United Designers Global Network's flagship platform, Cultural Threads SS26 Showcase, is a celebration of fashion as cultural memory and identity. This debut season features designers recognised for their dedication to storytelling, heritage, and craftsmanship.
United Designers Global Network (UDGN) has announced the designer cohort for its much-anticipated Cultural Threads Showcase SS26. The showcase is a curated runway presentation celebrating craftsmanship, heritage, and global minority design innovation.
Slated to be a landmark edition, the event highlights the artistry of designers whose work bridges the intersection of tradition and modernity. It presents collections that honour cultural roots while pushing contemporary boundaries. Through this initiative, UDGN continues its mission to amplify underrepresented voices and position minority-led brands on global stages.
The UDGN Cultural Threads SS26 Showcase is more than a runway presentation. It is a new framework for how fashion recognises and nurtures underrepresented voices. By centring craftsmanship and cultural identity, UDGN is shaping a future where diversity is not an afterthought, but a driving force of design.
Set to make this landmark statement at London Fashion Week on 20 September 2025 at Ladbroke Hall, Notting Hill, the presentation will spotlight 13 emerging minority-led brands.
Founded in 2025 by award-winning designer and British Fashion Council member Tare Isaac, UDGN combines incubator support with showcase opportunities. They give designers access to business mentorship, technical production guidance, wellness and creative care, PR and media visibility.
The goal is simple yet powerful: to place minority voices at the forefront of fashion's future.
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Meet the UDGN 2025 Cohort
The selected designers represent a diverse spectrum of cultural heritage and creative innovation. Each of them brings unique designs rooted in tradition, but tailored for the global stage.
Motunrayo Yetunde Ajayi. Brand: Motúnráyọ̀
Motúnráyọ̀ is a contemporary fashion brand that combines African spirituality, storytelling, and modern elegance to create powerful fashion narratives. Each collection channels ancestral memory through bold silhouettes, textured fabrics, and sacred symbolism.
Designed for wearers who honour their heritage while moving with intention, Motúnráyọ̀ transforms cultural identity into a living, wearable experience. Through UDGN, the brand is expanding its vision -- to make African spiritual heritage not only visible but also accessible to a global audience.
Ebimobowei Daukoru Ayah. Brand: AYAH
Ebimobowei Daukoru Ayah is the visionary behind AYAH, a contemporary menswear brand. Inspired by the quiet strength of riverside life in the Niger Delta, AYAH reimagines masculinity through fluid silhouettes, earthy textures, and ancestral memory.
The brand distinguishes itself for its innovative use of natural fabrics, tie-dye techniques, and symbolic details, including cowrie shells, fishnet overlays, and raw-edged seams. AYAH presents clothing as meditation, where fashion becomes both a vessel for history and a reflection of identity. Through the UDGN incubator, Ebimobowei is developing his SS26 collection, The Fisherman's Echo, establishing AYAH as a distinct voice in the evolving landscape of African menswear.
Nancy Chizubere Johnson-Chidiadi. Brand: ZUBERE
Nancy Chizubere Johnson-Chidiadi is the creative mind behind ZUBERE, a contemporary fashion brand exploring structure, culture, and identity through bold, sculptural design. Her collections embody storytelling, blending modern silhouettes with traditional references to reflect a new era of African fashion. From layered raffia to symbolic coral embellishments, Nancy's work celebrates heritage, womanhood, and self-expression.
Through the UDGN incubator, she is refining her vision and positioning ZUBERE as a powerful voice in African fashion -- one that is intentional, expressive, and rooted in legacy.
Oyewunmi Kolapo Olumide. Brand: MIDETUSH
Olumide Oyewunmi is the creative force behind MIDETUSH LONDON, a contemporary fashion brand rooted in Nigerian heritage and Afrocentric expression. By fusing traditional textiles such as Aso-Oke with clean, modern tailoring, MIDETUSH embodies Olumide's vision for streetwear that carries depth, identity, and edge.
The brand is recognised for its structured silhouettes, bold bomber jackets, and symbolic detailing that honours culture while appealing to a global audience. Through the UDGN incubator, Olumide is developing his SS26 collection, pushing his design language further and establishing MIDETUSH as a distinct voice in the next generation of African fashion.
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Sulleman Omobolanle Rukayat. Brand: BOLA
Omobolanle Sulleman is the visionary behind BOLA, a UK-based fashion label defined by architectural silhouettes, rich textures, and quiet confidence. With a design philosophy rooted in slow fashion and refined minimalism, her work reflects the brand's core ethos: elegance grounded in heritage. Each piece balances strength and softness, blending sharp tailoring with fluid forms to honour both tradition and modernity. BOLA speaks to women who prioritise presence over performance, opting for styles that are intentional, wearable, and timeless.
As part of the UDGN incubator, Omobolanle continues to shape BOLA into a brand that stands for depth, restraint, and cultural pride.
Omoyoloye Kolapo Ibiyinka. Brand: KAYPEE FOOTWEARS
Kolapo Omoyoloye is a UK-based footwear designer whose journey began in a small community workshop in Nigeria. With over eight years of experience, he has perfected a made-to-order model built on craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail.
Renowned for his durable yet elegant loafers, mules, and boots, Kolapo fuses Yoruba heritage with refined silhouettes. His signature painted leatherwork and symbolic textures transform footwear into storytelling pieces that celebrate both identity and tradition.
Through the UDGN incubator, Kolapo is expanding his vision of KAYPEE FOOTWEARS as both utility and cultural expression -- proving that every step can carry depth, purpose, and heritage.
Olaitan Maria Olatoke. Brand: Robes and Blings by Akokomali (RBA)
Olaitan Maria Olatoke is the visionary behind RBA, a contemporary fashion brand rooted in Yoruba heritage and bridal storytelling. By fusing ancestral motifs with refined, modern silhouettes, she reimagines bridalwear as a blend of meaning, elegance, and cultural pride.
RBA is renowned for its bespoke, made-to-order bridal robes. They intricately detail them with hand-stitched crystals, appliqués, cowries, and coral beads -- symbols of wealth, protection, and feminine power. With over 1,000 bespoke pieces crafted, the brand has redefined the bridal morning experience for a new generation of African women.
Through the UDGN incubator, Olaitan is developing her SS26 collection and expanding RBA's design language. She is positioning the brand as a distinct and powerful voice in the next generation of African fashion.
Lekan Taofeek Folarin. Brand: Lekan Aare
Lekan Aare is a Lagos-born menswear label redefining modern African elegance. Founded by designer Lekan Aare, the brand draws inspiration from Yoruba heritage, regal traditions, and the power of everyday dressing. Known for its tailored silhouettes, clean finishes, and subtle cultural detailing, the brand creates timeless pieces that are both grounded and elevated. His debut collection under the UDGN Cultural Threads Showcase SS26 pays tribute to the spirit of the Ojude Oba Festival. It merges tradition with contemporary sophistication.
At its core, Lekan Aare represents quiet confidence, where culture, craft, and clarity converge to shape a new voice in African menswear.
Princess Ene Mary Obeya. Brand: PEM
Princess Mary Obeya, known as Ene, is the designer behind PEM, a contemporary brand rooted in Idoma heritage and artistic expression. Based in Nigeria, Ene creates fashion that honours tradition while embracing modern storytelling through design. Her SS26 collection, "IRI OGRINIA - The Spirit Wears Red," reinterprets Idoma ceremonial dress, dance, and spiritual symbolism. Using fringe, cowries, bold silhouettes, and layered textures, Ene transforms sacred attire into contemporary forms that celebrate womanhood, ritual, and ancestral memory.
As part of the UDGN incubator, Ene brings depth, emotion, and a distinctive cultural lens to the SS26 Cultural Threads showcase. She is establishing PEM as a powerful voice in African fashion.
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Kareem Yusuf Gbolahan. Brand: OOMO AJADI
Yusuf Kareem is the founder of Oomo Ajadi, a menswear label rooted in Yoruba tradition and elevated through sacred storytelling. His design language blends spiritual codes with clean tailoring, creating garments that honour ancestral wisdom while embracing contemporary form.
Through collections like WHITE ORACLE: The Eko Spirit Walks, Yusuf reinterprets Yoruba rituals such as the Ẹyọ Festival into wearable art that carries memory, stillness, and meaning. Each piece functions as both attire and archive, preserving cultural identity while offering timeless elegance.
As part of the UDGN incubator, he is shaping Oomo Ajadi into a vessel for cultural legacy -- where African menswear becomes both ceremony and statement.
Salami Oluwaseun Victoria. Brand: Obireen
Salami Oluwaseun, known as Seun, is the designer behind OBIREEN, a womenswear brand that blends tradition with refined modernity. Beginning her creative journey as a shoemaker, Seun carries a deep respect for craftsmanship into every garment. She merges cultural narratives with clean, feminine silhouettes.
Based in Lagos, OBIREEN crafts its collections in-house, focusing strongly on detail, sustainability, and storytelling. Each piece reflects a commitment to elegance and cultural authenticity, offering women contemporary designs that still honour heritage.
Through the UDGN incubator, Seun is refining OBIREEN's design voice and building a brand with thoughtful innovation and timeless elegance.
Olutoba Mercy Odetomi. Brand: The Ideal Craftsman
Olutoba Odetomi is the designer behind The Ideal Craftsman, a Lagos-based menswear label redefining modern elegance for the African man. Structured, polished, and quietly confident, the brand creates contemporary pieces that blend cultural depth with global sophistication.
Best known for its signature blazers and refined wardrobe staples, The Ideal Craftsman designs with intention, offering collections that reflect identity, power, and presence. Since its launch in 2022, the brand has quickly built a reputation for sharp aesthetics, clean cuts, and uncompromising quality.
Through the UDGN Incubator, Olutoba is shaping a new language for African menswear and positioning The Ideal Craftsman as a brand to watch on the world stage.
Seyi David Agboola. Brand: Itele
Seyi Agboola is the founder of Itele, a luxury footwear brand redefining African craftsmanship through timeless men's loafers. Emerging from Nigeria and now based in the UK, Itele merges artisanal skill with modern design, creating footwear that balances elegance, comfort, and cultural integrity.
With standout features at London Fashion Week and growing global recognition, Itele is fast becoming a symbol of premium African design on the world stage. Through the UDGN incubator, Seyi is refining Itele's creative direction. He is pushing boundaries in craftsmanship, and building a brand that speaks to the future of luxury footwear.
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Tare Isaac. Brand: TWIN by Tare Isaac
Tare Isaac is a designer, mentor, and cultural strategist using fashion as a tool to build bridges. With roots in Nigeria's Ijaw community and a design voice shaped by both heritage and innovation, she founded TWIN by Tare Isaac, a brand that explores themes of water, womanhood, and ancestral legacy.
To address the mentorship, resources, and support she once needed but couldn't find, the visionary behind UDGN, Tare, created the incubator. Alongside leading the incubator, she continues to advance her own creative practice. She is showcasing her SS26 collection as an exploration of identity and cultural storytelling.
Her influence extends far beyond design. She is a member of the British Fashion Council and a recipient of the Entrepreneur of the Year award at the Simply Ladies Awards. Tare combines industry expertise with cultural sensitivity and business strategy. Through UDGN and her own brand, she is redefining what it means to champion minority talent on fashion's global stage.
Partners & supporters of UDGN
At the heart of UDGN's mission is collaboration, and the platform has developed an ecosystem of partners and supporters who believe in equity-driven fashion. The African Fashion Foundation offers business mentoring and visibility opportunities that support emerging designers in navigating the global market confidently. To refine the technical side of fashion, Fashion Enter offers hands-on product development training and expert guidance, ensuring collections meet the highest standards.
Showcasing talent is just as vital, which is why Ladbroke Hall partners with UDGN to host and produce its fashion presentations, giving designers a stage worthy of their vision. On the communications front, Black PR and I.Dea PR deliver strategic press support, amplifying each designer's voice and positioning them within the wider industry conversation.
Through founder Tare Isaac's membership with the British Fashion Council, UDGN designers gain access to the official London Fashion Week schedule. This places their work on one of the most influential stages in fashion.
Together, these organisations form a powerful ecosystem of impact, ensuring that UDGN's designers are not only creating but also connecting, sustaining, and scaling their work on the global stage
UDGN Cultural Threads Showcase SS26 goes live at Ladbroke Hall on 20 September 2025.
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Author Wumi 'Tuase-Fosudo
Back like I never left and with even more style! Marie Claire Nigeria's first Fashion & Beauty Editor, and now she's back to do what she was born to do: spotlight women, celebrate fashion, and find beauty in everything. With over a decade of experience across print, broadcast, and digital media (with a PR major to boot), she knows how to tell the stories that matter. Her forever faves? A crisp two-piece set, white wine, sunny beach days, thrift store finds, and a good cheesy romcom.
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