International children’s charity World Vision UK has joined Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) 2024 as one of the official charity partners. The event, running from 11 to 12 October at the Kensington Conference and Events Centre during Black History Month, promises to be a vibrant celebration of African culture and fashion.
This year’s event is the 14th installment of AFWL, gathering creative talent from across the African diaspora. The two-day event will highlight the rich cultural heritage of Africa through diverse fashion showcases, with over 50 designers from across the continent. Attendees can look forward to a dynamic program including a high-energy catwalk displaying the latest trends, a marketplace offering unique fashion pieces, a host of cultural performances, and insightful panel discussions.
In honor of the International Year of Batik, AFWL 2024 will host a special Adire Batik Presentation and Exhibition, celebrating the traditional Yoruba textiles craft. The event will also pay tribute to the icons and legends from the industry, along with a demonstration of sustainable and ethical fashion practices in Africa.
As part of this collaboration, a percentage of ticket sales will go to supporting World Vision’s work on the continent, which spans across 27 countries. In each of these places, World Vision works alongside communities for the sustained wellbeing of children within families, especially the most vulnerable, by ensuring that children enjoy good health; are educated for life; and are cared for and protected.
This work also includes the African Philanthropy Initiative (API) from World Vision, aiming to significantly uplift the philanthropic landscape within Africa by bringing together meaningful partnerships committed to the cause. The initiative is an invitation for individuals, corporate entities, and other organisations to drive meaningful change for communities.
At AFWL, World Vision representatives will be in attendance, and more details will be announced in the coming weeks.
Fola Komolafe MBE DL, World Vision UK Chief Executive, said:
“This partnership represents a unique convergence of fashion and philanthropy, two powerful forces that together can drive positive change across the African continent. World Vision has a long and cherished history of working in partnership with communities across Africa, empowering children, and families to overcome poverty and injustice. By joining forces with AFWL, we are not only supporting the vibrant and innovative designers who bring African fashion to the world stage but also shining a light on the critical issues facing the continent.”
AFWL founder Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi said:
“World Vision has a long history of taking action that transforms the world. Its focus is on helping the most vulnerable children in the most difficult places to overcome poverty and experience fullness of life. They have partnered with millions of children and families to find a way out of poverty and are often among the first to help whenever a crisis strikes. So we’re so excited about this collaboration.”
