The fourth day of Lagos Fashion Week was a vibrant celebration and display of creativity, heritage, and innovation, showcasing the depth and versatility of the African fashion scene.
Opening a fashion week might be easy, but ending one? That requires meaning, intent and unforgettable performances. After days of celebrating creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage, the Heineken Lagos Fashion Week day 4 was one for the books! A fitting finale delivered in a seven-part immersive performance that told the history of Lagos’ fashion through clothing and music. From renditions of Fela Kuti songs to masquerade dances. It was a gathering of Nigerian fashion stakeholders — from fashion designers to enthusiasts. The runway shows transported guests into a world where fashion became storytelling. It was a seamless fusion of heritage, innovation, and emotion — capturing the bold, expressive, and ever-evolving spirit of Lagos.
The Heineken: City of Cities, a monumental storytelling spectacle
“To remember those who cut, stitched, sewn, and dared. To the stylists, unseen alchemists, turn markers into ateliers, those who turn Lagos — a living, breathing entity —a canvas. This [Lagos Fashion Week] is a way of saying we are here and we belong,” the intermission of the Heineken presentation resounded through the Balmoral Centre, reverberating across the very runway where fashion had come alive over the past days.
A journey through Lagos’ fashion eras
The intermission followed shortly after the opening acts — a striking ode to the 2025 fashion scene, featuring pieces drawn heavily from the SS26 runway collections. A notable trend this year was the use of raffia, straws, and wool as fringes. The Heineken showcase highlighted this, featuring collections from Oshobor, Onalaja, E.S.O by Liman, and Éki Kéré’s SS24 pieces.
The second part saw Heineken stepping into the past and into the Aso Oke era. The Aso Oke largely defined the Lagos party scene in the 60s. They referenced this as the performers played Yoruba classics and danced. After the 60s showcase, things took a chronological turn, with the next part highlighting the high-waisted pants and double-breasted blazers of the 70s. Collections from Garbe SS26 were spotted, as their collection equally explored the chaos of Lagos in clothing.
A celebration of legacy and modern rhythm
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The last part before the intermission was the shimmering disco era, which spanned from the 70s to the 80s. This saw models strut in metallic and iridescent dresses — a trend that made a strong comeback this fashion season. However, SS26 pieces from Onalaja, Kilèntàr, FSS, and Desirée Iyama were the moment.
The intermission marked a shift in tempo, ushering in an all-white ensemble. The singers delivered a heavenly performance, their voices soaring beautifully through each crescendo. The runway also played into the white theme, with pieces from LFJ (SS25 and SS26) and E.S.O by Liman (SS26).
When the soulful performance came to an end, the next part was a tribute and celebration of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. This part did not feature any runway exhibit; it only had music and dance. This ushered in the seventh and final segment. The congratulatory moment! All the singers came on the runway and performed a medley of Afrobeats and Amapiano classics, including Tshwala Bam by TitoM and Yuppe.
The models appeared in iridescent and metallic ensembles straight from the SS26 collections — from Onalaja to Kilèntàr. While the Heineken showcase paid homage to the designers who shaped Lagos Fashion Week 2025, it was only the finale. The shows brought an exquisite approach to fashion — one that made me wonder if Lagos Fashion Week had intentionally saved the best for last.
Read also: The standout shows that defined Lagos Fashion Week day 3 — a masterclass in storytelling and style
Closing in style: The runway moments that defined Lagos Fashion Week
The final day of Lagos Fashion Week, at the Federal Palace Hotel, marked the dawn of new trends that will dominate the fashion scene in 2026. From the comeback of oversized bags to fresh, casual reinterpretations of traditional attire, the runway was a celebration of creativity and cultural evolution. Here are the standout trends that defined Day 4:
Sensuality and structured glamour
A clear return to seductive, body-confident fashion defined several collections, often achieved by deconstructing traditional forms. E.S.O by Liman championed the “sexy” trend with dramatically deconstructed pieces that felt modern and daring. Ndiiche merged traditional aesthetics with modern allure, highlighted by a striking, sexy, backless blue dress. Oshobor also emphasised a sensual, traditional look, but introduced intriguing elements like structured face masks and voluminous fringe wool, with red and a dramatic veil tying the presentation together. Pettre Taylor introduced ruched textures on little brown dresses.
Vibrant palettes and iridescent textures
Colour and light were used to create high-impact collections, confirming the season’s move away from muted tones. Sahrazad presented a rich, luxurious mood with lavish use of satin, a deep purple palette, and intricate beads—including a standout white skirt heavily adorned with them—balanced by airy sheers. FSS was defined by a fiery red palette, incorporating fringe and a dazzling iridescent finish, often paired with traditional gele (head wraps). The iridescent trend was echoed by Maxjenny! in an eye-catching blue collection featuring chic off-shoulder silhouettes, and by Desirée Iyama, who combined it with dramatic ruffles, glitter, and halter necks.
Loungewear elevated and power silhouettes
Comfortable, fluid dressing continues to evolve, now mixed with powerful tailoring and unique cultural accents. AJABENG expertly balanced this with an eclectic mix of loungewear and sharp power jackets, utilising a warm palette of orange and brown and punctuated by dramatic headwear. Adama Paris offered a refined take on loungewear, featuring a rich brown palette and elegant capes.
Cultural motifs and texture focus
Designers leaned into texture and cultural accents to give their collections depth and personality. Cynthia ABILA delivered a signature cultural collection, pairing vibrant orange with intricate patchwork and impactful headwear, showcasing craftsmanship and a strong aesthetic identity. In contrast, while also traditional, Oshobor introduced the tactile, unexpected element of fringe wool into their presentation, proving that heritage textiles are constantly being reimagined.
Unveiling the Green Access cohort
Another hallmark of Lagos Fashion Week is its commitment to spotlighting emerging designers, especially those without industry connections. Through workshops, mentorship, and a coveted Lagos Fashion Week runway slot, the platform propels these designers into the spotlight. It also positions them for potential partnerships with buyers.
The 2025 cohorts featured jewellery, footwear, and clothing designers. Split into three shows, the designers came together to present their complete collections. However, each has fewer than 10 pieces to display.
The 2025 Green Access cohorts were Ndiiche, Sinae Labs, Jilk Studio, Unrefyned, Adage Studio, and Left of Yaba.
Cheers to the new fashion year
From sensual structures to vibrant palettes and elevated loungewear, Lagos Fashion Week Day 4 spotlighted 2026’s emerging trends. It also celebrated the rich cultural tapestry that inspires them.
A seamless integration of modern aesthetics with traditional elements reflects a commentary on identity and belonging within the global fashion landscape. As the curtains close, one thing is clear: Lagos remains a fashion force — inspiring designers and enthusiasts to push boundaries and redefine style.
Read more: All the highlights from day 2 of Lagos Fashion Week — and the looks everyone’s talking about
