Lagos, like other cities acclaimed for their citizens’ style, is filled with people who would rather do too much than not enough; who would rather take daring fashion risks than rock up in a dull fit. Pushed to characterise fashion in Nigeria’s largest city, kaleidoscopic colours, more-is-more headwear and an innate individualism spring to mind. Nowhere is this more evident than in the streets around Lagos Fashion Week, one of Africa’s leading fashion events. Founded in 2011 by Omoyemi Akerele as a talent-discovery platform, Lagos Fashion Week has become an annual pilgrimage site for industry insiders and style enthusiasts alike.
Today, eleven years in, Lagos Fashion Week continues to serve as a launchpad for the careers of some of Nigeria’s most recognisable labels — the likes of Orange Culture, Lagos Space Programme and Tokyo James — and fashion creatives alike. And even as the Nigerian fashion industry has achieved international significance, with Lagos-based fashion designers, models and wider fashion talent now playing a key role in steering global industry conversations, Lagos Fashion Week continues to hold its own at the centre of the Nigerian fashion conversation.
Alongside photographer Manny Jefferson, we caught up with some of the stylish attendees to learn more about why they attend the shows, and the logic behind their looks.
Ricky
What brings you to Lagos Fashion Week?
I love fashion week because playing dress up, and putting pieces from different worlds together is one of my favourite things. I love to see fashion from a not-so-regular angle. So why would I come to a place where I’d meet like-minded people, get inspired even more, and be happy while at it? There you have your answer.
What are your biggest style inspirations?
Sometimes, I wonder why people evolved past a certain era. I just love to mix [vintage fashion] up a little bit with modern-day designs and styles.
How would you describe fashion in Lagos?
I’d describe it as expressive and daring. I haven’t been to many cities in Nigeria, but the few I’ve been to do not come close when it comes to the beauty of Lagos fashion. There is always someone that’d come up with a ‘wow’ style, just when you thought you’ve seen it all.
Afamefuna Uzonna Sandra
What inspired your outfit?
I love to mix androgynous pieces with very sultry clothing, this is the best way to define my style. I have on a waistcoat and dress (worn as a skirt) from Meshki – and to make the look edgier, I added the jacket.
What are your biggest style inspirations?
I always like to have a structured silhouette with interesting details and flattering cuts. I tend to go for more neutral-coloured clothing but sometimes I might add bright colours. I’ve always loved the power shoulder trend, too.
How would you describe fashion in Lagos?
I think fashion in Lagos is not as conservative as it used to be. People are no longer shy to express themselves through their personal style. There’s a lot of creative freedom here.
Tsi Tse
What brings you to Lagos Fashion Week?
I think there are a couple of brands that I want to see. Kadiju, FRUCHE, TJ Who – those brands are chef’s kisses. I wanted to see what they have this season, especially with Kadiju’s new menswear collection. It’s really exciting to see them translate their brand story into menswear.
What is your biggest style inspiration?
Whatever looks good really. I am very much about trial and error, I tend to try on and on till it works. I like using my pieces in ways other people probably wouldn’t.
How would you describe fashion in Lagos?
Fashion in Lagos is so different. Lagos to me is the fashion capital of the world. You can go to one event and see two people dressed to the nines but in very different ways.
Rey Wright
What brings you to Lagos Fashion Week?
I personally love sitting down and watching the shows. I love seeing all the fashionable people in Lagos.
What inspired your outfit?
Comfort. Whenever I am going to events, I like wearing oversized outfits because I feel cool in them but also still stylish.
What is your biggest style inspiration?
Not one specific thing or person, I go on Pinterest and look for what sticks out to me. My biggest style inspirations are probably anime characters and shows.
Kem Kem
What brings you to Lagos Fashion Week?
This is actually my first time at Lagos Fashion Week. I came here to see the community surrounding fashion week. I believe what you wear is more than just clothing but part of your identity, and I want to see that up close.
What is your biggest style inspiration?
Erykah Badu. My boyfriend.
How would you describe fashion in Lagos?
To me, it is more about one’s identity. It is wherever you find yourself, whatever you feel in that moment. Fashion in Lagos is always evolving and moving and pushing, too.
Afamdi Chidudem Peter
What inspired your outfit?
The idea of wanting to look mysterious. I just tried on a couple pieces from my yet-to-launch brand @dnd_orb and couldn’t decide what blazers to go with, so I said why not both. Then the mask really complimented the whole outfit, I think.
What is your biggest style inspiration?
Mainly window shopping, I get to create various styles in my head by matching things I see along with my wardrobe.
How would you describe fashion in Lagos?
In a word: diverse.
Hafsat Yusuff Ochuwa
What inspired your outfit?
I am wearing RVMPD. It’s an upcycled fashion brand I recently launched to promote sustainable fashion. The dress was made out of old denim I own and no longer wear. My fur bag was just something I put together at the last minute because I wanted to make a fashion statement. Then I made the boot accessory out of the remaining fabric from the bag.
What are your biggest style inspirations?
I am highly inspired by sustainable fashion. I fall in love with unique and unconventional fashion pieces once I set my eyes on them, regardless of the brand or designer. If it’s 100% sustainable, then I’m sold.
How would you describe fashion in Lagos?
Fashion in Lagos is interesting. We have a wide variety of fashion enthusiasts in Lagos, and you’ll often see styles that either wow you or throw you off. What I love regardless, though, is the fact that fashion lovers are always making a conscious effort to up their fashion game.
Credits
Photography Manny Jefferson