Lagos Fashion Week 2024 Celebrates Creativity and Community

Lagos Fashion Week (LFW) 2024, held from October 23rd to 27th, unfolded as a masterclass in creativity and collaboration, reinforcing Lagos’s stature as a vibrant global fashion hub. Themed COMMUNE, was made possible through the support of Heineken, whose presence underscored the growing synergy between fashion and lifestyle industries. This year’s event, celebrated the power of community, showcasing not only the vision of designers but also the dedication of tailors, artisans, and creative minds who bring those visions to life.

The week-long celebration brought together a diverse array of Nigeria’s fashion talents, featuring collections that beautifully fused tradition, innovation, and sustainability. On the runway, designers showcased a dynamic spectrum of aesthetics, from minimalist slip dresses in soft hues to bold, oversized garments adorned with striking prints. This juxtaposition captured the essence of Lagos’s identity—sophisticated yet playful, understated yet daring.

Chief Alex, a prominent photographer and advocate, made headlines with her compelling statement as she walked for Oshobor’s SS25 collection, honouring Edo-Benin culture. Her appearance highlighted the critical need for inclusivity in fashion, especially after she called out GTCO for excluding plus-sized models.

Among the show-stopping moments, Davido closed the Ugo Monye show in a regal brown traditional outfit, affirming his role as a style icon. Despite critics labelling his appearance as “local” compared to Wizkid’s celebrated runway walk at Milan Fashion Week in 2018, such comparisons undermine LFW’s significance and its burgeoning global influence. It also marked Davido’s second runway appearance, reinforcing his position as a local and international trendsetter.

Established designer Emmy Kasbit showcased a stunning collection that interwove traditional elements with contemporary flair. At the same time, other key players like Babayo  presented gender-neutral pieces that emphasised layering and fluid tailoring, embodying the movement towards inclusive fashion. The LadyMaker wowed the audience with intricate beadwork and eco-friendly fabrics, celebrating African heritage through sustainable practices. Dust of Earth, founded by Omolabake Temetan, captured attention with its innovative use of shoelaces, proving that eco-conscious design can also be wearable art.

Accessories played a pivotal role in the narrative of LFW 2024. Models graced the runway with oversized fascinators, statement Geles, and eye-catching jewellery, transforming these elements from mere afterthoughts to essential expressions of identity. The beauty trends leaned towards a more natural aesthetic, favouring glowing skin and soft blush tones, while hairstyles embraced natural textures, with braids adorned by beads and metallic accents adding depth to each look.

LFW 2024 was not merely an aesthetic showcase; it served as a profound celebration of African identity and an exploration of fashion’s evolving role in shaping societal narratives. Designers like Orange Culture and Fruché challenged conventional gender norms through unisex clothing, redefining self-expression within Nigerian society.

As the event unfolded, Lush Hair made a grand entrance on the final day, unveiling its latest line of glamorous hair products. BBNaija star Tacha closed the show with flair, showcasing the synergy between beauty and fashion. Her presence not only added sparkle to the runway but also highlighted how beauty products and hair styling play a crucial role in enhancing the overall fashion experience.

The event fostered meaningful conversations around sustainability and ethical fashion through workshops, panels, and exhibitions, positioning Lagos as a critical player in the global fashion exchange. This year’s edition provided a vital platform for both established and emerging designers, connecting them with international buyers and showcasing the rich potential of the Nigerian fashion landscape.

As always, the street style became a vibrant highlight, with attendees turning the venue into a lively fashion parade. Guests showcased eclectic looks that blended luxury with thrift finds, illustrating the unique high-low fashion dynamic of Nigerian style.

Ultimately, Lagos Fashion Week 2024 transcended traditional fashion showcases; it became an immersive experience celebrating community, sustainability, and the transformative power of creativity. By focusing on collaboration and inclusivity, the event underscored that fashion is not just about what we wear but the stories behind the clothes and the artisans who craft them.

As the curtains fell on this unforgettable edition, attendees celebrated at an exclusive after-party hosted by Moët & Chandon, marking a glamorous conclusion to a week that proved Lagos was not merely following trends but actively setting them, solidifying its position at the heart of the global fashion industry.

To read more about this year’s edition, visit the Lagos Fashion Week website by clicking here.

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Ikenna Churchill

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