This year’s Lagos Fashion Week was a powerful reflection of who we are — confident, expressive, and deeply rooted in culture. There was an undeniable sense of pride on the runway, a pulse of creativity that reminded everyone why African fashion continues to captivate global attention.
A Week of Vibrancy and Relatability
The collections carried a warmth that felt deeply personal. One of the most charming aspects of Nigerian fashion shows is how real the models are — they move like us, their bodies tell familiar stories. You can actually see how the clothes would look on everyday people, and that authenticity makes our runways stand apart. We don’t worship perfection; we celebrate presence, texture, and truth.
Designers continued to reimagine native fabrics with heart and imagination. What was once reserved for ceremonies and special occasions is now being transformed into silhouettes that feel at home anywhere in the world. It’s a cultural evolution — one where tradition is not discarded, but reinterpreted. Seeing Ankara, Aso Oke, and Adire redefined with such confidence was heartwarming. You could sense an industry in conversation with its own heritage.
You could sense an industry in conversation with its own heritage.
Hertunba and the Art of Fusion
One standout moment was Hertunba, whose fusion of African and Western aesthetics felt effortlessly modern. By mixing traditional and contemporary materials, she created pieces that spoke to a global audience without losing their soul. It was a quiet statement on how Africa’s design language can be both local and universal.
A New Energy in the Works
There’s also a cultural movement shaping the mood. Across the diaspora, Black people are choosing to create and consume within their own ecosystems — Black media, Black fashion, Black-owned spaces. Lagos Fashion Week felt like part of that renaissance: confident, self-affirming, and joyfully rebellious. We’re not trying to imitate anymore; we’re defining.
Themes of Play and Sensuality
Frills, volume, and fluid forms appeared across several collections, injecting a sense of playfulness and sensuality into the week. There was movement — a dance between strength and softness. It felt like fashion entering a lighter phase, one where expression takes precedence over formality.
Moments of Innovation
There were brave ideas too. TJWHO experimental show, which invited live audience feedback, broke the usual fashion show format. It was daring and interactive — a step toward reimagining how audiences engage with fashion. Some loved it, others didn’t — but that’s what innovation does: it stirs conversation.
Sustainability also took center stage, with several designers using eco-conscious materials. It’s encouraging to see African fashion align its natural resourcefulness with global sustainability goals — proof that style and substance can coexist.
Banke Kuku’s Confident Voice
The finale by Banke Kuku felt like a fitting close — polished, clear, and full of character. Her tropical textures, luminous colors, and relaxed glamour have evolved into a distinctive signature. You could feel the confidence of a designer fully stepping into her identity.
SEVON DEJANA and the Spirit of Ambition
SEVON DEJANA collection was another highlight. The use of velvet brought regality and depth, evoking the nobility of African craftsmanship. The tailoring was ambitious — a reminder that our designers have the creative and growing technical skill to produce work that pushes known boundaries in African fashion.
Where Lagos Fashion Week Can Go Next
Still, beyond the excitement and pride, there’s room for evolution. Nigerian runways lean heavily toward wearability. Many pieces are ready-to-wear — immediately desirable, instantly sellable. But the result is that we rarely see the kind of risk-taking or technical experimentation that defines the world’s leading fashion capitals.
In Paris or Milan, the runway is treated as a laboratory — a space to test ideas, provoke emotion, and set new standards for craftsmanship. Here, our shows often function more as marketing showcases, focused on commercial appeal rather than creative leadership.
This isn’t a criticism — it’s a moment of opportunity. Because when designers begin to view the runway as a place to demonstrate skill, not just to sell, we’ll start to see Lagos Fashion Week transform from a platform of participation into a platform of innovation.
Innovation builds credibility. It signals mastery. It attracts investment. It positions African designers not as regional talents, but as global leaders.
Reflection
Lagos Fashion Week 2025 was a celebration of identity — of who we are and who we’re becoming. The next frontier is ambition — not just to be seen, but to be studied, respected, and revered.
Africa has already proven it has the soul; now it’s time to show the world its precision.