With El Niño causing a heatwave, OkayAfrica spoke to designers, stylists and photographers on the best ways to make the best of the 2026 Lagos Fashion Week events.
Nelson C.J.NelsonC.J.Lagos-Based West Africa Correspondent
"For over 15 years, Lagos Fashion Week takes over a week, bringing together the best Nigerian and African designers to show on one central runway, across three days."Lagos Fashion Week.
This year, Lagos Fashion Week has a high energy that is hard to miss. Despite the weather being mostly unbearable, with El Niño drastically increasing the heat level whilst causing irregular rain patterns, this year’s Fashion Week is seeing immense attention, particularly from the diaspora audience, many of whom have planned their year around it and are now in town to experience the best that Nigerian fashion has to offer across a week. So far, things have started excitingly. Nigerian womenswear brand Andrea Iyamah celebrated its fifteenth anniversary with a stunning show at a lush resort just a few hours from the city centre. Meanwhile, Orange Culture and Sisiano already presented their collections just a day before the official Lagos Fashion Week runway opens. The side events, from private dinners to panel conversations, have also begun in earnest, amping up the thrill and giving a glimpse into more of what can be expected.
"This year, Lagos Fashion Week has a high energy that is hard to miss."by Olympia De Maismont/AFP via Getty Images.
For over 15 years, Lagos Fashion Week takes over a week, bringing together the best Nigerian and African designers to show on one central runway, across three days. And while there is so much to see and discover from watching the runway shows, LFW has also gained notoriety for the street-style looks it inspires. Previous editions have been featured in international publications and have earned a cultural weight almost similar to the runway show itself. In between all this, LFW attendees are often being pulled in many different directions, attending side events and off-site runway shows, battling Lagos traffic, all while trying to look great.
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With El Niño adding a weather stressor, OkayAfrica spoke to industry insiders, including stylists, creative directors, and photographers, on the best ways to survive Lagos Fashion Week. It is an extension of our first Lagos Fashion Week survival guide, filled with even more tips. They also shared what shows they will be seeing and their plans for what is already a hectic week.
"Year in, year out, it’s the same feeling of excitement about what is to come and the nostalgia of what it used to be."OkayAfrica.
Year in, year out, it’s the same feeling of excitement about what is to come and the nostalgia of what it used to be. My calendar is pretty much locked in as a stylist, creative director and fashion consultant. [I’ll be seeing] Bridget Awosika, Lisa Folawiyo, Banke Kuku, Orange Culture, Emmy Kasbit, Ejiro Amos Tafiri, Dukun. [Number one survival tip is to ] stay very hydrated! Stay very practical with your fashion choices! Have a portable hand fan in your hold-all.
More than anyone, I am super excited about LFW 2026. It is an itchy feeling to anticipate what African designers have in store for us; I’m eager to see the next trends of pieces. My calendar is pretty packed with meetings, fashion shows, campaigns and music video shoots and catching up with pop-ups, but I’m definitely regulating myself to soak in the energy of Fashion Week. I’m looking forward to Kilentar, Ajanee, Boyedoe, Hertunba, Dukun, Dust of the Earth, Oshobor, Eki kere, Orange Culture; my list is endless. I’m eager to see the next release of greatness from these Nigerian designers.
You really can’t tell a Lagosian to dress light, especially this fashion season, but wear breathable fabrics that still slay. Wear comfortable shoes. Ladies, wear light makeup. Carry a portable fan, power bank, and mini touch-up essentials. Plan your outfit around comfort as much as possible. Leave early; Lagos traffic is no joke. But most importantly, stay stylish and enjoy the experience.
"With so many amazing designers showcasing their collections, I can’t wait to see the creativity on the runway and style my clients in some of the standout pieces straight off the runway.”Courtesy of IAMISIGO.
Those who know me know that this is my Detty December, because for an introvert who hardly goes out during the year and even in said Detty December, I’m out every single day during fashion week season. I’m excited for KISARA’s runway appearances with ATAFO and Orange Culture. I’m also eager to see the new collections from our talented designers and their creative minds, Lisa Folawiyo, Fruche, Sisiano, Emmy Kasbit, Garbe, Orire, Oshobor, MOT, Hertunba, Pepper Row to name a few.
I’m writing this seated in VI traffic, on my way to a show. I left early hoping not to be late but it’s inevitable at this point so I don’t have tips for that. But for the heat, hydration is so important. Having a cooler or freezer bag with bottles of water in the car is a must. I usually have a bottle with me but my mini KISARA Shakara bags won’t accommodate that so I either have a mini bottle of water in hand while I’m up and about or I just wait till I get into my car to cool off in the air conditioner. I also think it’s important to stay mentally prepared as well, to manage your expectations and avoid getting upset about things you cannot change or control.
Don’t forget your sunglasses and SPF. Have all your looks planned out ahead of time if you can and make sure you have back up looks and a sewing kit. If you’re attending shows at the LFW tent, having a room at the federal palace or a nearby hotel is always a great idea for convenience. Also, carry a power bank or two and if you don’t have a car for these items, consider taking two bags, a stylish tote and your mini bag for your outfit. Comfort over everything.
I’m incredibly excited about this year’s Lagos Fashion Week, and I have a feeling it’s going to be one for the books. With so many amazing designers showcasing their collections, I can’t wait to see the creativity on the runway and style my clients in some of the standout pieces straight off the runway. I’m particularly looking forward to Orange Culture, Orire, Emmy Kasbit, and Sevon Dejana. For fashion week this season, my advice is to prioritise comfort without compromising on style. With the current heat, lightweight fabrics such as chiffon, linen, and light cotton are great choices. I would avoid heavy suits and thick dresses unless you’re prepared to deal with the heat all day! Styling shorts will also be a fun way to create stylish, fashion-forward looks. I’d encourage everyone to experiment with brighter colours, too. And beyond fashion, remember to stay hydrated, carry drinking water, and wear sunscreen. The goal is to look good, feel comfortable, and enjoy every moment of Fashion Week.
“Number one tip for photographers covering Lagos Fashion Week is to dress comfortably and have a bottle of water in your bag at all times."by Olympia De Maismont / AFP via Getty Images
Rachel Seidu, Photographer
This Lagos Fashion Week, I am shooting for three days, and I am feeling excited about it. I love shooting Fashion Week; there are so many beautiful outfits, pretty people and amazing looks especially at the backstage. The backstage is always an insane place; there’s so much going on there, and that’s my favorite part of shooting Lagos Fashion Week. Number one tip for photographers covering Lagos Fashion Week is to dress comfortably and have a bottle of water in your bag at all times. Wear comfortable shoes because as a photographer, you’re moving about a lot and you’re never in one place for too long. Go with one essential lens, so you don’t miss your shots in the time you spend trying to change your lens. And lastly, try to take short breaks as much as you can so you don’t overwork yourself.
From a stylist’s perspective, I’m excited to see what designers bring to the runway, discover new brands and find fresh inspiration that I can translate into looks for my clients. I had the pleasure of styling the ATAFO show for the third consecutive time this season.
For tips, wear sunscreen and carry a portable fan, opt for breathable fabrics; plan your schedule and check show locations ahead of time. If you’re attending multiple shows, be prepared to change in the car. Prioritise seeing the collections. With back-to-back shows, you may not have much time to network, so plan accordingly. For style, mix and match pieces from different designers instead of wearing a complete look from one designer to every show. For example, pair a top from one designer with shorts from another. It saves time, reduces the need for outfit changes and allows you to support multiple designers in one look.
