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The 9th edition of the African Fashion Designer Award (AFDA), themed “Fashion Essence 2026,” is set to bring together leading names in fashion, entertainment, media, culture and lifestyle, with Lexie Armani, Princess Ekeinde and Soma Apex announced as the personalities to lead the event.
Lexie Armani will serve as the official host of the prestigious fashion awards, while Princess Ekeinde and Soma Apex will take charge of the black carpet experience.
According to the organisers, the trio were selected for their individual presence, charisma and ability to connect with audiences across the fashion and entertainment industries. Their involvement is expected to add a strong entertainment dimension to the ninth edition of the awards.
Fashion Essence 2026 is designed to celebrate the creativity, resilience, innovation and cultural identity of African designers while providing a platform for established and emerging talents to connect with brands, media organisations, industry stakeholders and fashion enthusiasts.
The event is expected to attract designers, models, celebrities, entrepreneurs, creatives, media personalities and corporate brands from across Africa and beyond.
The awards ceremony is scheduled to hold on November 15 at The Podium, Lekki, Lagos.
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The 2026 edition is also backed by a range of government institutions, corporate brands, media organisations and creative partners, including the Lagos State Government, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Trophy Stout, MIJENTA Tequila, Jose Cuervo, 19 Crimes Wine, ARISE TV, Spice TV Africa, News Central, Stitches Africa, Boiling Point Creative, Sozo Event, City Life TV, Mysogi, A-Squared Network, Instablog 9ja TV, Albert Ogunde Studio, GEETEE Videography and FIT Fitness Studio.
The organisers said the partnership network reflects the expanding influence of AFDA and its role in connecting African fashion with business, entertainment, media, lifestyle and culture.
Beyond the presentation of awards, Fashion Essence 2026 is expected to feature runway presentations, exhibitions, entertainment and black carpet activities aimed at highlighting the people and creative forces contributing to the growth of the African fashion industry.
The African Fashion Designer Award was established to recognise, celebrate and promote outstanding African fashion designers and creative professionals while creating opportunities for visibility, collaboration and growth within the continent’s fashion ecosystem.
With the ninth edition, the organisers said AFDA is continuing its vision of bringing together Africa’s fashion community for a major celebration of creativity and cultural expression.
The event is convened by King Dasilva Olasunkanmi under the African Fashion Designer Award (AFDA).
