Disney Theatrical Group introduced the magic of the West Finish to the runway …
Opening the night catwalk showcase at this yr’s Africa Trend Week London (AFWL), which came about on ninth and tenth August 2025, with a panoramic dwell efficiency from The Lion King.
The particular look reworked the runway right into a celebration of theatre, vogue, and African heritage, delighting audiences and setting an unforgettable tone for the evening.
In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, Disney Theatrical Group and AFWL united to create a fusion of storytelling and magnificence. The Lion King forged took to the runway in full costume and character, delivering a robust opening quantity that immersed the viewers within the colors, rhythms, and vitality of the Delight Lands earlier than the night’s designers introduced their collections.
AFWL’s Artistic Director, Bola Obileye, introduced her signature artistry to the collaboration by designing customized outfits for the performers. Main singer and actress Thenjiwe Nofemele, who performs Rafiki in The Lion King, was wearing a bespoke creation that fused conventional African textiles with modern runway aptitude, reflecting each the character’s knowledge and the occasion’s vibrant vitality. Supporting singers Matthew Nhlapho and Sipho Mlombile have been additionally outfitted in tailor-made, African-inspired clothes designed to enhance the manufacturing’s theatrical aesthetic whereas seamlessly integrating into the catwalk’s high-fashion setting.
Obileye stated, “Designing these items was about honouring each the essence of The Lion King and the spirit of Africa Trend Week London. For Thenjiwe, Matthew, and Sipho, I wished every garment to replicate their character’s vitality whereas additionally standing proudly on the runway as a chunk of excessive vogue rooted in African heritage.”
Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, Founding father of Africa Trend Week London, famous, “To have The Lion King open our night catwalk was a rare second for AFWL. It completely captured the spirit of our occasion, showcasing African heritage, creativity, and efficiency on the highest degree.”
Africa Trend Week London’s annual catwalk and exhibition occasion is without doubt one of the world’s largest and longest-running showcases of African and African-inspired vogue & design. Now in its fifteenth yr, AFWL has hosted 3000 rising and established designers and exhibitors to 75,000 guests, together with consumers, retailers, business professionals and world media. Total, 26 African international locations and 67 international locations have been represented, together with diaspora designers from Brazil, Europe, Asia, the Caribbean and the Americas.