The Heineken Lagos fashion week started with its first runway show as an off-site event by Eki Kere at Alara Lagos.
The runway show continued at the Federal Palace Hotel, Ikoyi with Kadiju, Desiree Iyama, and FIA to other designers such as Gozel Green, Emmy Kasbit, Elie Kuame, Ejiro Amos Tafari, Ajobi, Ugo Monye, Odio Mimonet who closed the on-site show by telling everyone whom the Odio Mimonet woman is in soft loose and form-fitting accentuating silhouettes, shimmery pieces, and signature fabric.
The Green Access initiative and Bestseller foundation finalist- SVL designs, Oshobor, House of Kachi, Sahrzard design, Olisa Kenya, Meta Kay, Pettre Taylor, Heru Shizi, Lulla Studio and Aorah gave a beautiful show with their various collections in bright hues, repurposed jeans, headstock fabrics, and asymmetrical cuts in various silhouettes. Lush hair also gave a great presentation with their hair extensions on various hairstyles.
Other off-site shows were Iamisigo, Dye Lab, Sisiano, Lagos Space Programme, Andrea Iyamah, Imad Eduso, and Banke Kuku. As we approached fashion week, I was looking forward to someone interpreting us as a people in our togetherness which Banke Kuku did with new prints in various colors and new silhouettes. Banke Kuku’s show started with the Banke Kuku and Gabrielle Union’s collaboration and continued with the spring summer 2023 collection which pays homage to Nigerian Culture Unity; Diversity in Harmony. “Banke Kuku’s hand-drawn prints for SS23 are thoughtfully designed to record moments in history and depict the stories of Africa through stunning garments and accessories. By weaving a symbolic thread between local artisanal tailoring and organic craftsmanship, this collection further typifies the designer’s commitment to collaboration. In parallel to Banke Kuku’s drive towards a unified Nigeria, the designer explores the intersectional relationship between the multitude of tribes and cultures within the country.
The designs in the collection envision a world where “Unity” is a verb, and the concept of “diversity in harmony’’ is brought to life. The feather print which is inspired by the Eagle feather is an ode to Igbo culture. This motif is intertwined with the Bead print which represents the intricately complex beaded craft in the northern, Hausa region of Nigeria. Both prints are layered with the Yoruba flower which is a floral motif found on the throne of traditional Yoruba Kings from the Southern regions.
All the elements are drawn together by the hibiscus flower print; a beautiful flower common to all tribes that is rich in healing properties and is a symbol of healing across Nigeria. Akin to the designer’s vision, the creative process and materiality are paramount and each piece within the collection has been designed with meticulous detailing. Traditional tribal silhouettes are seen throughout the collection, whilst classic staples such as the pyjama sets make an updated reemergence for SS23’’.
As a first-time attendee at the Heineken Lagos Fashion week, it was totally worth it. The organizers are doing a great job of fostering the fashion business on the continent. It was well organized and communication was seamless. All the models did well in bringing each piece to life. The designers did a fantastic job with their collections as I wanted almost everything I saw. Networking was very good as everyone was willing to meet new people and exchange ideas. Heineken Lagos Fashion week is definitely a worthy fashion destination in Africa.
