The much awaited Lagos Fashion Week which takes place from October 23rd to 27th, 2024, proudly supported by Heineken, will as usual further solidify Lagos status as a vibrant hub for fashion enthusiasts, industry leaders, and creatives. Under the theme “COMMUNE”, this year’s event aims to celebrate Africa’s leading talents and highlight the creativity that shapes African fashion landscape. With a keen eye on the runway, a strong focus is anticipated on trends in colours, cuts, gender-fluidity, sustainability and lots more. These elements will also reflect cultural history alongside modern aesthetics, celebrating the richness of vibrant hues and earthy tones while leaving room for a broader spectrum of creativity.

A Colourful Exploration of African Inspiration

Colour is a symbol of culture, identity, and narrative in African fashion. The colourful communities and varied landscape of Africa are frequently celebrated by the blend of bold, vibrant hues, alongside softer, earthy tones that reflects the natural beauty of Africa, gracing the runway.

Vibrant Hues:

Designers like Andrea Iyamah and Lisa Folawiyo are known for their striking use of colour. We anticipate seeing vivid yellows, fiery oranges, and lush greens dominating their collections, reflecting the vibrant energy of Lagos. These colours not only highlight the essence of African landscapes but also bring a feel of joy and celebration.

Earthy Tones:

Complementing the vibrant shades will be an array of earthy colours- think warm browns, deep ochres, muted greens, and terra-cottas. Earthy tones are more African forward as they reflect the rich landscapes, creating a connection between fashion and its environment. Designers often showcase these hues, aligning with a growing consumer preference for sustainable and organic aesthetics.

The Art of Prints and Patterns

African fashion is not complete without prints, which frequently use visual language to convey stories of identity and tradition. Designers like Lisa Folawiyo of Jewels by Lisa is also known for her eclectic use of prints and patterns. The runway at Lagos Fashion Week is most likely going to make a print-pattern comeback, thereby showcasing an intriguing blend of traditional motifs and modern interpretations. It’s likely that iconic textiles like the Ghanaian Kente, Aso-Oke, Akwete, and Ankara will continue to be used in creative ways in collections that appeal to both local and global audiences. In other to create contemporary silhouettes that nevertheless honour heritage, designers may decide to experiment with scale, proportion, and colour combination. 

In addition to bold prints, subtle textures could also stand out, adding to the earthy hues and generating visual interest. The craftsmanship of African artisans will most likely be highlighted by the use of organic materials and weaving techniques which combine traditional and modern techniques. This approach not only celebrate heritage but also speaks to a growing consumer demand for originality in fashion.

Cuts of Tailored Precision and Fluid Comfort

As we look forward to the cuts that will grace the runway, a balance between comfort and elegance is likely to emerge. Tailored pieces may likely be featured, with designers creating structured clothing that flatter the human form. Deola Sagoe is known for her reputation in fine tailoring, and is likely going to be among a host of other designers, that will present designs, highlighting precisions and clean lines in order to appeal to a modern audience that values elegance and versatility. In addition to providing a refined appearance, tailored styles guarantee wearability, making them suitable for various occasions.

Fluid silhouettes, on the other hand are poised to embrace the comfort concept. We will definitely be seeing loose-fitting pants which happens to be a fashion-favourite, in contrast to skinny pants, flowing maxi dresses and of course oversized shirts that embody ease and movement. These designs will appeal to modern consumers who want comfort without compromising style, representing the Lagos vibrant way of life. Furthermore, while tailored and fluid styles are of course anticipated, there could be unconventional cuts that defy expectations and push limits, which would give a thrilling element to the runway experience.

Definitely Androgyny and Bold Statement Fits

The emergence of gender fluidity in fashion has been a noteworthy trend in recent years and is still gaining traction. Designers are increasingly experimenting with looks that defy gender stereotypes, and designers like Adebayo Oke-Lawal of Orange Culture, Vangei Official helmed by a trans- man living in Lagos, Kenya’s Sevaria, Nao Serati from South Africa and lots more are leading the way in this trend. Orange Culture which is well-known for its vivid and daring designs, has become well-known for its gender-fluid collections that conflate feminine and masculine fashion, combating the notion of hyper-masculinity. Wearers can embrace their identities in an authentic way, celebrating individuality and diversity.

Collections that emphasize androgynous silhouettes and skillfully combine fitted and loose garments that encourage individual expression will definitely be seen on the runway at Lagos Fashion Week 2024. This trend is in line with a broader cultural shift toward inclusivity, where conventional limits are increasingly reinterpreted.

The Green Access Finalists: Innovating Sustainability

Lagos fashion Week will prominently feature the Green Access finalists- Dimeji Ilori, Garbe, Malité, Oya Abeó, and Revival. These trailblazers will present collections that have been painstakingly created over several months of mentoring and that emphasize sustainable sourcing and responsible production. They promise to showcase not just stunning designs but also a forward-thinking approach to fashion that honours both artisanship and the environment, and their commitment to eco-conscious fashion that fits in perfectly well with the subject of sustainability.

The use of eco-friendly textiles such as organic cotton and recycled materials, will be more prominent, appealing to consumers who are growing more conscious of how fashion affects the environment. Upcycling is gaining traction too, as designers create new collections by reusing leftover fabrics or vintage clothing- with the likes of Nkwo who are pioneers of the “zero-waste” approach in fashion. Sindiso Khumalo is also renowned for her dedication to environmentally friendly practices. The focus on sustainable fashion will not only resonate with industry professionals but also engage a broader audience that is ready to support ethical fashion practices.  

Conclusion

While we await the much anticipated fashion week in the African fashion calendar, the cuts, earthy tones and lots more may not just be about aesthetics; they might also be a reflection of a deeper cultural narrative that appeals to viewers on multiple levels. Each designer contributes a distinct viewpoint to the runway, weaving a creative tapestry that honours African ancestry and modern innovation.

Fashion enthusiasts, industry insiders, and celebrities are set to gather to witness the unfolding of these collections. Every ensemble, from elaborately tailored pieces to flowing gowns, will serve as a testament to the diverse range of African design. The stage is set for an event that promises to be both aesthetically spectacular and culturally significant, offering an insight into the future of African fashion.

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