Lagos played host to one of the most anticipated events in African fashion—FashionEVO Fashion Day at the Africa Creative Market. The atmosphere was charged with creativity, excitement, and the palpable energy of a fashion revolution. Designed to be a platform where African fashion meets innovation, cultural identity, and business, FashionEVO’s event drew a distinguished crowd of fashion entrepreneurs, creatives, and industry leaders eager to push the frontiers of African fashion.
The Day’s Line-Up
The day began with panel sessions, masterclasses, fireside chats, presentations, and brand talks that covered a diverse range of topics such as investing in fashion, digital transformation, cultural identity, and the evolving role of media in fashion. It was a day dedicated to thought leadership, exchange of ideas, and fostering collaborations.
“We are excited to create a space where African fashion entrepreneurs and creatives can explore new dimensions of fashion—from digital transformation to preserving cultural identity. Fashion Day will serve as a platform to celebrate and propel African fashion to new heights,” said Dr. Yetty Ogunnubi, the Founder of FashionEVO. Her words encapsulated the spirit of the event—one focused on elevating African fashion to a global level while staying rooted in rich cultural traditions.
FASHIONEVO Runway Highlights: Mythical Majesty and African Deities
The day culminated in a grand fashion show that began at 6:00 PM, where some of the most renowned African designers took to the runway to present their collections. Themed “Mythical Majesty: African Gods & Goddesses Unveiled”, the show was a breathtaking display of African cultural heritage and contemporary fashion artistry. Stay up to date on the latest in fashion, arts, beauty, and lifestyle by following FAB L’Style Magazine.
Designers such as Joseph Ejiro, Amarelis Atelier, Gbenga Artsmith, Jon Pelumi, GDWN, Cute Saint, Shakara Trybe, Skentele by Etti, Kola Kuddus, Dash Contents, Cisca Cecil, Henri Uduku, and Mmakamba left the audience awe-struck with their intricate designs, bold patterns, and a celebration of African mythology. Each collection was a tribute to the power, elegance, and mystique of African deities, blending traditional elements with modern silhouettes.
Celebrating Fashion Icons: FASHIONEVO Award
A key highlight of the night was the presentation of awards to fashion luminaries who have left an indelible mark on the Nigerian fashion scene and beyond. These awards recognized individuals for their outstanding contributions to fashion, innovation, and cultural narratives.
FAB L’Style Magazine’s very own Africa Editor, Olawoyin Samuel Olamide, had the honour of presenting the award for Male Fashion Icon of the Decade to the esteemed Mai Atafo. This award recognized his unparalleled influence in shaping the modern Nigerian and African fashion industry over the last decade.
The night saw several other industry leaders take home prestigious awards::
- Ruth Osime (@ruthosime) – Life Achievement Award in Fashion Narrative
- Ms. Sade Thomas-Fahm (@officialshadethomasfahm) – Life Achievement Award in Fashion (Courtesy of Toyota by CFAO)
- Kelechi Amadi Obi (@kelechiamadiobi) – Iconic Fashion Photographer of the Decade
- Lanre Da Silva Ajayi (@lanredasilvaajayi) – Female Fashion Icon of the Decade
- Omoyemi Akerele (@omoyemiakerele) – Most Outstanding Impact in African Fashion in the Last Decade
- Bola Balogun (@bbalogun) – Inspiring Lifestyle Brand Strategist
- Azuka Ogujiuba (@azuka_ogujiuba) – Contribution to Nigerian Fashion Narrative
- Dr. Reze Bonna (@rezebonna) – Best Pan-African Creative Collaboration
- Victoria Michaels (@vicamichaels) – Philanthropic Modelpreneur of the Year
The awardees represented the pillars of the African fashion industry, their contributions ranging from narrative-driven storytelling in fashion to innovative photography, brand strategy, and philanthropic efforts.
FashionEVO Pop-Up Store
From September 17-19, FashionEVO hosted an exclusive Pop-Up Store, featuring a selection of top African designers such as GB Lagos, Detail Africa, Tafe Organics, Henri Uduku, and many others. Attendees had the unique opportunity to shop exclusive pieces, ranging from luxury streetwear to high-fashion couture.
Partnerships that Made it Possible
The success of FashionEVO at the Africa Creative Market was amplified through partnerships with esteemed organizations such as YD Company, Ascend Studios Foundation, Atlantic Exhibition, Insigna Media, Mahogany International, Rare Magic, Chivita, Chivas Regal, Clickbooth, Detail Africa, Madiba Allure, Zaron, Sephimage, Morin O, Tafe Organics, DWL, AJL Consulting, Mystic Beauty, Qshop, Chow Noodles, FashionandCo, Kuruxy Crunchies, and BellaNaija Style. These collaborations further emphasized the collaborative spirit that defines the African fashion industry.
A Night to Remember, A Future to Look Forward To
As the lights dimmed on the runway, the impact of the evening remained. And as Dr. Yetty Ogunnubi eloquently stated, the event was a “platform to celebrate and propel African fashion to new heights.” With FashionEVO leading the charge, it’s clear that African fashion is not just keeping pace with global trends but is carving out its own unique, influential space on the world stage. African fashion has truly arrived, and the world is paying attention.
Credit:
Photography: @insignaonline
Videography: @raremagic_gallery
Hairstylist: @zubbydefinition
Makeup: @mysticbeauty.101
Stylist: @korede.james
Show Producer: @mahoganyinternational
Set designer @atlanticexhibitionni
