The Lagos fashion crowd loves to be entertained. Throughout the week, designers have found interesting ways to showcase their collections, from celebrities walking the runway to live dance performances. Closing out the program this season was the star Nigerian designer Lisa Folawiyo, who returned to the schedule after several years away (she last showed on schedule in 2019). To mark the occasion, she invited guests for a candle-lit dinner and a unique fashion show experience at White Space, a gallery-turned-creative studio.
Mirrored tables filled the room, each decorated with handwoven flowers, which brought a welcome touch of craft to the proceedings. Shortly after the first course, the lights dimmed, orchestral pop music queued up, and a handful of models wearing Folawiyo’s latest collection walked down the makeshift runway; this pattern repeated over three additional courses. Standout looks included a fully beaded patchwork dress with feather detailing, a black embellished lace dress, and a raffia zebra set.
The collection, titled After Rain, was designed with Africa’s tropical countries, which do not experience the four seasons, in mind. For years, many local designers have tried to fit into the seasonal calendar that brands adhere to in the West. This collection was a rebuttal to that system. Nigeria typically has only two seasons: one rainy and one not. “The main objective was to coin our season,” she said during an interview in her studio, where artisans were hand-beading the new collection. “Everything after the rain is color, sunshine, and that’s really who we are as a brand.”
The collection marked Folawiyo’s first foray into animal prints (snake, leopard, and zebra prints all featured). At first glance, several pieces looked like knitwear. A closer inspection revealed that they were made from strands of raffia dyed and intricately woven together. After some 20 years in business, Folawiyo once again reminded us of her creative prowess.
