Mr. London showcasing his collection
ACCRA, CAPITAL of Ghana, came alive with colour, confidence and craft as Nigerian fashion brand London Tailor, Raji Yakubu Ibidapo, popularly known as Mr. London, made a commanding appearance at the Accra Fashion Week.
The showcase marked a significant milestone for the brand, drawing the attention of designers, fashion enthusiasts and industry stakeholders from across Africa and beyond.
Explaining the decision to showcase in Ghana, Mr. London revealed that the brand had previously received invitations to major international platforms, including Canada Fashion Week in Toronto and London Fashion Week in the United Kingdom.
However, persistent visa difficulties prevented participation in those events. The invitation from Accra Fashion Week, he said, therefore came at a pivotal moment.
“They reached out and told us our brand was worthy to showcase on their runway. Beyond that, it was a chance to connect with other African brands and grow together,” he said.
Reflecting on the event, Mr. London described Accra Fashion Week as both inspiring and instructive, saying, “Designers from Sierra Leone, Gambia, Cameroon, Liberia, Seychelles, as well as participants from Europe and Russia, took part, creating a rich exchange of ideas and aesthetics.”
London Tailor’s collection placed a strong emphasis on diversity and innovation. According to Mr. London, the designs were intentionally crafted to counter the notion that African fashion must remain confined to traditional silhouettes.
“We’re Africans, yes, but that doesn’t mean we’re limited. My collection blends African elements with modern and urban designs. I wanted people to see that we can do more,” he said.
He added that audience response was overwhelmingly positive, with many attendees later approaching the brand to say the message had come through clearly, without explanation. “Fashion itself is a statement,” he remarked.
Looking to the future, Mr. London described African fashion as “beyond a ten out of ten”, stressing its untapped potential. He noted that many international fashion houses source raw materials from Africa, yet African designers are often under-appreciated at home.
He expressed confidence that, much like African music, fashion from the continent will continue to gain international recognition and, in time, greater respect locally.
Mr. London also revealed that 2026 is set to be a defining year for the brand. Plans are underway for new collections, international collaborations and runway shows across Africa and Europe, with invitations reportedly received from South Africa, Seychelles, Dubai and Italy, including Milan Fashion Week.