Lagos, Nigeria - There really isn’t an all encompassing word that captures the energy of Lagos. The mind-blowing Art, the eclectic fashion, the jiggy tunes, the vibrant Nightlife - Lagos, without a doubt, holds its own appeal. But it’s really this time of the year that has the city abuzz - all thanks to the many festivities lined up. Per usual, the peculiar fashion scene which has earned Lagos its pseudonym - Africa’s Fashion Capital, caught our eyes.
Our voyage through the city saw us witness the convergence of the best in design from all around Africa at the Lagos Fashion Week (formerly Lagos Fashion & Design Week), resulting in a distinct display of sartorial brilliance. 7 years and counting, the 2018 edition had all eyes focused on quite a number of firsts - Deola Sagoe’s first time on the LFW catwalk, and Tokyo James’ first attempt at womenswear, while knitwear maestro Laduma Ngxokolo of Maxhosa doled a take on the art of elevated knitwear.
Brands like Globetrotter fave, Studio 189, Tongoro Studio and Rich Mnisi also came out on top with collections that were impeccably crafted with more mass appeal, engaging a wider range of style connoisseurs and enthusiasts.
DEOLA SAGOE
A manifestation of the Nigerian designer’s couture dream for the “Billionaire lady”, this collection saw Africa’s maîtresse d’haute couture at her very best. Sagoe took Nigerian high-life to another level with her debut on the catwalks of the LFW maintaining her signature aso oke fabric which saw gowns in minis, midis and floor-lengths, all cut to flatter and embellished to the T.
CLAN
Teni Sagoe taps into the posh style of the millennial Yahs. With functionality at the fore, there won’t be a challenge for her sales and merchandising teams in trying to commercialize her ideas.
TONGORO STUDIO
The designer, Sarah Diouf, nailed the moment with an adventurous “voyage-esque” feel set against African aesthetics aplenty, giving things a contemporary western twist by way of bucket hats and micro-bags.
MAXHOSA BY LADUMA
Maxhosa by Laduma’s bright, imaginative and intricate collection was a measure of the brand’s maturation with hints of the casual sensuality a la his knitwear for the girls.
ADAMA PARIS
The designer reiterated the enduring appeal of the matrix fashion, however, it was her anything but subtle African touch to it that made the collection one to remember.
RICH MNISI
This collection was Mnisi at his very best, sampling trends from the 80’s including bold color blocks and architectural leather, marrying a beautiful chaos of prints to the structured glories of something approaching minimalist couture.
TOKYO JAMES
The British-Nigerian designer put on a show for power girls as he took his first dive into the realm of womenswear, resulting in one of the most stand out collections at the LFW. You can be certain that menswear also made it to the ramp in clean cuts per usual.
STUDIO 189
The glory of Abrima Erwiah ‘s collection was it’s easiness: a clear and strong vision of youth.
TTYA LONDON
In Irene Agbotaen’s capable hands, a cocktail of flirty functional pieces for girls Taller Than Your Average, was shaken, not stirred, making for one of the best collections of the season.
Which collection was your favourite? Drop a comment below!
All Featured images C/O photographer / SDR Photo.