New designers shine at Fashion Finest Africa’s Epic Show 2025

The city of Lagos, Nigeria, hosted the celebration of innovation, culture, and creativity as emerging designers from across Africa, Europe, and the U.K. gathered for the 2025 edition of Fashion Finest Africa’s Epic Show.
Held over two days from June 5-6, the event brought together rising stars in fashion design, styling, and production, giving them a rare opportunity to showcase their talents before an international audience.
The runway came alive with a dynamic mix of textures, colours and influences, as young designers presented collections that paired heritage with contemporary flair. Sola Oyebade, founder of Fashion Finest Africa, said the show is an incubator for the next generation of industry leaders.
“Young designers need to acquire knowledge, gain experience, get information,” Oyebade said. “This platform is about nurturing talent and preparing them to compete on a global scale.”
The event’s standout collections reflected this vision, with several labels offering designs that balanced cultural authenticity with modern appeal. Richard Bara, operations manager for the Tai Lore fashion brand, described their collection as a reflection of that fusion.
“The look is simple and sophisticated,” he said. “It combines Western and African elements, visible in the choice of fabrics and threading patterns, a deliberate effort to bridge both worlds.”
Beyond the runway, the show featured panel discussions, networking sessions, and workshops, providing emerging creatives with insights into the business and branding aspects of the fashion world. Industry insiders emphasized the importance of mentorship, sustainability, and staying true to one’s cultural roots while appealing to global audiences.
Since its launch at the London Fashion Week in 2017, Fashion Finest Africa has evolved into a prominent platform for African fashion talents. By creating spaces where young creatives can be seen, heard, and celebrated, the organization continues to redefine how African fashion is presented.
Written by Kweku Sampson

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