It has been 10 years since the inception of Lagos Fashion Week and every year, the prestigious event defines fashion trends for the next season. The fashion week has documented and kept a clean archive of its runways since inception, creating a reference point for Nigeria’s fashion Industry. 

A brief look at the archives showcased the essence of fashion in Nigeria. Every year with Lagos Fashion Week, the latest trends and all designers come alive giving the fashion world something to look out for. 

From flowy to straight silhouettes, innovative prints and fun patterns, these are the trends that define every year of Lagos Fashion Week so far.

2023: Deconstructed denim and Denim-inspired pieces

It might as well have been a consensus by eco conscious designers in the green access category, By Wuzzy, Born Star and Dust of the Earth who showcased upcycled pieces using denim fabric. Others like renowned Nigerian brand, Kilentar showcased what resembled the cross between an Aso Oke and a denim dress. 

This year, the designers effectively blurred the line between tradition and the contemporary.

2022: Resort wear and prints

Prints made a triumphant return this year. While Banke Kuku, Simone and Elise and Ajobi impressed us with unique prints, the likes of  Andrea Inyamah, Kadiju and Eki Orleans and Abiola Olushola spiced it up with their take on resort wear. It was minimal and fun, just like the women who would wear it in the coming year.

2021: Pattern Up

Pattern on pattern was an experiment that passed with flying colors. Studio 189, Tsemaye Bonita, Orange Culture and Lisa Folawiyo played with the classic same pattern but different colors. While Adara foundation, Odio Mimonet and Lohije included a clash of patterns to create a fun look.

2019: Bold statements with a touch of iridescence

If it wasn’t shiny, iridescent or a single block of colour for majority of the outfit, then it’s not 2019. This year was all about bold statements, made models on the runway in heels, check! Bold silhouettes that will stand out in any room, double check! 

Bridget Awosika, Andrea Iyamah, Idma Nof and Mai Atafo played with fabric that have a silky and luxurious feel and Gozel Green, Haute Baso and Awa Meite kept it matte and simple.

2018: Exaggerated sleeves, appliqués, ruffles and layers

Let us welcome Haute couture! A time where flowers are not only appliqués on the dress but almost the entire dress. 

This year, multiple layers from Cynthia Abila, House of Kaya, Moofa Studios and Sisiano made way for the ball gowns from brands like Ejiro Amos Tafiri and Dew Collection.

2017: Let it flow, pure and white

For some reason, in 2017, brands seemed to be obsessed with bright colours, especially white. It was reminiscent of an angelic ballroom as just about every brand flaunted a white flowy number. 

The like of Lisa Folawiyo, Rich Minsi, Sophie Zinga, Eki Orleans, Grey and Amede among others added some colour to the runway while keeping with the obvious trend of flowing silhouettes.

2016: Lines, circles and shimmer

Geometry in fashion was a trend that celebrated all body types. Here every shape was relevant, lines went every which way and fabric sparkled like never before. 

From Titi Bello’s stripes to David Tlale’s check to Onalaja’s sequined circles, every piece was designed to draw an appreciation for the bodies that wore them. 

2015: High necks and straight cuts

Pencil skirts, straight pants and high necks made the runway look like a stylish Wall Street. Workwear seemed to be in and brands reflected this in what can otherwise be referred to as office appropriate pieces. Meena, Tsemaye Binite, Akpos Okudu and Nkwo are a reminder of how bell sleeves dictate elegance. We saw an abundance of capes, cape crop tops and Kimonos from Bridget Awosika, Mofari, Sisiano, and Sunny Rose. It was time to make workwear fun again and these designers were up to the challenge. 

2014: Sheer to Mesh

Picture this, it’s 2014, wrecking ball is still topping the radio charts and everyone is due for a little hair-let-down. What’s your party outfit of choice? If you said a sheer top, then you’re right on the money. And the runways thought so too!

T16, Otumemine Couture and Phunkafrique played it a little risqué with sheer tops while Cinnamon and Pearl, April by Kunbi and Mo Faris overlaid a mesh skirt to their dresses creating a classic layered dress.

These trends are both a bucket of nostalgia and a hint at the future to come. As the Lagos fashion week, 2024 approaches, we are looking to see some trends that are leading the fashion scene at the moment. Assymetrical shirts and dresses, frayed cuffs and ankles, as well as beaded fabric are just a few of the ones I’ll be expecting on the runway this year.

The Lagos fashion week remains a platform to showcase the vast talent of designers not just in Lagos or Nigeria but across Africa. We look forward to designers like South Africa’s Rich Minsi and David Tlale who have showcased at the fashion week before to newer faces like Boyedoe from Ghana and El-Tayeb Nation the South Sudanese designer, who clothed Naomi Campbell on the cover of Vogue Arabia.