By Joy Essien, Contributing Editor, Lagos Metropolitan.
Lagos Fashion Week 2025, held from October 29 to November 2 and it transformed Nigeria’s cultural capital into Africa’s fashion epicenter once again. The theme "In Full Bloom" celebrated African creativity, innovation and collaboration. The event brought together top designers, emerging talents, and industry leaders who are shaping the future of African fashion. This year marked it’s 15th anniversary and over 60 designers showcased on the official schedule, while some 15,000 guests attended the 5 day event.
The runway came alive with a diverse mix of established and emerging designers. Notable names such as Rendoll, Dimeji Ilori, Mai Atafo, Orange Culture, AJANÉÉ, Boyedoe, Iamisigo, Kilenter, Emmy Kasbit and more showcased bold, avant-garde collections that merged tradition with innovation. Through vibrant runway shows, insightful panel discussions, and sustainability driven programs, LFW showcased the perfect blend of culture, craftsmanship and conscious design. The event also strengthened connections across borders, highlighting how African designers continue to redefine global fashion conversations.
For the first time in several years, street wear was present on the runway. Nigerian street wear convention Street Souk brought 7 designers to Lagos fashion week, including buzzy brands Go Crazy, Pieces and JBL. LFW is not just for Nigerian brands. Over the years, several pan African designers have traveled thousands of miles to showcase their collections including South Africa’s Maxhosa and Rich Mnisi and Ghana’s Christie Brown. Many designers who have graced the LFW stage have gone on to win or be shortlisted for global recognitions such as the International Woolmark Prize, or the LVMH Prize.
Similar to last year, international influencers flew in to Lagos to attend the shows. This year, there was a notable increase, especially in the volume of American influencers in town. The following were spotted.
Nneka Michel (832,000 followers)
Tenicka Boyd (486,000 followers)
Sofiyat Ibrahim (427,000 followers)
Eni Popoola (382,000 followers)
Chinyere Chi-Chi Adogu (227,000 followers)
Funmi Ford (144,000 followers)
Frilancy Hoyle (117,000 followers) and many more.
Back in 2011, Omoyemi Akerele founded Lagos Fashion Week with the ambition of creating a platform to support and spotlight African creativity, craftsmanship and culture. Today it has grown to the biggest fashion week on the continent. In Akerele ‘s words, "Lagos Fashion Week has served as a catalyst within the African fashion ecosystem." This year’s LFW was named a finalist for the Earth Shot Prize, an annual environmental award spearheaded by William, Prince of Wales, for the platform’s effort at promoting new sustainable fashion systems. Akerele was also named one of Time Magazine’s most influential climate leaders in 2025.
In the Big 4 fashion capitals of the world, fashion shows are usually invitation only events and invitations are highly sought after. It’s extremely difficult for someone without connections to get tickets to even secondary shows. The front row seats are often reserved for editors, celebrities, buyers, stylists, and industry insiders. Industry guest lists are sent invitations from designers or their PR teams. Several designers choose to showcase in the main venue, but there are a handful of established designers who choose to showcase their collections ‘off-site’. What we call private fashion shows and only those with a healthy pre-existing audience commit to such an undertaking.
From the red carpet looks to backstage street-style shots, social media buzzed with creativity and excitement. These moments reinforced Lagos place as the heartbeat of African fashion and culture.
