The spring/summer <a href="https://absafricatv.com/outgrowing-adversarial-politics-ahead-of-2027/” title=”Outgrowing adversarial politics ahead of 2027″>2027 fashion month may have come to a close in the major cities, but it’s just getting started everywhere else. Over the course of this past weekend, designers and industry insiders came together in Lagos, Nigeria, for the 16th edition of Lagos Fashion Week. Workshops, panels, and presentations focused on sustainability and local talent, alongside a strong lineup of emerging designers and Nigerian household names. Above all else, the designers demonstrated a commitment to craft and heritage. As Aisha Ayensu, the designer behind Christie Brown, said during a panel discussion on day one: “It is necessary to build a sustainable relationship with African artisans, because the success of any African fashion brand relies on the craft people.”
Global favorite Orange Culture (which has shown internationally at New York and London Fashion Weeks) kicked off the season in the city. Curious about the other moments that happened during Lagos Fashion Week? Read on for some of the designers to know from the new season.
Sevon Dejana
Founded in 2015 by Segun Aladejana, Sevon Dejana puts an emphasis on high-drama evening wear with a sculptural, artistic nod. Think: gowns covered in explosive florals and feathers, but sculpted in an unusual way, with a modernist take on traditional haute couture shapes. The label is for the bold, and there is certainly no lack of embellishment or color, as was the case for the new collection presented on the runway for the new season.
Hertunba
Hertunba puts an emphasis on African craft with experimental, sculptural silhouettes. Founder Florentina Agu started taking dressmaking classes at the age of 13, and officially started her line in 2020. The brand makes a point of employing (and training) local women to sew and weave and also reduces waste. 90 percent of Hertunba’s excess materials are repurposed into handcrafted interior décor like rugs and throw pillows, or are pieced together into new, wearable pieces.
PiiLLz and PoiZn
Designed between Lagos and London, PiiLLz and PoiZn takes a slow fashion approach to maximalism. Designer Ifeoma Umenyiora creates pieces that embrace stripes, sequins, and feathers, always with a focal point on color. The label maintains its local craft by offering bespoke tailored gowns and other pieces, all made on-site in its atelier in Lagos.
Bornstar Nigeria
Launched as a sustainable, gender-neutral line by Adedamola Adebayo, most of Bornstar Nigeria’s pieces are made of fabric that is manufactured locally in Nigeria. The brand’s relaxed tailoring is a colorful new take on Nigerian style. Details like intricate beadwork, crochet, and tassels accent the streamlined, tailored separates, and accessories, like chunky bags, are also strong.
Dimeji Ilori
Founded in 2021 by designer Adedayo Ilori, Dimeji Ilori upcycles old pieces to create new garments that are collaged, cut, bleached, and transformed into new tactile wonders. Texture is definitely at the center of the aesthetic. Think: a fluffy hat and matching trims or dresses fully embellished with cowrie shells, as shown above.
