Lagos Fashion Week: A Global Hub for Sustainable African Fashion
Founded in 2011 by Omoyemi Akerele, Lagos Fashion Week is a five-day event held each October in Lagos, featuring more than 70 designers and attracting over 15,000 attendees. Staged at the Federal Palace hotel, the event has evolved past early challenges such as power cuts and traffic issues, now benefiting from improved infrastructure and sponsorships, notably from Heineken.
The week has carved out a distinct global niche alongside major fashion cities like New York, London, Milan, and Paris, by showcasing Nigerian talent alongside pan-African designers. Notable designers who have gained international recognition through the event include Onalaja, Lisa Folawiyo, and Kenneth Ize, who have gone on to present collections in Milan, Paris, and New York.
Sustainability is a core focus of Lagos Fashion Week, underscored by initiatives such as Green Access and Woven Threads. Each year, five designers receive training in circular fashion practices, among them Alexandra Obochi of Ifenkili. The event's commitment to sustainable fashion earned it the Earthshot Prize in the Build a Waste-Free World category, awarding £1 million to further its efforts.
Emmy Kasbit showcased a collection using handwoven Akwete fabric during the week, and Ciara closed the Fruché catwalk wearing a traditional gele, exemplifying the event's blend of cultural heritage and contemporary style.
Founder Omoyemi Akerele emphasizes that the event builds industry names and creates opportunities through a community-driven approach to design. While acknowledging ongoing imperfections, she stresses the significant impact Lagos Fashion Week has had on preserving culture, creating jobs, and transforming lives.
