Lagos Fashion Week’s Woven Threads V Explored the Power of Community in Fashion

 

From 19th to 21st April, 2024 Lagos Fashion Week presented the fifth edition of Woven Threads. The season's showcase, themed “Commune”, was a vibrant tribute to African fashion and its community spirit.  Sustainability is often viewed through the pillars of economic, environmental and social development with culture taking a back seat. “Commune” took an exploratory dive into the work of creatives on the scene through the African cultural lens of Community, the starting point of our creative process. Woven Threads stands as a beacon for ethical and sustainable fashion, rooted in the rich traditions of African artisanal communities. Since inception, Woven Threads has focused on the drive towards a circular fashion economy in Africa embracing traditional textiles, waste management and the role technology plays in creating a sustainable fashion industry on the continent, based on the core principles of transparency, traceability and longevity. By recognising creatives as catalysts for social change, the Woven Threads initiative invests in artisanal communities, fostering livelihoods and value creation from source to product.  This Season, Woven Threads V featured a line-up of activities open to the public such as; an interactive installation, workshops & live demonstrations of traditional craftsmanship & techniques such as tie-dye, weaving, facilitated by Planet 3R, Afthonia, Joshua Attat (founder, PNEEDLES), MITIMETH & Éki Kéré. Digital presentations by Boyedoe, The OR Foundation, and SVL enabled viewers to experience the beauty and craftsmanship of African fashion from the comfort of their own homes, extending the initiative’s reach, making it inclusive and welcoming to a global audience.

Designers DUST OF THE EARTH, Bornstarng, Pettre Taylor, Y’Wandelag, Ajanéé, By Wuzzy, Oshobor, Éki Kéré, Kilentar, E.S.O by Liman, Ré Lagos participated in intimate salon-style presentations offering a unique opportunity for attendees to engage on a deeper level with the collections by touching, feeling, and interacting with them up close against the backdrop of materials used in the creative process. Beyond merely conveying narratives, these presentations are utilized to inform, educate, and advocate for the beauty of African fashion. By showcasing garments meticulously crafted by local artisans through the exhibition, digital & physical presentations, Woven Threads V not only highlighted the meaning behind the creations but also celebrated the communal bonds forged in the creative process. With models taking center stage this season, Woven Threads V “Commune” mirrored the tradition of storytelling under the moonlight, inviting people to gather and connect through shared experiences, thereby fostering a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of communities across the continent.   For more information and updates on Woven Threads V, kindly visit lagosfashionweek.ng and follow our Instagram page @lagosfashionweekofficial.