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 inter sectional 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.
