ARISE Fashion Week Lagos Recap

Words by Tia Muhammad

Photography by Reze Bonna

M aking waves back into the spotlight after a six-year hiatus, ARISE Fashion Week returned to Lagos, Nigeria March 30th – April 2nd 2018. With guest celebrities, supermodel appearances and superstar performances, the show made a star-studded comeback.

As one of Africa’s most premier fashion shows, AFW is sought out for its highly curated array of exclusive styles, fresh talent, and leading African designers as well as international names in fashion – all handpicked to be showcased to the world.

As the lights dimmed the shows took off with over 50 designers making their way to the runway. Naomi Campbell also graced the runway walking two shows, Tinie Tempah showcased his very first streetwear line, What We Wear, and live pop-up performances by Wizkid and Skepta certainly set the mood.

Check out the designers that caught our eye this year:

LAURENCEAIRLINE

Breaking out on Day 1, LaurenceAirline, painted the runway with West Africa meets the world. Sophisticated sets, mixed prints and African-inspired fitted shirts sprinkled the stage in homage for the modern traveling man today.

OZWALD BOATENG

Showcasing on Day 2, Ozwald Boateng’s menswear line made heads turn on the runway. From tailored to oversized suiting to gorgeous scarfs floating under wide brim hats and over necklines, the designer made an impact with his use of cut to silhouette, color detail, and fabric choices.

Tiffany Amber

Globally recognized and noted as the first ready-to-wear label in Nigeria, Tiffany Amber shared their new line on Day 2. The luxurious lifestyle brand featured gripping beaded fringe belts, flowing chiffon gowns and an intricate basket-weft trend, woven throughout their featured designs.

Quiteria & George

Day 3 was showered with stunning designs by South African brand, Quiteria & George. Their inspiring and innovative pieces took the audience by surprise as couture to ready-to-wear silhouettes stormed the runway. The attention to shade and detail mixed with intricate and structured elements, made these styles shine bright.

MaXhosa by Laduma

On Day 3 we also saw new looks from highly notable knitwear brand, MaXhosa by Laduma. This year he infused his traditional Xhosa beadwork motifs and patterns with more than his distinctive scarfs, jumpers and cardigans. We saw posh punk flair infused with his signature style as elongated gowns, flowy skirts, wrap dresses, zip jackets and joggers graced the runway.