8 Standout Moments from Lagos Fashion Week 2018

As we gear up for what LagosFW 2019 has to offer, with the theme “Beyond Creativity”, we take a look back at some standout moments of the past year.

No. 1: The Dew Collection, curated by Genevieve Magazine in support of mental health awareness

To open the LagosFW2018 runway, Genevieve magazine publisher, Betty Irabor expressed her struggle with mental health for 7 years and the need to create awareness for it by birthing the "The Dew Collection". The Collection which was a wonderful burst of colours was designed by 12 prolific designers from Toju Foyeh to Style Temple, with lush fabric supplied by Patrick Ayanski. Each designer presented two pieces to celebrate the beauty of life and living and it was a great start to the SS19 shows.

No. 2: Tokyo James’ Womenswear Collection Debut

Amongst the array of spectacular designs showcased on Day 3 of Lagos Fashion Week 2018 was British-Nigerian menswear designer Tokyo James who debuted his womenswear collection. The collection was filled with pastels, metallics, snakeskin, and patent embellished leather combined with masterful layering and exaggerated accessories that stood out among a display of menswear maximalism. Each element embodies the Tokyo James Woman: a woman who is extremely chic and stylish, a bit edgy, absolutely unbothered, and definitely international.

No. 3: The Deola Sagoe - CLAN | Mother-Daughter Moment

Opening the Day 3 Runway showcase was an awesome mother-daughter double-bill from House of Deola Sagoe which showcased pieces from her daughters’ ready to wear brand CLAN and her brand Deola Sagoe. The runway showcase embodied the spirit of heritage and longevity with Deola Sagoe bringing her Haute Couture mastery and CLAN brought fresh direction and stellar creativity. The collection had an amazing closing, with two sets of twin models, one set in CLAN pieces and the other in designs by Deola Sagoe.

No. 4: Celebrities Took over The Runway

Lagos Fashion Week 2018 saw Celebrities take over the runways as models for runway showcases. Among the model line up some favourite familiar faces made their runway debut including Seyi Shay who walked for the debut of Tokyo James‘ Spring/Summer 2018 womenswear showcase. Adunni Ade, Bolanle Olukanni, Abiri “Koko” Oluwabusayomi and BamBam surprised fans as they walked the runway for the Maybelline New York show led by Bimpe Onakoya. Tobi Bakre and Ayoola Ayolola followed suit for Ugo Monye‘s powerful show. Documentary photographer Yagazie also strutted in a white dress from Maki Oh‘s Buka inspired Spring/Summer 2018 collection.

No. 5: The Kelechi Amadi Obi Portrait Studio

Veteran photographer Kelechi Amadi Obi always brings his passion for photography to Lagos Fashion Week with a photo booth that highlights and welcomes guests, giving the complete cultural experience and are depictions of true contemporary African elegance. His images represent the place of culture and self-expression in shaping the future of fashion.

No. 6: Orange Culture’s Closing Runway Showcase

Adebayo Oke-Lawal closed the shows for Lagos Fashion Week 2018 in grand style! His collection “The Orange Moon” explored one of the challenges plaguing the youth– identity crisis and the need to find a voice in a very noisy world. His fashion brand Orange Culture, told a story, expressing the constraints of masculinity and how to very idea of 'being a man' ends up doing more harm than good. The clothes, modelled by both male and female models, played to the androgyny of Orange Culture and blurred the lines between menswear and womenswear.

No. 7: Falana Performed on The Runway

The Orange Culture show, which was the final showcase of the event, ended with a chilling performance by singer Falana. Falana strutted down the runway wearing a black silk tunic, white knee high boots and silver leggings as she gave the acapella performance to end all performances.

As she sang, models filed to the top of the runway and as the performance reached its peak, Bayo Oke-Lawal, the creative genius took his final bow. The crowd stood to their feet and erupted in applause as they congratulated him for a job that was very well done. A fitting end to an amazing event!

And with that, Lagos Fashion Week 2018 came to an end. LagosFW2019 here we come!