Lagos has delivered another reason to pay attention to Nigerian fashion. The 16th edition of Lagos Fashion Week ran from 28 October to 1 November 2026, with runway shows at the Federal Palace Hotel and presentations across the city. Its theme, “CRAFTED: Heritage. Innovation. Circular Futures,” put craftsmanship and the future of African design firmly in focus.
One of the standout stories was Akwete Reimagined, a collaboration between Emmy Kasbit and luxury retailer ALÁRA. By exploring traditional Akwete weaving through contemporary fashion, the presentation brought attention to the possibilities within indigenous Nigerian textiles. Ajanée’s Spring/Summer 2027 collection, Masquerading (Cloth as Spirit), meanwhile, explored reworked garments and repurposed fabrics. Together, these collections offered an exciting editorial message: heritage can inspire fresh design, and existing materials can become something worth looking at again.
For readers looking for wardrobe inspiration, texture was a major talking point. British Vogue’s coverage highlighted raffia at Kíléntár, Pepper Row and Fruché, alongside expressive tailoring and experimental materials elsewhere on the schedule. Atafo revisited corporate dressing through its All Boys Out collection, while DWL incorporated indigenous textiles into looks that combined authority with cultural identity. The styling lesson? Let one beautifully considered texture or silhouette give an outfit its personality.
There was also a headline-making runway appearance. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu walked for Nigerian menswear designer Ugo Monye, surprising guests during the final evening of the main runway shows. The moment attracted attention beyond the usual fashion audience and gave Nigerian menswear another prominent public platform.
Beyond the photographs, the Fashion Business Series addressed funding, intellectual property, sustainable business structures and relationships between designers and artisans. Those conversations deserve attention alongside the clothes: a memorable collection depends on skilled people, and creative businesses need support that lasts beyond fashion week.
For ROMINAH, the most compelling takeaway is the confidence in these materials and ideas. A woven textile, an intricate surface or an unexpected silhouette can make luxury feel personal. This season’s coverage gives fashion lovers plenty to admire—and a reason to look more closely at who made the clothes and how.
Which would you bring into your wardrobe: contemporary Akwete, statement raffia or beautifully tailored power dressing?
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