The talented Lisa Folawiyo invited us to a glimpse of her mind at work with her latest collection on the 8th of November, 2024. The show was set at the poolfront of Azuri Towers in Victoria Island, where the wind blew through the designs delicately. I spent some time backstage, and the experience was surreal, as I was met with artisanal finery. The pieces were perfectly tailored and featured sharply cut, sophisticated dresses. This is the legacy of Lisa Folawiyo Studios, the Maison is known for its intentionality and craftsmanship.
A sporty and playful runway via Kola Oshalusi
Opening the show was a sequin dress in green, white and black, the silhouette reminiscent of a sporty girl. Instantly, I understood the theme of the show; playful and sporty. She paired these pieces with beaded bags and little ornaments made to look like footballs. Rainbow stripes came next, colliding with black and white on some pieces, while fringe trimmings extended the stripes on others. I was reminded of Lisa’s playfulness with accessories, colours and the elements that showcase her attention to detail.
Some personal favourites from the collections via Kola Oshulasi
To add more detail to the runway, the earrings were in the letters ‘L’ and ‘F’, the label’s initials. The collection featured black and white, sequins, patterns and prints, fringes, coats and accessories. Lisa Folawiyo continues to raise the bar in the Nigerian fashion scene, using traditional silhouettes to create contemporary pieces.
Indigenous hairstyles at Lisa Folawiyo Studios via Adedamola Odetara
After the show, I had a conversation with Lisa about the collection and her point of view on the African fashion industry. When asked what her vision for the collection was, she said, “I wanted to interpret the idea of life through sports. We all strive as individuals, constantly pushing to achieve something.” Lisa mentioned that even while the message of the collection is strong, she wanted the pieces to feel whimsical and soft. “The motion of these pieces in the air sort of feels like we’re dancing through life.”
Lisa was also inspired by the Ayò game, an indigenous board game popular in her native hometown. “This board game is played by two people and is considered one of the oldest board games in the world. I infused the Ayò concept into the prints of some of these pieces as well. I was very intentional about the messages that I was trying to convey as a designer.”
Image credit: Adedamola Odetara
Speaking on the design process, the famed designer said some pieces couldn’t make the runway because the design process was tedious and time-consuming. “I wanted the pieces to be really detailed, so I’ve been working on this collection for a very long time. We went through so many samples, especially with the accessories. We needed to communicate a lot with the artisans, and we kept sampling till we got some satisfying results.” Suffice to say, more of this collection will be available on the hangers and shelves.
Some accessories from the collection via Adedamola Odetara
In the coming years, Lisa Folawiyo is striving for visibility and continued desirability. Her passion for design is a blazing fire, and the designer is just getting started.
“ I believe that authenticity is very important because creativity is something that should come from within. I hope we’re able to continuously be relevant, visible and consistent.”
Backstage at the Lisa Folawiyo show via Adedamola Odetara
Speaking on the fashion industry, Lisa gave a nod to Adebayo Lawal of Orange Culture, who she describes as a brilliant storyteller. She also mentioned I Am Isigo, Kilentar, Eki Kere and Mai Atafo as some Nigerian fashion designers whose work she admires.
Evidently, the fashion industry in Nigeria is shaping to become a force to reckon with globally. The best part is the internal recognition and appreciation Nigerian fashion designers are getting. Speaking of this ripple effect, Lisa said, “I believe even as individuals, you’ve got to love yourself first before you can love others.” Just like Lisa, I love to see Africans respecting African brands and designs.
“It was quite different decades ago. What happens here is part of the charm and because we’re doing it for us, bringing our essence to the table, we’re still on the right track. We cannot deny the fact that we’re not working in the most enabling environment, but our ability to make ends meet should be valued and appreciated.”
The show’s finale with Lisa via Adedamola Odetara
