Lagos Fashion Week is almost here, and these are the Nigerian designers we’ve been anticipating all year long
Calling all fashion lovers, Lagos Fashion Week 2025 is almost here, and it already feels bigger and better than ever! After all the excitement from the international fashion weeks, we’re finally back home for our very own celebration of style.
Lagos Fashion Week (LFW) 2025 is just around the corner, taking place from October 29 to November 2 at the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos, Nigeria. This year marks the 15th anniversary, celebrated under the theme “In Full Bloom.” It’s a fitting tribute to how far African fashion has come — growing, thriving, and making waves on the global stage.
The event will spotlight sustainability, circular design, and local manufacturing, reflecting the industry’s shift toward more responsible fashion. Over 60 designers from across Africa are set to present their SS26 collections, promising a rich mix of creativity and innovation. Beyond the runways, there’ll also be business masterclasses, showroom presentations, and initiatives like the Green Access accelerator, which was established to nurture the next generation of pioneering sustainable and circular practices in African fashion
Here are some of the brands we can’t wait to see light up the runway this SS26 season.
ONALAJA
Onalaja, founded by Kanyinsola Onalaja in 2014, has carved out a distinct space in womenswear by blending Nigerian heritage with refined European craftsmanship. Her designs feature pretty fabrics, daring use of colour, and intricate embellishments, which make people celebrate them. This year marks a major milestone for the brand. It celebrated its 10th anniversary with a new emblem and a stunning summer edit that perfectly captures its growth and artistic evolution. At Lagos Fashion Week 2025, I’m especially excited to see Onalaja’s signature sculptural gowns and luxurious designs in motion.
Read more: ONALAJA marks a new chapter with a refined emblem and aesthetic summer statement
Hertunba
Hertunba, led by Florentina Agu, has always stood out to me for its deep commitment to sustainability and the celebration of local craftsmanship. The brand works with upcycled fabrics and handwoven textiles like Akwete while supporting Nigerian artisans throughout its design process. It’s a brand that goes beyond style as every piece reflects purpose, empowerment, and the strength of women through tailoring that truly means business.
Recently, Hertunba showcased its vision on a global stage at the Seoul Africa Festival 2025, highlighting how African fashion can shine on international runways. For this season, I’m looking forward to more fluid tailoring, her signature vivid prints and textiles and also designs rooted in culture and power.
Read also: Hertunba’s sustainable fashion symphony: The Sound Wave Collection
IAMISIGO
IAMISIGO, founded by Bubu Ogisi in 2013, is easily one of the most daring and thought-provoking labels in African fashion today, and personally, I find it endlessly inspiring. The brand draws from ancestral techniques, working closely with artisan communities across Africa to create pieces that feel raw, spiritual, and deeply artistic.
Earlier this year, IAMISIGO received the prestigious Zalando Visionary Award for its dedication to craftsmanship, ethics, and boundary-pushing design. At Lagos Fashion Week 2025, we can expect striking silhouettes and powerful storytelling — a show that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
Street Souk
Since its inception, Street Souk, founded by Iretidayo Zaccheaus, has become a prominent platform for young creative talent. The brand blends street culture with high fashion, bringing fresh energy to Nigeria’s fashion scene. As a strong influence on the alté movement — short for “alternative,” a subculture that celebrates self-expression and non-conformity, Street Souk perfectly captures that high-street, urban-African vibe.
With Gen Z leading the charge in self-expression through fashion, Street Souk remains one of the biggest drivers of their streetwear and urban style in Lagos. At Lagos Fashion Week 2025, we’ll definitely be watching out for their runway or pop-up — a glimpse into where Nigerian street style is headed next.
FIA
FIA, founded by Funke (F), Ijeoma (I), and Abisose (A) — also known as The FIA Factory — is celebrated for its modern, feminine ready-to-wear pieces. Their designs are modern, feminine, and full of life. From vibrant prints to easy-fitting styles that make every piece feel effortlessly elegant. There’s a youthful, playful spirit in their work that I really love; it’s confident without trying too hard.
In Nigeria’s contemporary womenswear scene, FIA continues to stand out for its unapologetic mix of colours and its knack for turning simple silhouettes into something unforgettable. At Lagos Fashion Week 2025, I’m expecting the runway to be bursting with fun, eclectic and chic looks.
Cute-Saint
CuteSaint, founded by Muftau Femi Ajose, is a design house deeply rooted in heritage fabrics, sustainable practices, and a strong urban edge. With a mission to share Africa’s story with the world through fashion, the brand creates pieces that celebrate culture, identity, and history. At Lagos Fashion Week, we can expect designs that proudly showcase authentic African heritage in every detail.
DESIRÉE IYAMA
Desirée Iyama has been making waves with her self-titled brand, known for its luxury occasionwear designed for the modern woman. Her pieces exude elegance and sophistication, featuring refined tailoring that instantly gives off a confident energy. This season, we’ll definitely be on the lookout for her elegant gowns and stunning statement pieces.
Read also: Desirée Iyama is setting long-lasting fashion trends with sustainable practices
NKWO
NKWO by Nkwo Onwuka is one brand I’m really looking forward to seeing. They put sustainability at the heart of everything they do. They upcycle denim, using handwoven fabrics to create something truly special. Known for their low-impact process, NKWO makes limited-edition, one-of-a-kind pieces from post-consumer textile waste, locally sourced natural fibres, and recycled materials. Their focus on craft and reuse sets them apart in today’s world, where fashion is becoming more mindful. At Lagos Fashion Week 2025, we can expect to see pieces that are not just beautiful but also meaningful.
Orange Culture
Alt Text: Ayup Grace in Orange Culture three patch top and hand beaded print pants
I know I’ve said I’m looking forward to several brands this season, but if there’s one I truly can’t wait to see, it’s Orange Culture. Launched in 2011 by Adebayo Oke-Lawal, the brand is nothing short of iconic. A true trailblazer that’s made its mark worldwide. I’ve always admired how Orange Culture blurs gender lines. How they create androgynous pieces and fluid silhouettes that challenge the norms of menswear and womenswear alike. There’s this fearless mix of colours, locally made fabrics, and raw emotion in every collection that just feels so authentic.
It’s no surprise the brand gained international recognition, even earning a nomination for the LVMH Prize in 2015. At Lagos Fashion Week 2025, I’m expecting a show that’s defiant, joyful and inclusive as always.
Lisa Folawiyo
Lisa Folawiyo has been a true trailblazer for over 15 years. She completely transformed how we see Ankara and African prints. She is turning them into luxurious, hand-embellished pieces that beautifully merge heritage with high fashion. Since 2015, she’s been recognised on the Business of Fashion (BoF) 500 list, showing just how much of a substantial figure she is in the fashion world. At Lagos Fashion Week 2025, Lisa Folawiyo’s presence feels like a nod to legacy and excellence. I’ll be watching closely for her signature mix of embellishments, print, and refined craftsmanship.
From Lagos to the world
&amp;lt;span class=”yoast-text-mark” style=”font-weight: 400;”>>As the countdown to Lagos Fashion Week 2025 continues, the excitement feels almost tangible with a mix of pride, heritage, creativity, and pure anticipation.</p>
>The world is watching as African fashion takes its rightful place on the global stage, and Lagos, bold as ever, leads the charge. With each collection and every designer pushing the boundaries of what African fashion can be, this year promises more than just a showcase but a celebration of growth and evolution.</span>
Read more: Marie Claire Nigeria Trend report: Lagos Fashion Week 2024
