In a defining moment that bridges heritage, elegance, and empowerment, Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) has officially unveiled Princess Adesile as the Cultural Face of its 2025 edition.
The announcement marks a significant cultural milestone, celebrating a modern-day icon whose fearless journey is reshaping the narrative of African womanhood and tradition.
Princess Adesile, daughter of the revered Awujale of Ijebuland, made headlines in 2024 when she became the first widely celebrated female horse rider at the historic Ojude Oba Festival, a centuries-old cultural event traditionally dominated by male equestrians.
Her bold participation captivated global attention and inspired a new generation of women to reclaim space in cultural expressions long considered out of reach.
Now, with her return in 2025, Princess Adesile once again commanded the spotlight—this time, not just as a rider but as a symbol of cultural inclusion, female empowerment, and pan-African pride.
Her growing influence has given rise to a collective now known as the Ijebu Equestrian Queens—a sisterhood of female riders emboldened by her example. She rides not only for heritage but for honour, equality, and the generations of young girls watching with hope.
"Princess Adesile represents everything AFWL stands for—authenticity, transformation, and fearless creativity," said Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, Founder and CEO of Africa Fashion Week London. “She is not just a face of the event; she is a cultural movement in motion.”
Founded in 2011 by Her Regal Majesty Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, a British-Nigerian lawyer, author, and fashion entrepreneur, Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) is the largest and longest-running annual African fashion platform in Europe.
It was established to promote African and African-inspired designers, amplify Black excellence in the global fashion industry, and create opportunities for economic and cultural exchange.
The week-long event features runway showcases by both emerging and established designers, cultural exhibitions spotlighting African heritage brands, fashion business talks, workshops, and live demonstrations, hair and beauty presentations celebrating Afrocentric aesthetics, and sustainable and ethical fashion panels.
AFWL also maintains strategic partnerships with global institutions such as the British Council, the Africa Centre, and corporate partners like Disney, which supported a showcase inspired by The Lion King in previous years.
To date, AFWL has featured over 3,000 designers and exhibitors, while employing a diverse team of creatives—90 percent of whom come from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds, fashion students, and underrepresented communities.
Queen Ronke, who also serves as a Yoruba royal through her marriage to His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, is the visionary behind the Adire Oodua Textile Hub in Nigeria. This initiative preserves traditional Yoruba textile craftsmanship (Adire) and trains women in sustainable fashion practices.
By selecting Princess Adesile as its 2025 Cultural Face, AFWL reinforces its mission to honor not only aesthetics but heritage, leadership, and social transformation. Her story embodies the very essence of African pride—deeply rooted in tradition yet powerfully progressive.
As anticipation builds for AFWL 2025, Princess Adesile’s presence signals a celebration of culture not just worn, but lived.
For more information, visit: www.africafashionweeklondonuk.com