Nigeria at African Fashion Week London.
She noted that the designer’s brand had made significant progress since the programme began working with him.
“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,” McGowan said.
She described Nigeria as a major hub of Africa’s creative industry and reaffirmed the British Council’s commitment to collaborating with young Nigerian designers seeking to expand their businesses.
“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,” she added.
Nine Other African Designers Join the Showcase
Ilori was among 10 designers selected to showcase their work under the Creative DNA banner at African Fashion Week London 2026.
The other participating designers represented several African countries, highlighting the continent’s diversity and growing creative potential.
They included Bettydora Odhiambo of Atieno Studio and Neema Nkatha Kinoti of Ohana Swimwear, both from Kenya; Joan Nantege of Joan Jade from Uganda; Mastewal Belay of Mastewal Alemu and Solome Kiflu of Xufan, both from Ethiopia; Maurice Niyigena of Matheo Studio from Rwanda; Chido Kaseke of Patch Maoko and Ropafadzo Kuki Mapira of Soleil, both from Zimbabwe; and Nyame-Nhyiraba Awura of Republic of Africa from Ghana.
Their participation provided a platform for designers from different African markets to present their creative identities to international audiences.
African Fashion’s Growing Global Opportunity
The participation of African designers in international showcases such as African Fashion Week London highlights the opportunities available to the continent’s fashion entrepreneurs as they seek wider recognition and access to new markets.
For Nigerian designers, initiatives such as Creative DNA can provide valuable support through mentorship, professional connections and international exposure.
Ilori’s appearance at the 2026 showcase represents another opportunity for Dimeji Ilori to introduce its distinctive design philosophy to a wider audience while contributing to the growing visibility of Nigerian fashion on the global stage.
As African fashion continues to attract international attention, sustained investment in emerging designers, business development and access to global markets will remain important to the industry’s long-term growth.
Tags: Dimeji Ilori, Adedayo Ilori, African Fashion Week London 2026, British Council, Creative DNA, Nigerian Fashion, African Designers, Ancestral Intelligence
