Lagos fashion week is here again. Arguably the most anticipated fashion show in West Africa, LFW roared into full gear on Thursday the 28th, of October 2022, with excitement, colours, fashion and finesse. Showrooms, runways, presentations and trade shows were all back on full display.
More than forty-eight ingenious fashion designers showcased their impeccable collections on the runway while the stylish fashion creatives and influencers lit up the streets.
Naturally, the guest appearances have always made the street style for Lagos Fashion Week as enticing as the shows themselves, featuring the era’s most stylish personalities showcasing the season's most quintessential trends and styles to obsess over.
Spotted were the likes of Denola Grey, Akin Faminu, Eku Edewor, Kaylah Oniwo, Stephen Tayo, Eniafe Momodu, Uche Uba, Stephanie Coker, Ikechukwu Urum, Kayito, Tijesu, Larry Hector, all looking just as luxurious as the night.
To no one’s surprise, embellished tuxedos, glamorous grunge wears, and monochromes all reigned supreme during this season’s shows, but some new (and rather unexpected) trends strutted out of the runway, as well as the streets this year—including micro mini skirts, mesh, and alternate inspired pieces. We saw a lot of men turning to skirts, corsetry, cutouts, vibrant prints and statement footwear while others turn this on its head by channelling futuristic accessories.
The shows kicked off with opulent fashion brands such as Kadiju, Desiree Iyamaa, and FIA. Tagging along were fast-rising labels like the inclusive and sustainable African contemporary fashion brand Cutesaint and the colourful Algueye Dakar of Senegal. To close out, Simone and Elise, Gozel Green, Fruchè, and TJWHO joined them in showing their new and exciting designs for the season.
The runway experienced its fair share of historic moments. Fola Francis made her runway debut, making her the first openly trans person to do so. She walked for Frank Aghuno, the designer behind Fruché, sporting a white shirt dress embellished with the designer's signature knot detailing which is a prominent fixture of the brand's Spring Summer 2022 collection.
She also booked a show with Cute Saint wearing a maroon square-neck dress with flare sleeves from their OMO EKO SS23 collection. Desiree Iyamaa was satisfyingly inclusive, Algueye was gracious, and TJWHO presented the beauty of sophisticated tailoring.
On Day 2, everything that came down the runway was chic. This season’s show was the fourth edition of the Green Access Initiative. A talent discovery platform for Lagos Fashion Week incorporated with BESTSELLERS Foundation (BSF) to cultivate and showcase Africa's next generation of designers. Beyond the runway, the annual event provides a platform that supports and educates budding designers on the need to build economically, environmentally and socially sustainable fashion businesses. The lucky members for this edition include; Oshobor, SVL designs, Olisa Kenya, Aorah, Sahrzad Designs, House of Akachi, Metakay, Pettre Taylor, Lulla Studios, and Heru Shezi. Whoever shortlisted this year's talents, on behalf of everyone, say thank you! You gave us FASHION. The textures and silhouettes presented were no doubt tasteful but also uniquely modernised.
Emmy Kasbit has always been on the side of elegance. It is easy to spot in their garments and the bold colour palettes of their new collection. This collection, which the designer titled “Home Come In,” had a touch of edge with fantastic colour play. To put it plainly, Emmy Kasbit knows what’s up.
Collectively, this year's showcase was an amazing experience. Bloke and Geto displayed luxury streetwear, Kiko Romeo did great, and Elie Kuame showed couture. Most will go on to say it was the first time they experience couture during Lagos fashion week.
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On the last day of the runway shows, Odio Mimonet redefined femininity through softness and lightness. The designer showcased exquisite shimmering pieces with exaggerated sleeves. All the dresses were delicate and specially made for women of style.
It is only fitting that five of the biggest hitters saved their shows for the last day of Lagos Fashion Week. Andrea Iyamah, Lagos Space Programme, Banke Kuku, Shem Peronelli, and Imad Eduso, all revealed their spring/summer 2023 collections on the same day. These shows were worth the wait.
Another unforgettable moment was Maxivive’s withdrawal from this season and the following reaction of a model who was supposed to walk the show. Babatunde Tribe, a Nigerian queer artist and model, crashed into the runway during Awa Meite’s show with a placard that read; “Maxivive Show was robbed!!! Ask what happened! Queer Live Matters! I am maxed tonight”
The situation is still under investigation with Lagos Fashion Week yet to make any public statements. However, inside sources informed the media that Maxivive couldn't present because the organisers of the show feared it was “too queer.”
At the end of this year’s edition, one could easily say there was much to celebrate. Whether it’s the incredible new rising star designers that make up this year's Green Access or the street style serves or the growth we saw with known brands and LFW itself.
This season was by far fantastic.
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