Lagos Fashion Week: Changing Body Norms and Celebrating Traditions

Thursday 24th October 2024, Day 2 of Lagos Fashion Week 2024 officially opened the in-house runways this year. The designers delivered a spectacle of culture, craftsmanship, and star power, by presenting collections that seamlessly blended heritage with contemporary aesthetics. The runway wasn’t just a showcase of clothes—it was a celebration of identity, storytelling, and artistic expression.

These collections told various stories surrounding social themes and conversations that plague us as a society now. Like body positivity, with Alexandra Obochi walking the runway after her famous call out – representing diverse body types instead of the typical model size. There was a celebration of traditional pride, showcasing homegrown talent where one of the world’s biggest Afrobeats artists, Davido, proudly walked a local runway.

Here are our favourite collections from the runway

Ugo Monye celebrating African craftmanship

Ugo Monye via Lagos Fashion Week website

Davido opened the show for Ugo Monye, setting an electrifying tone for the Ife Aso Anyi collection. The pieces celebrated African heritage with a modern twist—free-flowing agbadas, tailored trousers, and capes in earthy tones like brown, black, and white. Traditional Aso Oke fabric was at the heart of the collection, with accessories like pearls and beaded jewellery enhancing the regal feel. Tubo Bereni, draped in a statement cape dress, embodied a “woman king.” Bringing Monye’s vision of strength and elegance to life. This collection was a bold fusion of culture and craftsmanship, celebrating both individuality and community.

Oshobor stands out with body positivity

collection via Lagos Fashion Week website

The 9th offering collection by Oshobor’s show began with Alexander Obochi, who recently spoke passionately about diversity and representation on the runway. A fiery red palette dominated the collection. Symbolising strength, connection, and the richness of Edo heritage. The pieces ranged from floor-length gowns adorned with intricate beadwork to flowing kaftans that exuded sensuality and grace. Oshobor’s ability to merge traditional motifs with modern silhouettes resulted in a collection that was both nostalgic and refreshingly bold. The inclusive casting highlighted a powerful message: fashion can honour heritage while being accessible to everyone.

Imad Eduso focused on growth

Imad Eduso’s collection via Lagos Fashion Week website

For day 2 of LFW, Imad Eduso’s took inspiration from the transformation of butterflies.  With every piece reflecting growth and resilience. Vibrant colours like purple, blue, and green symbolised renewal, while shimmering fabrics added a delicate touch. Dresses with 3D butterfly appliqués, tailored trousers, and satin tops highlighted the brand’s focus on self-expression. The collection captured the essence of evolution, encouraging women to embrace their journeys with grace and confidence.

 

Ibilola Ogundipe sculpting identity

Ibilola Ogundipe’s collection via Lagos Fashion Week website

Velour Reverie by Ibilola Ogundipe indulged the senses with luxurious fabrics like velvet and satin. The designs were playful yet elegant, featuring rose petal appliqués on fitted dresses, short bubble dresses. Bold colours of red and purple dominated the collection. Evoking a sense of power and sensuality. With each piece, Ogundipe balanced fantasy with practicality, creating a line that felt dreamy yet wearable for the modern muse.

M.O.T fusing tradition and modernity

M.O.T’s collection via Lagos Fashion Week website

Deep Threads by M.O.T’s stayed true to the brand’s signature clean cuts and classic silhouettes, but with a fresh twist. The collection blended rich denim and reworked Aso Oke fabric, offering structured kimono, flared trousers, and cropped tops with detailing and many more. The designs carried a sense of celebration, elevating everyday staples into statement pieces that reflected a fusion of tradition and innovation.

Stay tuned for our recap from other days of Lagos Fashion Week

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