Lagos Fashion Week has announced that applications are now open for Green Access 2025, its flagship accelerator program dedicated to shaping the future of African fashion.
As part of its 15th-anniversary celebrations, the 2025 Lagos Fashion Week Green Access challenges emerging designers to transform pre- and post-consumer textile waste into sustainable designs rooted in Africa’s rich craftsmanship.
Since its inception, Green Access has been instrumental in nurturing a new generation of designers committed to circularity and sustainable practices. Alumni have gone on to build innovative brands that continue to redefine the essence of responsible production. Past participants, such as Kadiju, Pepperrow, Cute Saint, Ywande, Desiree Iyama, Ajanée, Pettre Taylor, and Oshobor exemplify how the program equips designers to combine creativity, cultural storytelling, and commercial impact.
“Green Access is more than a program: it’s a movement that empowers young designers to imagine new possibilities for African fashion while honouring the traditions that shape our identity,” said Omoyemi Akerele, Founder & Convener of Lagos Fashion Week. “As we mark 15 years of Lagos Fashion Week, we remain committed to fostering innovation that is bold, creative, and regenerative.”
The 2024 cohort included designers Samiat Salami (Oya Abeo), Bella Adeleke (Garbe), and Rosette Ale (Revival London). Their work showcased how Green Access equips emerging talent to navigate creative challenges while producing designs that are both commercially and culturally resonant. Through mentorship, skills development, and platform exposure, Green Access drives sustainable growth in African fashion. It is also shaping a new generation of designers who honour heritage while redefining industry standards.
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Green Access 2025 will guide participants through four core areas:
Craft-driven innovation: Transforming discarded textiles using traditional African techniques such as weaving, embroidery, and dyeing.
Reimagining Waste: Breathing new life into deadstock and used clothing through reconstruction and modular design.
Youth Activation: Collaborating with young artisans to promote skill-sharing, community engagement, and income generation.
Digital Exploration: Integrating modern technologies such as 3D printing into heritage-based circular design.
Green Access residency at Nahous
To elevate the experience, Lagos Fashion Week is partnering with NAHOUS, a multidisciplinary destination within the restored Old Federal Palace Hotel.
Green Access designers will also participate in a one-week residency at NAHOUS to develop capsule collections. There, they will engage with a curated community of industry tastemakers in a hands-on, collaborative, and inspiring creative process.
Program timeline
The hybrid accelerator begins with three weeks of virtual sessions, followed by the physical residency at NAHOUS. Each participant will produce a three-look capsule collection to be showcased on the Lagos Fashion Week runway this October.
Applications are open to emerging designers in or connected to Nigeria until 19 September 2025. Apply here.
Key dates
Green Access applications open on 11 August 2025 and close 19 September 2025
Runway Shows (onsite & offsite): Oct. 29 – Nov. 2, 2025
Follow the Conversation: #LAGOSFW25 #LAGOSFWat15
For more information, visit lagosfashionweek.ng or follow @lagosfashionweekofficial on Instagram and @LFW_NG on Twitter.
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