Meet the Founder
Hon. (Dr) Sarah Umahi
Founder & Creative Director · AIFR
"I didn't just want to build a fashion show. I wanted to build a movement — one that puts African designers at the centre of the global conversation."
Where It All Began.
Growing up in Abuja, Hon. (Dr) Sarah Umahi was surrounded by the colours, textures, and stories woven into African fabric. From her mother's tailoring shop in Garki to the vibrant markets of Wuse, fashion wasn't just clothing — it was identity, culture, and pride.
After over a decade working across the Nigerian fashion industry — styling, designing, and producing shows — Amara saw a recurring frustration: brilliant designers with no platform to scale. Talented creatives whose work deserved the world, but who were limited to word-of-mouth and Instagram DMs.
In 2024, she founded Abuja International Fashion Runway — not just as a show, but as a full ecosystem. A marketplace where designers could sell. A runway where they could shine. A community where African fashion could finally take its rightful place on the global stage.
"African fashion is not a trend. It is a legacy. And it deserves a stage worthy of its brilliance. That is what AIFR is — a stage, a store, and a statement."
Where AIFR Is Going.
A Pan-African Marketplace
Expanding beyond Abuja to become the go-to destination for African fashion across Nigeria and the continent — connecting designers to buyers everywhere.
World-Class Runway Events
Growing the AIFR runway into one of Africa's most celebrated fashion weeks — attracting international press, buyers, and collaborators to Abuja's creative scene.
Empowering the Next Generation
Building mentorship, funding, and training pathways for emerging African designers — so the next Amara has the platform and support from day one.
Be Part of the Movement.
Whether you're a designer ready to grow, a buyer looking for something extraordinary, or a brand that wants to align with Africa's fashion future — AIFR is your platform.