From Market Row to the runway: Brixton celebrates Black fashion and creativity this October

This Black History Month, Brixton Village’s Market Row is swapping market aisles for catwalks as ROOTS 2 RUNWAY brings together South London’s Black fashion designers and creative talent for a celebration of style, culture and community.

Taking place on Sunday 25th October 2026 from 2pm until late, the free event will feature runway showcases, live performances and opportunities to discover independent fashion.

ROOTS 2 RUNWAY grew out of the Market Row working group, a collective of the arcade’s fashion tenants and local creatives.

Their ambition was to create a lasting platform for Black-owned fashion and lifestyle brands in the place that helped shape them. This inaugural event marks the first step, with plans for an expanded street-style show in 2027.

Hosted by Market Row, with support from Brixton BID, the day showcases Black designers and creatives whose work is shaped by South London.

Visitors can discover their collections, enjoy a live fashion presentation and shop directly from the designers.

The programme includes:

• Runway showcases of new and signature pieces from South London designers
• Panel discussion and audience Q&A with the designers
• Shopping from the designers and from Market Row’s Black-owned independents, including Chinakwe, Uptown Yardie, ÀṢẸ BOUTIQUE, CHÉ REID and A Celebration of Demonstration
• Music from The Handson Family, Leslie Michel, Melvina Moves and Pete Mello

Sharon Brooks, Creative Director, ROOTS 2 RUNWAY told Brixton Buzz:

“ROOTS 2 RUNWAY celebrates the creativity and talent of independent Black designers, giving them a platform to showcase their work and share the stories behind it.

 

Brixton has long been a centre of Black culture, enterprise and creative expression, making it the perfect setting for an experience that brings fashion, culture and community together.

 

We want to champion independent designers and celebrate the local businesses that make Brixton such a vibrant and distinctive place.”

Diana Nabagereka, General Manager, Brixton Village added:

“Market Row is fast becoming home to some of South London’s most exciting Black-owned fashion and lifestyle brands.

 

While that momentum has been building throughout the year, Black History Month offers a moment to celebrate these amazing brands loudly.

 

This event is only the first chapter, and as the General Manager of these historic markets, I remain committed to building this event into a successful annual programme of Black culture.”

Market Row is two minutes’ walk from Brixton Station (Victoria line), with entrances on Coldharbour Lane, Electric Lane and Atlantic Road. Visitors can make a day of it with lunch or dinner at more than 100 independent traders across Brixton Village and Market Row.

More info

ROOTS 2 RUNWAY: a free celebration of Black culture and fashion
Market Row, Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, London SW9 8LB
Sunday 25 October 2026, 2pm until late

• Visitors can register for free via Eventbrite.