Day 1: Lagos Fashion Week 2025 Opens “In Full Bloom”

The 15th edition of Lagos Fashion Week officially opened today, marking a major milestone for the platform as it celebrates fifteen years of shaping and spotlighting African fashion. This year’s theme, “In Full Bloom,” sets the tone for a reflective and forward-looking season.Day 1 began with the Fashion Business Series, held at the Federal Palace Hotel Ballroom. The day’s conversations explored the evolution of African fashion, the mental wellbeing of creatives, and the role of digital influence in shaping the continent’s style narrative. The Journey Thus Far: 15 Years of Lagos Fashion Week

Moderated by Ezinne Chinkata, Founder of Zinkata, the first session revisited Lagos Fashion Week’s journey and its impact in building a sustainable ecosystem for African designers. Panelists included Omoyemi Akerele, Founder and Executive Director of Style House Files and Lagos Fashion Week; Sarah Agha, Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries PLC; Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria; Hazel Aggrey-Orleans, Founder and Creative Director, Eki Silk; and Oyindamola Aleshinloye, Founder and Creative Director, Kadiju. Omoyemi Akerele shared her reflections on how it all began, rooted in what she calls the three C’s: Community, Collaboration and Co-Creation. Hazel Aggrey-Orleans recalled showing on the Lagos Fashion Week runway as far back as 2012 and spoke fondly of the opportunities that came from that experience. “Over the years, Lagos Fashion Week has given me plenty of opportunities to thrive and shine,” she said.

Mental Health, Creatives and the New Normal The second session, moderated by Adaeze Oguzie, Project Director at Lagos Fashion Week, focused on the creative industry’s relationship with mental health. Panelists included Dr. Chi-Chi (Chiedu) Obuaya, Consultant Psychiatrist; Dr. Kafayah Ogunsola, Founder and CEO of EmpathySpace Therapy Hub; and Demola Mako, Photographer and Visual Storyteller.

Cultural Power and Digital Distribution: Influencers as the New Accelerators for African Fashion Presented by Fashion Lab and Evolve, this session examined the growing influence of digital creators in amplifying African fashion. Moderated by Nneka Michel, the panel featured Frilancy Hoyle, Funmi Ford and Eni Given Sunday. The conversation centered on authenticity, visibility and storytelling. Eni noted, “Having the right structure and a clear story helps your audience connect with you. That’s how you stay authentic.”

The Power of Purpose: Identifying Foundations and Expressions The final session for the day featured a fireside chat with Somkele Idhalama, Chief Purpose Officer at Andrea Iyamah and Co-founder of Backam. The conversation explored the connection between purpose, identity and creative expression, encouraging participants to lead from a place of clarity and meaning.

The evening ended on a high note with the Heineken Lagos Fashion Week 2025 Welcome Party, hosted by Moët & Chandon at Mr. Panther, followed by an after-party at Boho Fashion Lounge. The night brought together designers, industry leaders and fashion enthusiasts in celebration of the season’s opening.

Lagos Fashion Week 2025 is proudly title sponsored by Heineken and supported by Lush Hair, Nivea, Bank of Industry, Meta (Facebook), Afreximbank, African Finance Corporation, MTN, the Lagos State Government, Moët & Chandon and Style House Files.Day 1: Lagos Fashion Week 2025 Opens “In Full Bloom”