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OFF THE RUNWAY
By Chinazam Ikechi-Uko
“I’ve had 3 fashion weeks and my favourite thing to do right after the shows is to shop, I see it on the runway and I know I want some in my wardrobe.”
-Owolabi Misturah Abisola.
In one of Lagos city’s highbrow areas called Victoria Island, the 13th edition of the annual Lagos Fashion Week was hosted. The main location for most of the shows is the Federal Palace Hotel, however, there is often a selection of off-site shows usually within a reasonable proximity to the hotel which overlooks the Lagos Lagoon. With the option of exploring the entertainment scene along with viewing fashion showcases, navigating the complete Lagos Fashion Week experience can be a handful. From the amazing shows at the Federal Palace Hotel to the best restaurants to eat or simply what to eat when rushing to the next location, the fashion week pros and novices have got it on lock.
The fashion season began on the 24th of October with the ATAFO show. The show was a full-on art experience with a live choir and many more. It was hosted at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island. The following day, only a few buildings away from the ATAFO show at EbonyLife Place, a Yoruba fashion film was showcased, titled GBAJUMO. The fashion film was a brainchild of the Garbe life, with Bella Adeleke being the creative director. Next, the official days of the series of fashion collections showcase at the main venue took place from the 26th to the 29th.
There was an influx of fashion lovers from home and beyond. I spoke to attendees to get their opinions on the shows and to understand how they hop from place to place, fueled by simply passion and excitement for 3-4 days. The first person I spoke to was Zara who flew in from London and has been to LFW 4 times.
Z: I really like the after-parties, they are great for networking and Lagosians know how to party.
Z: I love the small chops.
Z: I am such a summer girl so I screamed when I saw the Abigail Ajobi line. I loved the low-waist pants, the prints and the colours. She ate that.
Z: I like looking at the models walking on the running, they seem so serious and that’s so beautiful to watch.
Z: No, London.
Z: Have you seen the club scene? Lagos is just about partying and having a good time.
Z: Definitely, ZAZA Lagos and Club Rio.
Z: Heineken.
Christian with the OSHOBOR signature piece from the show.
Next, I spoke with a muse of OSHOBOR which has earned the moniker “The Masquerade Designer”. As one of the brands showcased on the first day, the muses and models of OSHOBOR were brightening up the hotel car park with their mini masquerade decors. The male muse donning a metallic breastplate caught my attention and sat with him for a lovely chat. Here’s what he had to say about his first experience as a part of the show.
C: Christian.
C: So basically, it was inspired by OSHOBOR and originally his aesthetic is AWO. But because he is the masquerade designer, I decided to wear something along the lines of that- the masquerade design.
C: I walked for OSHOBOR.
C: Sleep and prepare for the next day.
C: Anything AURORA.
C: Any place selling burgers.
After the event, I met up with Owolabi Misturah Abisola of Misty Glam Company, a modelling agency known for using a diverse and inclusive range of models. She was extremely pleased with the shows and couldn’t wait to get her hand on a few pieces.
O: Pepper Row, she had various segments from loungewear to evening wear. I would also like to highlight Abigail Ajobi.
O: The best thing about fashion week is you can wear anything and no one will glare at you, it is so refreshing.
O: On the island, and no this is not classist but there is a vibe the people have and it is so cool.
O: I do not have a specific one but I avoid anything oily that can ruin my look.
Next, I spoke to visual artist Morenike Olusanya, popularly known as Renike. Renike is a Vogue featured artist who has always loved and appreciated fashion as an art form. She immersed herself in the fashion industry when she co-founded the brand, Bawsty in October of 2022. As the name implies, it is a brand catering to the needs of women with fuller busts. Renike admits she is a bit of a fashion week novice, but was also happy to share her plan on ailing the days ahead.
R: So this is my first time and I was invited and as a new clothing line owner, I am happy to see and be included.
R: The collections, I loved the Ugo Monye and Kikoromeo shows.
R: Nope, I am going to sleep. This is very new to me so I will be resting.
Studio Imo (With Dwin The Stoic performing in the background).
Then I hit up, Nigerian singer and songwriter, Dwin The Stoic who had just performed during the Studio Imo show. Whilst he has never missed with his fashion looks, he was equally very new to the fashion week experience but his first day was filled with so much fun.
D: I do not know if I have a favourite, I really enjoyed the shows from my angle (I saw it from the backstage) and my favourite collections were from Studio Imo, Rendoll and OSHOBOR.
D: I had a lot of expectations, seeing the attendees and I am very impressed. This is a custom Studio Imo piece and my stylist put my jewellery.
D: I have a bunch of shows tomorrow and next tomorrow.
D: I had a great time performing on the stage as part and it was a brilliant show.
Then, I got acquainted with crochet designer and model, Kissinger-Darosha Alfreda. We both exchange pleasantries over our obvious love for our choice fabric of the day- crochet. Alfreda told me all about how she made her outfit and her crochet brand, Scarlet Fever.
A: I get tired easily so it is a bit overwhelming. However, I love experiencing how people like to express themselves, it gives me a lot of joy.
A: The street style, there are a lot of stylish people in Lagos and I love seeing the colours.
A: Ugo Monye, it has to be.
A: Take Pictures!
A: Right now, it is listening to Rema on repeat.
Lastly, I spoke to Ojuromi Rachel, a YouTuber and fashion writer who founded The Process Africa, an African magazine focused on documenting African culture and highlighting African artists. This is Rachel’s first time as a member of the press at LFW, however, it is not her first LFW. Rachel has always been a fashion enthusiast and has modelled for PITH Africa.
R: My favourite show was from Ugo Monye, the opening of the show got everybody interested because of the woman who came out and did that powerful chant and greeting in Yoruba, the pieces were also beautiful and they showed a beautiful display of African royalty, it was interesting to see because most information we have on African royalty is whitewashed and it’s nice to see a Nigerian designer focus on that and tell our story.
R: My favourite place to eat before the show is my house and my favourite restaurant after the show is definitely Jay’s Diner, I adore their jollof rice and shredded chicken.
Now that we have covered the average fashionista’s fashion week favourites from songs to meals, here is another suggestion for what to wear for fashion week: Wear an outfit from a designer on the schedule, take a cue from podcaster, Jola Ayeye who wore Éki Kéré or Nigerian artiste, Bloody Civilian who wore KÍLÉNTÁR for the final day of fashion week at Federal Palace which was also the day for KÍLÉNTÁR’s showcase.
Fashion Week is fun and exciting, however, it can also be stressful and overwhelming. So when in doubt, patronise a creator and when you get hungry, grab a burger, and stay hydrated.
