This August, Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) 2015 proved that there is more to this trend than peplum tribal print and stiff waxy textiles.

From catwalk runways to street style, the vibrancy and dazzling nature of African-inspired prints have long now permeated the fashion capitals of the world. Taking place at Olympia, London, the two-day event saw buyers, retailers and designers gather to admire designs by talented visionaries, such as Gabor Szanti and Monika Schiable (pictured right), which exude an innate sense of style, femininity, timelessness and opulence.

Congolese model Noella Coursaris Musunka, one of the brand ambassador for AFWL 2015 said, "It has always been my belief that fashion can be a tool for breaking down barriers and transcending cultures. This industry has the ability to put Africa on the world stage and can provide for countless job opportunities on the ground and abroad, from local retailers to international stores. It is time for the world to see the amazing talent that lies within Africa. I am delighted to be serving as one of this year’s brand ambassadors to Africa Fashion Week London 2015 and to help showcase the brilliant work of African designers.”

Innocente Messy, a young Congolese designer at AFWL 2015, shows there is more to Congo fashion than the fabulous Sapeurs, and collections from Taiwan by AimeeKu and Thai designer Porjai Thai Printer prove that African fashion is already inspiring Asia in a big way.

Africa’s apparel and design industry is presently worth $31bn, according to Euromonitor, with Kenya standing as the leading exporter of apparel, earning $400m, annually.

The World Bank estimates that in 2020, consumers in Africa will be spending more than $1.4tn on fashion goods and services.

The rest of this article can be found page 49 of the digital issue Elite Living Africa.