Afro Fashion Show Manchester has long been recognised as one of the UK’s most vibrant platforms for celebrating African heritage and contemporary creativity. Known for spotlighting designers who push boundaries while preserving cultural narratives, its runway attracts global attention for bold storytelling through fashion. For the 2025 edition, the spotlight fell on Temiloluwa Fagbemi, founder of MBW FashionAddict, whose Queen Energy Collection brought unapologetic power, pride, and presence to the stage.
Securing a place on this coveted runway was no small feat. Temiloluwa, a Nigerian-born fashion designer now based in the UK, blends bold African aesthetics with modern silhouettes to create clothing that celebrates inclusivity, particularly for plus-size women. With a Diploma in Fashion Design from GMYT Fashion Academy, Lagos, and a Master’s in Fashion Design from Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, her journey has been defined by resilience, cultural pride, and a mission to make every woman feel like the main event. In this piece, she shares her insights on the inspiration, purpose, and vision behind her celebrated collection.
The Queen Energy Collection, inspired by the fearless glamour of the 1960s and 1970s, reimagines vintage elegance through the lens of African vibrancy. It is a celebration of curves, culture, and confidence, with each of its eight standout pieces telling a unique story.
The runway opened with bold expressions of heritage and modernity. A Retro Circle Swing Dress radiated timeless elegance with its wide circular motifs, while the Playful Contrast Mini celebrated youthful sophistication through its daring mix of stripes and polka. The Asymmetric Heritage Shift redefined tradition with its asymmetric draped detailing, and the Royal Fusion Mini Gown, layered with a sheer flowing overlay, embodied regal drama that drew immediate applause.
The energy built as structured and flowing silhouettes followed. The Blue Elegance mini delivered polished simplicity, The evening reached a crescendo with two breathtaking tiered gowns, the Olive Elegance, a green striped and polka layered statement of grace, and the Layered Sunset Gown, a vibrant orange masterpiece that brought the collection to a powerful finale. Each look was not just a garment but a declaration of power, beauty, and unapologetic presence.
On the day of the show, the energy in the room was electric. Models did not just walk; they owned the runway, embodying the fusion of heritage and contemporary empowerment. Two of the eight pieces were purchased immediately after the showcase, a testament to their impact. “Fashion for plus-size women should go beyond making it fit. It should inspire, speak, and empower,” Temiloluwa says. “Every detail in my designs is intentional, from the choice of fabric to the way a dress moves when you walk.”
Her commitment to representation and cultural storytelling runs through every seam. By merging African prints with modern design principles, she is preserving heritage while ensuring plus-size women are celebrated, not sidelined. “Inclusivity is not a trend, it is the future,” she asserts. “My goal is to ensure every woman feels seen, valued, and confident enough to wear her crown with pride.”
Following the success in Manchester, Temiloluwa is preparing to unveil her next chapter, the Omolara Collection, at Africa Fashion Week London. If the Queen Energy Collection was about declaring presence, the Omolara Collection promises to deepen the narrative, weaving personal heritage into a global vision.
