We are now just a few days away from the 20th edition of Africa’s premier fashion week, which, over the years, has provided a platform to hundreds of designers and models from across the globe. 2023 will be no different, as ARISE Fashion Week has announced a stellar lineup of almost 30 designers who will grace its prestigious runway from 2nd – 4th February. 

Among the announced designers include a crop of names who are undoubtedly no strangers to the ARISE Fashion Week runway; Ituen Basi, NKWO, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi, Lisa Folawiyo and Tiffany Amber have all showcased at ARISE Fashion Week multiple times since its inception in 2007. 

International designers scheduled to showcase include Bianca Saunders, Joy Meribe, Mokodu Fall, Olooh, Selam Fessahaye, UNI FORM and Xuly Bet, many of whom have showcased collections in the world’s fashion capitals. Ghanaian afro-minimalist brand Ajabeng first showcased at ARISE Fashion Week as part of the ’30 under 30: The New Stars’ competition in 2020, where he emerged among the ‘Final 8’, following voting from a panel of industry heavyweights. 

BLOKE, Fruché, Kenneth Ize, Pepper Row, T.I Nathan, Vicnate and Ziva Lagos also showcased during the 30 Under 30 competition, with Kenenth Ize emerging as the overall winner. 

Over the years, ARISE Fashion Week has been increasingly intentional with its plan to improve the representation of designers based in Northern Nigeria. 

Abuja-based designer Hudayya will return to the ARISE runway following her show-stopping debut at ARISE Fashion Week’s Dubai Expo showcase in 2021. Ameer by Ameer, Mariya Sanusi and Syari Bespoke are also set to grace the ARISE runway for the first time with their own unique takes on Nigerian fashion, style and culture. 

Other designers showcasing for the first time include youth-led brands I.N Official, Eki Kere, Kadiju and Ninie. Highly respected Malian designer Awa Meite, known for her distinct handwoven pieces, will also be appearing at ARISE Fashion Week for the first time ever. 

As always, this year’s showcase leaves plenty for audiences to look forward to as ARISE Fashion Week celebrates those who have become part of incredible history, while constantly facing forward and moving the needle of African fashion in a way only ARISE can. 

Visit www.arisefashionweek.world for more information.