Lagos Fashion Week has seen its fair share of star power, but few arrivals have set the city alight quite like the presence of Grammy-winning singer Ciara.
Ciara touched down in Lagos to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Lagos Fashion Week, and her arrival set the city alight. She landed on October 30, kicking off her birthday weekend in style. She was welcomed in true Lagos fashion: vibrant traditional dancers, energetic drummers, and a warm reception led by Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture. Her visit launched a dynamic cultural journey, seamlessly blending fashion, art, and heritage into one unforgettable experience.
A cultural visit with purpose
Ciara’s visit wasn’t just for the fashion — it was also a cultural homecoming. According to Jubril A. Gawat, Senior Special Assistant on New Media to the Governor of Lagos State, her trip was part of a collaboration between the Lagos State Government and Lagos Fashion Week. The initiative aims to spotlight the city’s growing influence in tourism, art, and the creative industries.
He described it as a symbolic return for Ciara, adding that she would explore cultural landmarks across Lagos while celebrating the milestone 15th edition of Fashion Week.
However, this wasn’t Ciara’s first time in Nigeria. She first visited in 2016, when she co-headlined Darey Art Alade’s “Love Like a Movie” concert. Nearly a decade later, her return to Lagos comes with deep admiration for how much the city and its creative scene have evolved.
Tracing her roots to West Africa
Ciara’s connection to West Africa runs deep. Just a few months earlier, in July 2025, she discovered her ancestral roots in the Benin Republic after a DNA test revealed strong ties to the region. This discovery led to her becoming one of the first public figures to be granted Beninese citizenship under the country’s new law, passed in September 2024, which allows people of African descent to reclaim nationality “by recognition.”
Her Lagos trip felt like a full-circle moment — a heartfelt return to her roots and to the continent that has long inspired her artistry, rhythm, and style.
The moments that made Ciara the undeniable star of Lagos Fashion Week
Ciara’s presence at Lagos Fashion Week was nothing short of show-stopping. She made her first public appearance at the Onalaja show, turning heads in a signature Onalaja Script Dress that had social media in a frenzy. Until that moment, fans had no idea she was in the country — and excitement spread like wildfire.
On day 2 of Lagos Fashion Week, she closed out the Fruché Spring/Summer 2026. Ciara stole the spotlight in a fiery red Fruché gown. It’s pleated fabric flowing with every step, and exaggerated sleeves added a touch of drama. The deep V-neckline, adorned with delicate beadwork, gave just the right sparkle. However, the red gele crowned the look, blending tradition with high-fashion flair. With minimal accessories and radiant confidence, she truly owned the runway. She also embodied the spirit of African elegance and modern glamour.
Not letting the momentum die down, Ciara turned heads on day 3 of Lagos Fashion Week in a striking ensemble: a black bedazzled shirt paired with sleek black sunglasses, a silver skirt featuring two side slits layered over safety shorts, and chunky biker shoes that added extra height to her look. The look exuded effortless comfort, making it clear she was ready to have a good time.
On day 4, the grand finale of Lagos Fashion Week, Ciara wowed in a white two-piece suit with long sleeves and floor-length trousers, paired with high-heeled brown shoes that added her signature elevated touch. Watching from the audience on the other days, it was clear that she was fully immersed in the creativity on display—enjoying the shows just as much as we did.
Read also: The standout shows that defined Lagos Fashion Week day 3 — a masterclass in storytelling and style
Beyond the runway
Beyond the runway, Ciara dove into Lagos’s vibrant art and culture scene. She swapped her fashion-week looks for a traditional bubu gown, topped with a dramatic blue gele and a horse-tail accessory, before posing for photos with Chief Dr. Nike Davies-Okundaye, founder of the Nike Art Gallery. Her visit to this iconic cultural landmark was a perfect celebration of Lagos’s creativity, heritage, and the city’s unmistakable flair.
As part of Lagos Fashion Week’s 15th anniversary celebrations, Lagos House, Marina, hosted a stylish brunch for designers, artists, and industry leaders. The event honoured the creative forces shaping Lagos’s reputation on the global fashion map. Hosted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ciara’s presence made it even more memorable. Her visit perfectly captured the city’s rising status as a hub of style, culture, and creativity.
View this post on Instagram
</div>
As of yesterday, her most recent adventures show Ciara transformed into a “global Iria maiden”. This is courtesy of Nigerian couture powerhouse TUBO. Designed by Sandrah Tubobereni, this custom masterpiece draws inspiration from the Ijaw people’s Iria ceremony — a vibrant rite of passage celebrating womanhood. The look comes alive through intricate beadwork, coral accents, and sculptural forms.
A homecoming to remember
With Lagos Fashion Week closing on 2 November 2025, Ciara’s trip reminds us how fashion and culture intertwine. More than a runway appearance, her return was a celebration of artistry and the dynamic soul of Lagos. And if the past few days are anything to go by, her Lagos story is only just beginning.
Read more: Beyond the runway: How Lagos Fashion Week is powering Nigeria’s creative economy
