Over the last 15 years, perceptions of fashion’s inner workings have evolved, says photographer Stephen Tayo, who has been documenting Lagos Fashion Week for over eight years. “There’s been more understanding and realization [of the entire fashion sector],” he says, adding that platforms like Lagos Fashion Week are seeking to close the knowledge gap for those looking to break into the industry. “People now know what a buyer is, what they do — the art director, the PRs.”
A catalyst for cultural pride
The pool of local and international influencers is increasing like never before. This season, influencers and content creators from the US and Europe were present in Lagos, many of whom returned from AW25, including Tenicka Boyd, Frilancy Hoyle and Nneka Michel.
“[Last year] was my debut… and it’s become therapeutic for me because it’s my home. It’s [about] standing for what I believe in and what our country can do collectively through fashion,” says Michel. “For me, [Lagos Fashion Week] is now a retreat, a homecoming, [where I’m] always coming back to tap into my culture and coming back to tap into the talent we have here.”
There was also a wider governmental effort to boost tourism beyond Detty December, a period when the diaspora travels to Africa for festivities and celebrations from December to January. That led the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture to invite American musician Ciara to Lagos to attend shows and experience the city during fashion week. Some 30 minutes before it began, Frank Aghuno, founder of contemporary fashion brand Fruche, was told the news that Ciara would walk in his show. “My mind was blown,” he says. “She’s someone I’ve listened to since I was a kid, and now she’s wearing my piece to close today.”
Each year, Lagos Fashion Week continues to grow, with more designers eager to be a part of the schedule. As Akerele puts it: “Lagos Fashion Week is showing that fashion can be a catalyst for cultural pride and systemic change, and we will continue to do that for as long as we can.”
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