Witness History How Lagos Fashion Week began
Dec 5, 2025
Omoyemi Akerele, the visionary founder of Lagos Fashion Week and former artistic director of Style House Files, shares her remarkable journey. She vividly recounts the chaotic yet exhilarating launch in 2011, battling logistical nightmares and industry opposition. Omoyemi reveals how her passion for fashion compelled her to pivot from a law career, and she highlights the crucial support from designers despite challenges. As the event blossomed into a global phenomenon, she reflects on the impact of showcasing African talent on the international stage.
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First Show Feeling
- Omoyemi Akerele described the moment she first saw Lagos Fashion Week come to life at Echo Hotel and felt her idea become real.
- She remembered the backstage frenzy and how seeing people committed to their craft made the event feel collective.
Facing Industry Pushback
- Organisers of established Nigerian fashion events threatened designers to boycott Lagos Fashion Week and warned they wouldn't be taken to New York.
- Many designers still chose to support Omoyemi, seeing the event as a way to develop Nigeria's creative economy.
Overnight Crisis Averted
- The night before the launch was chaotic with lighting undone and a failed exhibition contractor forcing last-minute fixes.
- Omoyemi and the team worked until 4–5am to ensure the show would open on time despite the logistical nightmare.