L’AFRIQUE Fashion Fest, a premier fashion brand, has announced plans for its landmark 10th edition, unveiling a tri-city showcase spanning Lagos, Port Harcourt, and London.
The announcement was made during a press briefing held in Port Harcourt, where organisers outlined an expansion strategy aimed at taking African fashion beyond continental borders.
Speaking at the event, Chief Executive Officer of L’AFRIQUE Fashion Fest, Emmer Schneider, said the platform has grown steadily over the past nine years, attracting designers from across Africa.
“We have hosted nine successful editions in Port Harcourt, bringing together designers from Ghana, Cameroon, and other African countries to showcase outstanding collections,” Schneider said.
“For the 10th edition, themed Fashion Beyond Borders, we are expanding to Lagos, Port Harcourt, and London.”
He noted that the expansion marks a significant step in positioning the brand on the global stage, adding that the event has consistently attracted top designers, models, and celebrities, including former Big Brother Nigeria stars.
CEO of L’Afrique fashion fest, Emmer Schneider at the briefing
According to him, the festival has built a strong reputation for its diverse audience, cutting across fashion professionals, corporate brands, and creative entrepreneurs.
Schneider also highlighted opportunities for sponsors and partners, including exhibition spaces, brand visibility, and access to the festival’s extensive database built over nearly a decade. He added that sponsors would benefit from both on-site engagement and wide media exposure.
“We offer structured sponsorship packages ranging from platinum to silver categories. Our media reach goes far beyond the physical event, ensuring continued visibility for our partners,” he said.
On participation, Schneider disclosed that thousands of models typically audition for the event, with over 11,000 entries recorded during previous online castings. He added that selected models are paid for their participation, while designers gain exposure through runway showcases and media coverage.
Organizers respond to questions from the press
The festival will begin in Lagos in July, move to London in September, and conclude in Port Harcourt in November, maintaining its traditional annual schedule in the city.
Also speaking, Co-Director of the festival, Anita Okoi, said the expansion was driven by growing international interest in the brand.
“For years, people in fashion capitals like Lagos and London have asked when we would bring L’AFRIQUE to their cities. This 10th edition allows us to connect designers from across Africa and the diaspora, creating a larger global community,” she said.
Okoi added that the festival would collaborate with international institutions, including fashion law institutes, creative hubs, and museums, to strengthen business knowledge and legal awareness within the African fashion industry.
Lead stylist Jasmine Afrik emphasized the need to nurture young talents, calling for the introduction of child designers alongside existing child models to build the future of the industry.
Lead stylist, Jazmine Afrik at the briefing
Meanwhile, Advisory Board member Paul Ijioma noted that participation in the festival has significantly improved brand visibility, particularly through digital platforms and search engine presence.
Organisers said the 2026 edition will also feature live streaming in French to cater to Francophone audiences, alongside international watch parties to broaden global reach.
They added that the initiative is designed not only to showcase fashion but also to promote talent development, business growth, and cross-border collaboration within the African creative industry.
