Daud Olatunji
Nigerian fashion designer, Adedayo Ilori, popularly known through his fashion brand, Dimeji Ilori, has attracted international attention after showcasing his latest collection, Ancestral Intelligence, at the 2026 edition of Africa Fashion Week London.
Ilori, a beneficiary of the British Council’s Creative DNA accelerator programme, was among 10 emerging African designers selected to showcase their creations at the prestigious fashion event, providing an opportunity to expose their brands to international audiences and explore global market opportunities.
His participation underscores the growing international recognition of Nigeria’s creative industry and the increasing role of structured mentorship and capacity-building initiatives in helping African fashion entrepreneurs expand beyond their domestic markets.
The showcase, organised through the partnership between Africa Fashion Week London and the British Council, builds on the success of their collaboration last year and reinforces efforts to position emerging African designers within the global fashion industry.
The Creative DNA programme is a British Council initiative aimed at strengthening Africa’s fashion ecosystem through professional development, mentorship, business knowledge and networking opportunities.
It also seeks to equip emerging designers with the skills and connections required to build sustainable fashion businesses while promoting the continent’s creative talents internationally.
Ilori founded his Lagos-based fashion label, Dimeji Ilori, in 2021 and has since developed a distinctive design identity that combines African heritage textiles, traditional craftsmanship and contemporary fashion silhouettes.
His designs draw inspiration from cultural heritage while incorporating modern creative expressions capable of appealing to international fashion audiences.
Speaking on the opportunity, Ilori said the mentorship and professional guidance he received through the Creative DNA programme had significantly contributed to the growth of his fashion business.
“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.
The British Council’s Country Director in Nigeria, Donna McGowan, described Ilori’s participation as an important opportunity to showcase Nigerian creative talent on the international stage.
McGowan said the designer’s brand had recorded considerable progress since joining the Creative DNA programme, expressing delight that he had secured an opportunity to represent Nigeria at the London fashion event.
“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,” she said.
Other designers who showcased their collections under the Creative DNA banner included Bettydora Odhiambo of Atieno Studio and Neema Nkatha Kinoti of Ohana Swimwear, both from Kenya.
Others were Joan Nantege of Joan Jade, Uganda; Mastewal Belay of Mastewal Alemu and Solome Kiflu of Xufan, both from Ethiopia; Maurice Niyigena of Matheo Studio, Rwanda; Chido Kaseke of Patch Maoko and Ropafadzo Kuki Mapira of Soleil, both from Zimbabwe; and Nyame-Nhyiraba Awura of Republic of Africa, Ghana.
The participation of the 10 designers reflects the British Council’s broader commitment to strengthening creative enterprise across Africa by connecting local talents with international platforms, professional networks and potential markets.
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