This was my second Lagos Fashion Week experience, and honestly, it just keeps getting better. The energy, the people, and the creativity—every day felt like a celebration of everything fashion should be in its purest form: bold, inclusive, and innovative. From edgy streetwear to ocean-inspired couture, the runway wasn’t a place for just clothes; it was where stories, cultures, and identities came alive. And let’s not forget the crowd—everyone brought their A-game, from the front-row regulars to emerging designers, making it a true fashion festival.
Here’s a breakdown of the key trends that ruled the runway this season:
Cultural heritage meets modern fashion
Designers leaned into their cultural identity, bringing modern twists to traditional Nigerian outfits. From Ugo Monye’s elegant agbadas with pearls and capes to Oshobor’s celebration of Edo culture. These collections showcased the beauty of heritage. Designers like Hertunba also joined the movement, proving that traditional aesthetics have a place in modern wardrobes.
Marine-inspired designs
The ocean made waves on the runway, with designers like Desiree Iyamah and Kilentar tapping into underwater themes to inspire their collections. Expect to see pastel colours, shell motifs, and shimmering fabrics in upcoming trends, evoking a calm yet luxurious seaside vibe.
Bold colours everywhere
What’s Lagos Fashion Week without vibrant, daring hues? From Imad Eduso’s to Desireé Iyamah and many more designers’ collections brought stunning greens and pinks. While others embraced bold yellow. These colours weren’t just limited to streetwear—they also made their way into structured pants suits and flowing gowns. Proving that bright palettes are here to stay.
Fringe adds flair
This season, fringe took centre stage, adding movement and texture to various collections. Designers like The Lady Maker, Elexiay, Emmy Kasbit, and Malité embraced this playful element, incorporating it into their collections. Delicate fringe swaying with each step or bold statement. Making layers, the trend effortlessly fused elegance with dynamism. Fringe isn’t just an accessory—it’s a defining detail that elevates outfits from simple to striking.
Flowing silhouettes
Comfort met high fashion with the rise of flowy silhouettes. From tailored yet loose trousers to fluid gowns. Designers like Eki Silk, Desiree Iyamah, and Fruche proved that movement is essential. These pieces not only made models glide down the runway but also offered practical, breathable fashion.
Denim revival
Denim continues to be a staple, and this season’s designers played with it in new ways. Boyedoe, M.O.T, and Revival London brought fresh takes, blending denim with local fabrics like aso oke. These collections captured a cool, laid-back vibe that’s both nostalgic and modern.
Bubble skirts are back
The bubble skirt made a triumphant return. Oríré and Ibilola Ogundipe gave us playful yet sophisticated versions, reminding us that the silhouette—love it or hate it—still has staying power. Expect to see these skirts in bold colours and prints, perfect for adding volume to any outfit.
Inclusivity takes centre stage
One of the most refreshing elements of this season was the commitment to body positivity and diverse representation. Plus-size models confidently walked the runway, reiterating that fashion is for everyone. This inclusivity wasn’t just symbolic—it was a powerful reminder that the industry is evolving towards broader representation.
This season’s collections were about celebrating who we are and where we’re going. And I, for one, am ready to see these looks hit the streets and red carpets.
