by Chinazam Ikechi-Uko.
Cute-Saint at Lagos Fashion Week by Outerspace.
Davido, Ugo Monye, Kate Henshaw, Ejiro Amos Tafiri, Chioma Goodhair, Wanni Fuga, Eniafe Momodu, Fruché, Ashley Okoli, Kadiju, Diana Eneje, Heineken, Y’wandelag, Dr Akin Faminu, Boyedoe, Tacha, Lush Hair, Dorathy, Hertunba, Mike Afolarin, Orange Culture, Sheggz, Emmy Kasbit, Emmaneul Umoh, Cute Saint, Anita Ukah, Frances Theodore, Chinyere Chi-Chi Adogu, Eki-Kéré, Kanaja jnr, Boye, and Larry Hector.
These are not the lyrics of a modern Nigerian remake of the 1989 Billy Joel song, We Didn’t Start The Fire. But a list of Nigerian celebrities and internet personalities that walked fashion week along with the brands they walked. It is incomplete and leaves out details such as Tacha fell and many more. This has been most of the news surrounding the Lagos Fashion Week.
But was that all that happened? No. Lagos Fashion Week is Africa’s largest fashion event. It is the home and foundation of several notable designers including this year’s London Fashion Week’s breakout star, Tolu Coker.
Related: Everything You Missed at Lagos Fashion Week 2023
As the most anticipated event in the nation, publications from across the globe come to see the street style and collection. Every year, the citizens of Lagos step up their game. So do the brands that showcase on the runway. This year, designers incorporated profound levels of storytelling into their runway shows. So what were some of the best moments from the event:
BANKE KUKU BROUGHT THE DOLPHINS AND LVMH:
The first show of the fashion season was not during the fashion week. It was a week earlier and it was the Banke Kuku show. The eponymous luxury label made splashes at the Mikano Motors headquarters. As a sponsor of the Banke Kuku private show, Kuku had an opportunity to redesign the headquarters for her Oceans show. For her Spring-Summer 2025, she drew inspiration from the old Lagos coast. “I want to inspire people and remind them of what Lagos once looked like. The dolphins, the corals, the bubbles, and the bubble fish. Now they are gone and dying out.”
The show was held on October 18th, kicking off the fashion show season. The fabric and jewellery showcased at the event were significantly inspired by aquatic animals. Kuku etched the history of the once beautiful Lagos coast into silk, mesh, tulle, and several textiles.
Kuku organised another event in partnership with Moët & Chandon, a subsidiary of the conglomerate LVMH. The show fell on the third day of the fashion week and celebrated craftsmanship. Kuku unveiled garments in collaboration with the wine company that sponsored her SS25 show. This marks LVMH’s first collaboration with a fashion brand in Africa.
Emmy Kasbit’s 10th anniversary:
My favourite fashion party trivia is revealing that Emmy Kasbit is a duo. You should see the look on people’s faces when they learn that there is an Emmy and then a Kasbit. We mostly see Emmy and since he says his name is Emmy, there is an assumption that Kasbit is his surname, not an entirely different person.
A lesser-known secret is Emmy Kasbit’s SS25 collection because the brand had a showroom at Tranoi Paris during Paris Fashion Week. While expecting to see the same looks from Paris, Emmy Kasbit brought something different, a collection to honour its 10th anniversary. “In celebration of Emmy Kasbit’s 10th anniversary, Creative Director – Emmanuel Okoro revisits the EK Archive Gallery and has reimagined silhouettes by blending traditional staples with modern twists, in line with the brand’s vision of creating timeless collections,” a statement on its Instagram reads.
Kadiju’s off-site show:
Kadiju is synonymous with art curator, Oyinkansola Dada. But that is a notable example because, in truth, artists around the globe know that Kadiju is a go-to brand for maximalist and artsy garments. Kadiju is a staple at the Lagos Fashion Week. However, this year, they moved away from the main stage (the tents at Federal Palace) to an off-site private show. The show was nothing less than the dramatic standard kadiju has built for itself. Elaborate hairstyles and dramatic silhouettes. The collection titled Rooted in Joy, Oyindamola Aleshinloye [founder] describes it as, “Both a questioning and a reaffirmation of purpose—a journey back to my roots of creating, amidst the backdrop of economic and social upheaval.”
An ATAFO Documentary:
Ever wondered what it is like to run a luxury fashion label? Ever dreamt of creating the biggest fashion spectacle in Africa? Well, fashion designer, Mai Atafo of ATAFO did and last year, he pulled it off. Last year, his SS24 was the biggest talk in the town and made it in the New York Times. His SS24 hosted at the Eko Hotels’ convention centre was a full-scale experience featuring a musical show, a car auction, and five collection segments. It began with bridal and ended with traditional.
This year, ATAFO launched a documentary in partnership with Day N Nites production. The documentary showcases the behind-the-scenes of creating such an astounding event. Watch the documentary here.
- Alexandra Obochi opened for Oshobor:
Oshobor, also known as the masquerade designer, proved that his brand can fuse the traditional and the modern. It did this with its clothes as the SS25, EDO ODION, celebrated Edo culture. It also did this with its model selection.
Earlier last month, plus size model, Alexandra Obochi challenged the GTCo fashion weekend establishment for its lack of inclusivity on its runway. The internet reception was grim but Obochi had the last laugh as she opened the Oshobor SS25 show.
Kilentar:
If Kilentar were an album, it would have a Grammy for Best Concept Music Video. It would have made the list of Rolling Stones Best Concept Album Of All Time. Many were introduced to Kilentar’s penchant for storytelling with garments with its hit SS24 show, Mami Wata. This year, there is a new African mythological creature that inspired its SS25, Mama Ìbẹ́ta. “Rooted in the triplet forces of earth, water, and fire, this collection intertwines textured layers, flowing fringes, and shell accents, echoing and weaving the timeless stories and traditions passed down through generations,” the brand explains.
Heineken made clothes:
No, your favourite beer company did not make garments but it launched a 45cl Bottle and 45 Collection at Lagos Fashion Week 2024. The collection was in partnership with several fashion houses including Orange Culture, Emmy Kasbit, Y’wandelag, and Éki kéré.
