London show takes African fashion to 'the next level' in countdown to end of Paris '24

Paris Fashion Week is coming to an end but London’s latest version just got started, and has received praise from a famous designer for taking African fashion "to the next level."

The fashion event spotlighted unique African-inspired attire, created by upcoming designers, with an Afrobeat music catwalk. Luxury designer and Forbes Under 30 honoree Veekee James was welcomed to the glamour show at the The InterContinental London, Greenwichat the weekend.

Veekee spoke of her excitement of seeing African fashion getting more attention: "We are working really hard to make sure that our work is put out there on the global map and it makes me really happy to see that we are not only talked about in our countries but also globally. I believe that Africans are really taking fashion and even other things, globally, to the next level. I’m happy that we’re being recognised… I can’t wait to see other talents from Africa being recognised all over the world."

The all-day event hosted by RAFT X included a runway walk, an X-Factor style talent show with a two-thousand pound cash prize up for grabs, and face to face interactions between businesses and clients such as British-Nigerian food company Puff Puff Ministry, which sells doughnut-like pastries.

RAFT X is a newly launched annual event dedicated to celebrating arts, culture, and community. Talent show judge, DJ Abass showed his appreciation to RAFT X for hosting the groundbreaking event:

"It just shows that we have a production length of talent, and the good thing about events like this is that we have the opportunity to harness them, they’re all out there, but they’re just searching for platforms. Projects like this push African culture out, then the recognition is inevitable. There was a time when African pop artists could not classify their music, and then they created the name afrobeats and look where it is today, globally."

The winner of the talent show was spoken-word artist, Jessica Edgar, 32, known as Poetess Jess, blew judges away with her performance.

She told the Mirror: "It’s surreal I can’t explain. As somebody that has a way with words and uses words, I’m lost for words. I don't know what to say. I can only give God the glory because I didn’t come here expecting to win first place, It means so much to me… There aren’t words to describe it right now."

She went on: "I am beyond grateful to them for hosting such a wonderful event in such a beautiful venue, I’m grateful they saw the talent and were moved by the talent. I’m just grateful to be here… To be in contact with so many great Black talented people, and vendors and entrepreneurs is absolutely amazing because you get to socialise, collaborate and support. For me that’s what it's all about."

Radio presenter Tolu Adepegba commonly known as Lady T, one of the three judges for the talent show, had positive remarks about the multicultural event. She said: "The way that African culture is really starting to penetrate different countries is phenomenal because Africa is so rich in cultures and traditions, in arts, in fashion. You get a lot of Western designers and influencers looking to Africa for ideas and inspiration. So something like this is just phenomenal."

Organiser of RAFT X, Harvesters UK (Harvesters International Christian Centre) is a multi-centre church which creates impactful experiences through community events. Pastor at Harvesters UK and organiser of RAFT X, Dayo Ogunrombi said the event was: "cultural, beautiful" and "allowed talents to showcase their skills."

He added: "More than the spiritual life of people, people have aspirations, there’s more to them than you can really see. So if we can partner with them to help them see the more that is in them I think that’s a beautiful thing to do."

Mr Ogunrombi mentioned his goal of having RAFT X at a bigger venue next year and attracting more brands and sponsors to the event.