The Designers · 17th Annual

On the
runway

Each year, designers from across Africa and its diaspora bring their collections to one stage in Los Angeles. Meet the houses — and find out how to join them in 2026.

Get Tickets How it works
The Lineup

2026 showcasing
designers

Soro'Bis01

Soro'Bis

Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso's finest, first on the lineup. Bold. Earthy. Fearless. Soro'Bis is bringing that Burkinabè fire — the textures, the heritage, the craftsmanship, the unapologetic African silhouette. This is the kind of designer that doesn't just show clothes. They show culture.

Abiola Beauty Concept02

Abiola Beauty Concept

Nigeria

An award-winning Nigerian creative whose work has graced global screens — from Beyoncé's visionary film Black Is King to Eddie Murphy's blockbuster sequel Coming to America 2. Her signature? Reinventing the traditional gele with striking, culture-rich design.

AfricStyle Fashion03

AfricStyle Fashion

Cameroon

AfricStyle Fashion is bringing the vibrant heart, rich heritage and modern elegance of Cameroonian design all the way to Los Angeles. From the intricate textures of heritage to the bold, confident lines of modern African style, they aren't just bringing garments — they're bringing history, intention, and the creative soul of the continent to the global stage. Dressed on Africa's own terms, for the world to see.

Mike Sylla Couture04

Mike Sylla Couture

Couture · Senegal

Mike Sylla brings Senegal to the stage for the very first time at the 17th Annual Showcase, unveiling his brand-new collection: KOSMOGONIC. Expect cosmic storytelling stitched into fabric — a debut that fuses tradition with futuristic vision. This isn't just fashion. It's Senegal's grand entrance into the Ankara Festival legacy.

Olumay05

Olumay

Ready to Wear · Nigeria · Los Angeles

OLUMAY is a Los Angeles-based ready-to-wear brand redefining how Nigerian culture meets modern style. Founded by Nigerian-American designer Mayowa Akinwole, the label transforms classic Ankara and Adire textiles into timeless silhouettes made for confident, expressive women. From everyday polish to bold occasion pieces, OLUMAY blends vibrant prints with clean, contemporary design — making African fashion globally accessible while honoring the heritage that inspires it.

What You Get

The $1,000
showcase package

Full runway production

Your collection styled and staged on the AFLA runway — the most anticipated moment of the weekend.

Professional models

Cast and fitted for your looks, so your pieces move exactly as intended.

Hair & makeup

A full glam team to complete every look backstage.

Photography

Professional runway and editorial images you keep and use.

Promo video

A produced video of your showcase for your own channels.

2M+ combined reach

Exposure across AFLA and partner platforms before, during and after the festival.

The participation fee covers full showcase production. It does not include personal travel, lodging or food — recommended hotel accommodations are provided, and garment equipment (hangers, steamers) can be requested from the AFLA team.

How It Works

From application
to runway

01

Applications open — 2027

The next call for designers opens ahead of the 18th Annual showcase.

02

Finalists notified

Selected designers are emailed directly.

03

Confirm your slot

Secure your place on the runway with the participation fee.

04

Showcase

Walk the runway over Labor Day weekend, with full production handled by AFLA.

Applications for 2026 are closed

The next call for designers opens in 2027. Follow us and you'll hear the moment it does.

Follow @ankarafestivals