Lagos Fashion Week (LFW) has grown to become much more than an event—it’s a thriving business ecosystem that has catalysed the careers of many Nigerian designers, doing its part in discovering local talents and developing global icons. For over a decade, LFW has played a strong role in turning Nigeria into a fashion powerhouse. Designers like Ejiro Amos Tafiri, Wanni Fuga, and Kadiju, Orange Culture exemplify this journey. Evolving from debut showcases on the LFW runway to celebrated designers on international stages with pop-up stores across world cities.
The early days of LFW
Lagos Fashion Week (LFW), which debuted in 2011, was established to spotlight African fashion and support a new generation of designers. With its annual showcases of bold, innovative talent. Lagos Fashion Week has quickly become a launchpad for emerging designers. Turning brands with humble beginnings into internationally recognized names.
The Fashion Focus Fund initiative has further amplified Lagos Fashion Week’s impact by providing an annual grant to beneficiaries of Fashion Focus Africa. Launching careers and supporting visionary African talent. The Fashion Focus Fund initiative was created by Omoyemi Akerele to further amplify Lagos Fashion Week’s impact by providing an annual grant to beneficiaries of Fashion Focus Africa.
Ejiro Amos Tafiri
My journey in fashion began in 2015 when I attended my first Lagos Fashion Week, and Ejiro was the very first designer I had the pleasure of seeing. Her innovative designs, which celebrate African culture, left a lasting impression on me. Since then, she has successfully hosted pop-ups that have transitioned from Abuja to Alara in Lagos and most recently to Houston. Showcasing her collections to diverse audiences. Ejiro’s journey underscores the impact of Lagos Fashion Week as a platform that enables designers to reach new markets and connect with a global clientele, reinforcing her status as a staple in African fashion.
Emmy Kasbit
Another Lagos Fashion Week success story, Emmy Kasbit, is known for weaving African heritage into modern designs. A former recipient of the Fashion Focus Fund, Emmy recently celebrated his brand’s 10-year milestone with a standout off-site show at Paris Fashion Week. Marking a significant achievement for African designers on an international stage. His latest collection, honouring his journey over the decade, underscores the impact of LFW in helping designers like Emmy move from local platforms to global recognition.
Orange Culture
A bold and innovative brand recognized for its gender-fluid designs and fearless approach to African fashion. Founder Adebayo Oke-Lawal has become a prominent voice in the industry. Earning accolades such as the Beyoncé BeyGOOD grant and the LVMH Prize. Recently, the brand showcased its latest collection on the runway at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, further solidifying its global reputation. Additionally, Adebayo hosted a successful off-site show 27th October 2024 in Lagos, demonstrating Orange Culture’s commitment to creativity and its influence in the local fashion scene.
Wanni Fuga
Since her debut, Wanni Fuga has become synonymous with elevated minimalism, offering versatile and elegant designs that resonate across Africa and beyond. Known for understated sophistication with an African twist. She celebrated her brand’s 10th anniversary with a memorable New York pop-up. Expanding her reach to international audiences. Through her consistent showcases at Lagos Fashion Week, Wanni has built a devoted following, cementing her reputation as one of the continent’s most influential designers in modern African fashion. Recently, the brand celebrated 10 years in the fashion business, with an off-site fashion runway named the Garden of Fuga to close out the Lagos Fashion Week. Her journey highlights Lagos Fashion Week’s contribution to amplifying brands that bring fresh perspectives and redefine African luxury.
Kadiju
By understanding and anticipating what women want, Kadiju has built a devoted following with its meticulously crafted designs that honour and modernise African identity. By leveraging the platform provided by Lagos Fashion Week, Kadiju has expanded its influence. Recently hosting a successful pop-up that expanded from Ikoyi to London. This move introduced Kadiju’s unique pieces to an international audience, showcasing its commitment to sharing African stories through elevated, heritage-inspired creations.
Tiffany Amber
A pioneer in African luxury fashion, Tiffany Amber celebrated 25 years in the industry, underscoring her lasting influence on African style. Known for her feminine and timeless designs, Tiffany Amber’s anniversary showcase highlighted her brand’s evolution while paying homage to her iconic pieces. As an LFW mainstay. Tiffany Amber reflects the platform’s role in shaping African fashion and nurturing brands that inspire and innovate. From showcasing at Lagos Fashion Week to having supermodel Naomi Campbell walk in her designs, a testament to her brand’s international appeal.
The journey of brands like Wanni Fuga, Orange Culture, and Kadiju from the LFW runway to international shows underscores the tremendous growth of Nigerian fashion. The pivotal role that Lagos Fashion Week has played in the growing business of fashion. As these brands continue to expand, Lagos Fashion Week stands as a beacon of inspiration and empowerment, driving the future of African fashion entrepreneurship with each passing season.
