LagosFW24 witnessed a potpourri of unprecedented styles and trends presented by about sixty Trans-African designers at the Federal Palace hotel in Nigeria’s melting pot, Lagos City.
The five-day event that began on the 23rd of October and ended on the 27th of October, 2024 reflected the chosen theme, COMMUNE. The theme was well manifested in the variety of traditional and contemporary, billowy and taut, exuberant and minimalist elements.
Runway Highlights of Lagos Fashion Week 2024
Nigerian designers and brands that came to Nigeria, which included Awa Meite from Mali and Boyedoe and Ajabeng from Ghana, displayed fads and aesthetics that incorporated local fabrics like the Adire and Kente into their designs to create masterpieces. One could also see how designers creatively used exotic fabrics and materials, such as yarn, to showcase intercultural affiliations in Africa.
The interplay of vibrant hues added to the brilliant display on the runway and infused more depth into the theme. You could imagine the runway to be a communion of chromatic explosions!
Diverse Models and Unforgettable Moments on the LagosFW24 Catwalk
The event, more importantly, is a demonstration of all-round acceptance. We see how it shifted from the established standard of cat walking, as we found not only models of different sizes and heights on the runway but also those with impressive features, like the amputee who walked with crutches for the hair brand, Lush Hair!
Besides the generous display of the mix-and-match patterns and the bold colours shown on the stunning models, we experienced the influential debut of Nigerian artiste, Davido, donned in a traditional outfit of royal character, a creation of the Nigerian designer Ugo Monye, on the second day of the event.
Lush Hair’s Showcase and Celebrity Highlights at LagosFW24
Also, with the show-stopping exhibition of Lush Hair’s brilliant and eclectic design worn by the Nigerian influencer, Anita Natacha Akide, known as Symply Tacha, the audience had more than comments to give. FAB L’Style witnessed how veteran actress Kate Henshaw turned heads when she showcased the breath-taking piece crafted by the creative Ejiro Amos Tafiri. Other leading lights on the runway included Dorathy Bachor and Shaun Okojie, modelling for Hertunba and Cute Saint, respectively.
Street Style and Cultural Influence at Lagos Fashion Week 2024
Yes, main things happen on the runway in any fashion event, but we cannot deny the fact that the character of the street influences the tempo of the occasion. Real magic happens outside the show!
Nigerian designers are quite known for their standout pieces and innovative designs that inspire cultural heritage and enduring fashion. This was demonstrable in the beautiful patterns, layerings, and accessories that scattered about the streets of the LagosFW24. Attendees regaled in a medley of traditional and modern, and handcrafted pieces took prominence, with a good number of fashion enthusiasts accessorized in statement jewellery that displayed the beauty of craftsmanship.
Spotlight on Standout Collections and African Textiles
Nuances that predicted the highlights include collections from Lagos Space Programme, Hertunba, and Iremitide. Iamisigo skilfully represented the long-time tradition of knitting through the knitted bikini sets paired with thigh-high knitted socks. We must wonder how much carefulness was put into crafting such a masterpiece!
We cannot but praise the manner in which Kilèntar showcased the aesthetic power embedded in mixing textures. Her designs featured a halterneck top made of paillettes with fringed maxi skirts. It is no surprise, therefore, that Michelle Adepoju received her flowers right on the runway after the Kilèntar catwalk. When we say traditional Africa, we must definitely give it to Awa Meite! The intricacy of contemporary design incorporated into the local fabrics was so brilliant, and they made no mistake in celebrating Africa’s cultural heritage.
Be it on the runway, or in the streets, the Lagos Fashion Week 2024 faithfully brought the dynamics of fashion in the African continent under the spotlight, further providing an avenue for creativity and cultural appreciation.
Credit: Awoyemi Omosubomi Tabitha
