From Davido’s royal-inspired appearance for Ugo Monye to Ciara’s dramatic walk for Fruché, these memorable runway moments showcase the creativity, cultural expression and theatrical flair shaping Nigerian fashion.

1. A pregnant model walks for Oríré at Lagos Fashion Week, 2025

A pregnant model’s appearance on Oríré’s runway at Lagos Fashion Week 2025 offered a refreshing perspective on representation in Nigerian fashion. At an industry where samples and runway presentations have traditionally favoured narrow body standards, the moment made room for a different stage of a woman’s life.

The appearance formed part of the presentation of Hands, a collection described as a love letter to the people who create and purchase the brand’s clothes. The show explored a range of silhouettes, from fitted, ruched dresses to flowing designs with gathered details, while an operatic choir and orchestra provided the soundtrack.

For artist Temi Oni, the pregnant model’s appearance was among her memorable moments from the event. She viewed it as a refreshing reflection of the many dimensions of womanhood.

2. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu closes Emmy Kasbit’s show, 2023

When Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu stepped onto the runway for Emmy Kasbit at Lagos Fashion Week 2023, the moment brought an unexpected political presence to the fashion stage. Rather than watching from the audience, the governor participated in the presentation, wearing a custom outfit by the Nigerian designer.

His appearance quickly attracted attention, demonstrating the growing visibility of Nigerian fashion beyond traditional industry circles. For Emmy Kasbit, having the governor wear the brand’s designs offered a prominent platform for contemporary Nigerian fashion and its interpretation of cultural identity.

Sanwo-Olu’s walk became one of the standout moments of the 2023 edition, illustrating how fashion shows can bring together design, celebrity and public life in unexpected ways.

3. Oríré brings an orchestra and opera to the runway, 2025

At Lagos Fashion Week 2025, Nigerian label Oríré offered an alternative to the conventional runway soundtrack by presenting its Hands collection to the accompaniment of an operatic choir and orchestra. The live musical arrangement gave the show a theatrical atmosphere, allowing the clothes and the performance to work together.

By bringing orchestral music into the presentation, Oríré created an experience that engaged the audience beyond the clothes alone. The show demonstrated how Nigerian designers can use sound, staging and movement to deepen the stories their collections tell.

4. Davido makes a surprise runway appearance for Ugo Monye, 2024

Davido’s surprise appearance at Lagos Fashion Week 2024 turned Ugo Monye’s runway presentation into one of the event’s most talked-about moments. The Afrobeats star, whose influence extends beyond music into fashion and popular culture, stepped onto the catwalk wearing a traditional brown ensemble from the designer’s collection.

The look featured red beads around his neck, a matching brown cap and a staff that gave the outfit a royal-inspired finish. Davido walked the runway twice, with his second appearance revealing Ugo Monye’s face to the audience.

The appearance was particularly striking because it brought together two prominent figures in Nigerian popular culture: a musician with international recognition and a designer known for incorporating traditional Nigerian elements into contemporary menswear.

5. Ciara walks for Fruché in a dramatic red gown, 2025

American singer Ciara brought international star power to Lagos Fashion Week 2025 when she walked for Nigerian label Fruché, founded by designer Frank Aghuno. Her appearance was a highlight of the event, combining a recognisable global name with a distinctly expressive interpretation of Nigerian fashion.

Ciara wore a striking red, heavily pleated gown with exaggerated batwing sleeves and intricate beadwork across the chest and shoulders. The sculptural silhouette balanced volume with movement, while the matching red gele introduced a traditional Nigerian styling element to the dramatic ensemble.

Beyond the celebrity spectacle, the moment offered Fruché an opportunity to present its creative vision to an international audience. Ciara’s participation demonstrated how Nigerian designers can use fashion shows to connect local creativity with global popular culture.