Adedayo Ilori, a beneficiary of British Council’s Creative DNA accelerator programme, participated in the African Fashion Week London (AFWL) 2026, showcasing his latest release, Ancestral Intelligence.
Building on the success of last year’s debut partnership, this year’s showcase reaffirmed the British Council’s ongoing commitment to championing emerging African fashion talent on the global stage.
The initiative aligns with the British Council’s vision to drive sustainable growth by championing creative talent and expanding access to global markets for the next generation of African fashion entrepreneurs while investing in creative economy ecosystems that are rooted in local contexts and globally connected.
Creative DNA is the British Council’s fashion initiative designed to support and uplift the fashion ecosystem in Africa. It achieves this objective by nurturing designers’ skills, deepening their knowledge and expanding their networks.
Through their partnership, AFWL and the British Council sought to provide emerging African designers opportunities to explore market access pathways and share their work with new audiences.
Adedayo founded his brand Dimeji Ilori in 2021. Based in Lagos, Adedayo has quickly gained attention for his emotionally charged design language, where heritage textiles, artisanal techniques, and contemporary silhouettes come together in collections that feel both deeply rooted and globally relevant.
‘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.
‘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.
Adedayo was joined by nine other designers set to present under the Creative DNA banner at this year’s edition of AFWL including Bettydora Odhiambo of Atieno Studio from Kenya, Joan Nantege of Joan Jade from Uganda, Mastewal Belay of Mastewal Alemu from Ethiopia, Maurice Niyigena of Matheo Studio from Rwanda, Neema Nkatha Kinoti of Ohana Swimwear from Kenya, Chido Kaseke of Patch Maoko from Zimbabwe, Nyame-Nhyiraba Awura of Republic of Africa from Ghana, Ropafadzo Kuki Mapira of Soleil from Zimbabwe, and Solome Kiflu of Xufan from Ethiopia.