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Celebration of African Fashion and Creativity in Toronto
Toronto is about to get more stylish this weekend with the return of African Fashion Week 2025, a showcase of African-inspired fashion in Toronto from August 22nd to 24th at various venues in Toronto, culminating in a vendor expo at the Sankofa Square (formerly Yonge Dundas Square).
Known for bringing bold and beautiful designs, rich traditions, and innovative storytelling to the runway, African Fashion Week Toronto(AFWT) is one of the city’s most anticipated summer events. Here’s your complete guide to this long-weekend celebration.
What is African Fashion Week Toronto (AFWT)?
Launched over a decade ago, African Fashion Week Toronto (AFWT) has become a premier annual event in Canada’s fashion calendar. The event celebrates designers of African descent and those inspired by Africa’s vibrant design aesthetics and storytelling, bringing exposure to various designers and brands from across Canada and around the world while creating opportunities for creatives to share their artistry with the world.
Through its annual events and ongoing initiatives, African Fashion Week Toronto continues to celebrate and promote the rich diversity of African fashion, culture, and talent, while providing a platform for Afro designers, models, artisans, and creatives to showcase their work on an international stage.
What to Expect from African Fashion Week Toronto 2025?
This year’s edition promises to be bigger, bolder, and more inclusive than ever. Over three days, guests can look forward to:
Runway shows and designer showcases featuring high fashion and couture.
Educational workshops celebrating beauty and Black hair care.
A lively vendor expo filled with shopping, performances, and food.
Creative competitions highlighting the next generation of talent.
Networking opportunities and high-energy afterparties.
African Fashion Week Toronto 2025 Events
August 22nd
Opening Runway: High Fashion Designer Showcase
The weekend kicks off with a dazzling showcase featuring some of the most talented designers from Canada and around the world. Expect innovative runway presentations that fuse African traditions with contemporary fashion.
When: August 22nd, 7:00 pm
Where: The Quay, 100 Queens Quay East, Toronto (3rd Floor)
Admission: Priced. Tickets start at $45. Grab your tickets here
August 23rd
Hairitage Workshop
An empowering workshop celebrating the diversity of Black hair. Learn about different hair types, care techniques, and styling with Shark Beauty’s premium tools.
When: August 23rd, 2:00 pm
Where: The Quay, 100 Queens Quay East, Toronto (3rd Floor)
Admission: Free
Luxury Couture Designer Showcase
An evening of cultural elegance and couture artistry, where designers present breathtaking collections that blend tradition with modern high fashion.
When: August 23rd, 7:00 pm
Where: The Quay, 100 Queens Quay East, Toronto (3rd Floor)
Admission: Priced. Tickets start at $55. Grab your tickets here
August 24th
AFWT Vendors Expo
An open-air cultural experience featuring fashion, lifestyle, shopping, live music, and entertainment. The day will also showcase the Student Creative Competition, a highlight of the weekend.
When: August 24th, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Sankofa Square (formerly Yonge Dundas Square), Toronto
Admission: Free
Student Design & Creative Competition
A platform designed to create exposure and opportunities for Student designers and creatives in the industry.
When: August 24th, 4:00 pm
Where: 180 John Street, Toronto
Admission: Free
LookBook Party
This stylish soirée brings together fashion lovers, industry professionals, and creatives for a night of bold looks, great vibes, and high-energy networking.
When: August 24th, 5:00 pm
Where: 180 John Street, Toronto
Admission: Free
Participating Designers
While the full lineup will be announced closer to the event, AFWT is known for featuring an exciting mix of talent from the motherland and the diaspora. In past years, designers from Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, and the Caribbean have shared the stage with Canadian designers of African descent. The 2025 edition will highlight:
Established designers who are shaping global fashion trends with African-inspired collections.
Emerging voices bringing new perspectives and innovation to the runway.
Sustainable fashion brands focus on ethical production and eco-friendly fabrics.
Confirmed so far:
More About African Fashion Week Toronto 2025
Fashion has always been a form of storytelling, and AFWT tells a story of identity, heritage, and pride. By fusing tradition with modernity, the event highlights how African creativity continues to influence global trends.
For Toronto — one of the most multicultural cities in the world — AFWT is more than a fashion show; it’s a celebration of culture, representation, and community pride.
As always, you can keep up with all the fun happenings in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area on efosa.