Here Is What We Think Of Lagos Fashion Week 2019

Fashion shows are like a fashion paradise for fashion lovers because all sorts of designs and collections, from both new and established designers, are showcased. The thrill and buzz a fashion show brings with it are phenomenal and always pose an opportunity for fashionistas to show off stunning pieces they own.

The Lagos Fashion Week 2019, with the theme Shaping Fashion’s Future, held at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos from the 23rd to the 26th of October, 2019. Being a Pan-African platform, the week featured talents from all over Africa – Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Dakar, and Ivory Coast, to mention a few. 

With designers from different cultures and backgrounds, the range of collections showcased was vast and exciting. Everyone had an opportunity to show their designs to the world. From brands like NKWO showcasing their sustainable collection to established and internationally recognised brands like Maki Oh, Mai Atafo, and Lisa Folawiyo doing the same. 

The collections showcased covered both male and female fashion and ranged from streetwear to classic eveningwear. Many designers used local fabrics like Ankara, George, and Ask Oke fabrics to make stunning style-defining pieces. There was also a mix of looks, from minimal conservative looks to flamboyant extravagant looks complete with feathers, ruffles, pleats, and exaggerated headpieces.

Theme

The theme, Shaping Fashion’s Future, was fitting for the event as designers showcased contemporary and trend-setting designs on the runway. The styles showcased on the runway showed that African designers hold the key to the future of fashion.

The rich assortment of colours, styles, and fabrics that were displayed and the way traditional fabrics were used to make contemporary designs showed the versatility of African fashion designers. The display on the runway and the theme of the fashion week truly worked hand-in-hand.

Responsiveness of Fashion lovers

For the Lagos fashion Week, fashion lovers came out in droves to both watch the event and showcase their personal styles. There were amazing styles not only on the runway but off the runway as well. The excitement of guests was evident in the air especially when certain celebrities graced the runway.

Among the celebrities that walked the runway were Big Brother Nigeria’s Teddy A, Mike, and Ike, Toke Makinwa, Denola Grey, Beverly Osu, and DJ Spinall, to name a few. Other celebrities, like Sharon Ooja showed up at the event as guests.

Setup and Decor

The setup and decor of the Lagos Fashion Week 2019 fashion show were similar to those of many fashion shows around the world. Rows of chairs, in ascending order, lined both sides of the runway so fashion lovers and spectators could have a look at all the action happening on stage. 

Four big screens sat on the walls on either side of the runway displaying the name of the brand whose collection was currently walking the runway and colourful graphics. The room was dimly lit, except for the runway, which had rows of lights right above it giving guests a clear view of all that was happening. The walls in the hall were mainly bare with intervals of a repeated pattern on them. 

Overall, the Lagos Fashion Week 2019 was a true representation of the multi-faceted and varied African continent. It showcased African fashion in a new and beautiful light that we embraced seeing.

However, the fact that the runway shows started later than indicated was a big turn off for many and something that the Lagos Fashion Week organisers have to work on.