Another day of Lagos Fashion Week brought us back to the Federal Palace Hotel to witness fashion tell even more stories of the society that we live in. On Day 3, 25th October, 2024, the designers mirrored an idealistic world. One where fashion is holistic and unifying. While the rains poured down and kept so many from an early attendance – rain and traffic in Lagos go together real bad – nothing could dampen the spirit of the designers prepared to showcase years of dedication to their craft on the runway.
The collections from day 3 focused on themes like showcasing the strength of traditional women, especially the artisans who created the pieces and the diverse women who will wear them. We saw titles pulled from different geopolitical zones in Nigeria with traditional textiles getting a facelift.
Hertunba
Hertunba has always kept its values at the forefront of its clothing, making it one of my favourite brands. They are champions for body positivity, making clothes that flatter varying body types and shapes but also holding strong to the traditions and practices that inspire their creations. The brand showcased their latest collection, “The Women Before Us” to astounding applause by the audience. The runway featured models of all ages, some of whom wore traditional headpieces, a nod to the designer’s upbringing in Benin, Edo state of Nigeria. Edo women are known for their strength, elegance, warmth, and unwavering work ethic and the designer, Florentina Agu aimed to showcase these qualities on the runway.
Eso by Liman
The new North, West East collection was a nod to the past. It was exciting to see how the designer pulled from old styles and fashion trends, merging both into contemporary fashion. For example, some pieces made of dry lace, an old style trend, were stained with Adire, also a traditional textile practice, in a way that was both recognisable and novel. The brand, Eso by Liman has grown from the Green Access category in 2023 where it was an emerging brand to showcasing a cohesive and innovative collection this year.
Loza Maleombho
A certain favourite of mine, Loza Maleombo’s showcase was energetic, fun and sultry. The Ivorian designer collaborated with aeroplane company Viva Jets for this runway. The first couple of outfits featured reimagined flight attendant uniforms paired with the designer’s signature leather shoes and golden accessories. Loza Maleombho’s coordinated runway, with boots colour-matching each outfit, featured structured fabric made into flirty but powerful silhouettes. I dare say – pleats are back and they are just as fun as ever!
Oya Abeo
This brand showcased in the Green Access category, sponsored this year by footwear brand, Toms. The category is dedicated to sustainable fashion brands breaking through in the industry. Oya Abeo showcased the playfulness of authentic prints. The brand has had a fabulous year with the yellow hibiscus linen dress gaining popularity for its stylish yet sexy silhouettes. Although the category allows for only a few pieces per designer, the continuity and cohesiveness of its theme were apparent.. Oya Abeo is for the fun-loving sultry woman, proving that both dynamics can exist smoothly.
Revival LDN
As a denim lover and a susty babe, the brand Revival LDN has been on my radar for quite some time for its innovative approach to fashion. The brand reuses old denim to create 90’s inspired silhouettes. Also in the Green Access category, the brand showcased versatile denim pieces that I envision would work well as both accessories and even as clothing articles. Like this denim belt that a model wore over trousers but could also serve as a denim skirt.
