Tosin Kehinde Ologun, the creative director of the fashion brand Táàńwá (which was formerly known as Omotola Official) shared her thoughts on why Lagos Fashion Week stands out from other important fashion events for her team and the Nigerian fashion industry as a whole. She explained that this event isn’t just about runway shows or showcasing new designs but it’s a celebration of Nigeria’s culture, creativity and the strong connections that is built within the fashion community.
Tosin Kehinde Ologun mentioned, “Lagos Fashion Week is more than just a fashion event; it’s a vibrant festival that brings our culture to the world stage. It’s a time when we as designers and fashion lovers come together to celebrate our heritage, share ideas and inspire each other. For our team at Táàńwá, it’s an annual highlight that energizes us and fuels our passion to create more.”
Tosin Ologun’s brand, Táàńwá, has been growing rapidly and gaining popularity especially in Abuja where she and her team are based. She highlighted the importance of Lagos as Nigeria’s fashion capital. “Lagos is the heartbeat of Nigerian fashion,” she said. “It’s where trends are born, where industry leaders gather, and where innovation meets tradition. Lagos Fashion Week offers us a unique platform to see the latest styles, connect with influential designers and buyers, and share our work with a wider audience.”
Her team first participated in Lagos Fashion Week in 2023, showcasing their collection for the first time. Since then, they have been eager to return every year. Shade, one of the top designers at Táàńwá, shared her experience: “We showcased our collection once in 2023, but since then, we’ve only been attendees every year. Each time, it’s been a valuable opportunity to learn new things, meet other designers and grow our brand. It’s like a big family gathering that helps us improve and stay inspired. We hope that our boss will allow us showcase on the center stage again very soon”.
Lagos Fashion Week was founded by Omoyemi Akerele and has grown into Africa’s largest fashion trade event. Every year, it attracts over 40,000 attendees from around the world, including fashion retailers, media, and consumers. The event has helped many Nigerian designers gain international recognition. Famous brands like Orange Culture, Lisa Folawiyo, and Christie Brown have showcased their collections there and gone on to become globally recognized names. This has firmly established Lagos as a major hub for fashion on the continent.
Tosin Ologun concluded by emphasizing the deeper understanding of fashion especially in Lagos. “Fashion in Lagos isn’t just about the clothes we wear,” she said. “It’s a way to express our culture, tell our stories, and empower our economy. It creates jobs, promotes local talents, and puts Nigeria on the global fashion map.
Our team at Táàńwá doesn’t just look forward to attending Lagos Fashion Week but we look forward to participating, sharing our unique Nigerian designs and celebrating the talent and creativity that come from our country. It’s a chance to be part of something bigger than ourselves.”
Overall, for Tosin and her team at Táàńwá, Lagos Fashion Week is more than an event; it’s a celebration of Nigerian identity, a platform for growth, and a source of inspiration that keeps their creative spirit alive year after year.
