I.N. Official and Meta Unveil AI-Powered “Transcendence” Collection at Africa Fashion Week London
In a groundbreaking fusion of African creativity and cutting-edge technology, Nigerian luxury fashion brand I.N. Official has partnered with Meta to debut what is being hailed as the first-ever AI-powered fashion collection at Africa Fashion Week London.
The Fall/Winter 2025 showcase, aptly titled “Transcendence,” will debut on Saturday, August 9, signalling a bold new chapter where artificial intelligence isn’t just a tool — it’s a co-creator in the design process.
Where Runway Meets Algorithm
From initial concept to visualisation, Meta’s AI technologies powered the entire creative journey. According to Balkissa Idé Siddo, Meta’s Public Policy Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, the collection demonstrates how AI embedded in everyday apps — WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger — can elevate design thinking and execution.
“This is more than fashion tech. It’s a statement on how accessible AI can fuel bold, global expressions of African creativity,” Siddo said.
Designing the Future, Rooted in Culture
Ifeanyi Nwune, Creative Director of I.N. Official, blended tradition with futurism, using Meta AI’s “Imagine” tool to generate mood boards and concept prompts. One standout creation reinterprets the Nigerian Agbada through the lens of the Japanese Hakama, creating a transcultural silhouette that bridges continents.
Meta AI also suggested functional yet artistic accessories for both men’s and women’s looks — merging utilitarian needs with avant-garde flair.
“With Meta AI, we are transcending into an African future fuelled by unity, creativity, and technology,” Nwune said.
Fashion Meets Digital Economy
Founded in 2012, I.N. Official has built its reputation among young, style-conscious creatives, with high-profile collaborations across Africa and beyond. The partnership with Meta not only cements its status as an innovation leader but also speaks to the rising influence of African fashion houses in global trendsetting.
Meta, for its part, sees the project as proof of its commitment to empowering African creatives to scale internationally by providing the same creative tools that are shaping culture worldwide.
The BRANDECONOMY View
This collaboration is more than a headline — it’s a signal of where fashion is headed:
- AI as Creative Partner: Designers will increasingly integrate AI in the ideation process, not as a replacement but as an accelerator.
- Cultural Remixing: African fashion is stepping confidently into global discourse by merging heritage aesthetics with contemporary tech.
- Platform-Driven Commerce: With AI tools native to Meta’s social platforms, the runway-to-checkout journey could become faster, more interactive, and more personalised.
Bottom line: Transcendence is not just a collection — it’s a manifesto. It affirms that the future of African fashion will be designed in Lagos, powered by AI, and worn on global stages.
