Qasimi Rising X Lagos Fashion Week: The Collaboration We Needed.

Qasimi Rising, the talent incubator founded by Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi, has joined forces with Lagos Fashion Week to discover and support emerging fashion talent in Africa. This partnership aims to provide a platform for designers to showcase their work, receive mentorship, and ultimately secure a spot in the Qasimi Rising incubator program.

Ten designers selected by Lagos Fashion Week will showcase their collections at the Qasimi Rising Lounge event. They will also participate in workshops and receive mentorship from industry experts. The two most promising designers will be chosen for the 2026 Qasimi Rising incubator program, which offers a three-year mentorship with the option to extend for an additional seven years. The program includes financial support, access to co-working spaces, production assistance, and marketing guidance.

Omoyemi Akerele, the founder of Lagos Fashion Week, has been announced as the regional ambassador for Qasimi Rising. This partnership is expected to bring about a significant boost to emerging designers in the region. Despite the challenges faced by the Nigerian fashion industry, Lagos Fashion Week continues to thrive and attract international attention.

In a recent statement, Akerele expressed her dedication to promoting emerging talent in the region and highlighted her belief that collaborating with Qasimi Rising will enable these designers and pave their way to success. “Lagos Fashion Week is dedicated to promoting emerging talent in the region. This partnership with Qasimi Rising will undoubtedly empower these designers and set them on the path to success,” Akerele said.

Qasimi Rising, known for its commitment to supporting designers around the world, particularly in regions with limited resources, is currently exploring partnerships in other parts of the world. The incubator's focus on empowerment and its expansion plans signal a positive impact on the global fashion landscape.