American singer and global style icon Ciara made a surprise appearance at the Lagos Fashion Week’s 15th anniversary on Thursday, October 30, 2025, effortlessly stealing the spotlight in a captivating look from Nigerian luxury brand Onalaja.
The superstar appeared in a sheer mesh long-sleeved dress with a striking ombré gradient that moved from coral and orange into purple, blue, and rainbow tones. The form-fitting piece shimmered subtly under the event lights, perfectly complementing her bronzed makeup. The look embodied elegance, confidence, and the effortless glamour that Ciara is known for.
A fusion of culture and craftsmanship
The stunning ensemble was designed by Kanyinsola Onalaja, the creative force behind the globally stocked luxury fashion brand, Onalaja. The brand, celebrated for its fusion of African craftsmanship and modern design sensibilities, is known to experiment with textures, colours, and embellishments in ways that celebrate both heritage and individuality.
Onalaja’s collections are often described as wearable art, they are bold, expressive, and unapologetically feminine. Her use of intricate beadwork, sculptural silhouettes, and hand-finished details has earned her a growing international following. Ciara’s choice of the brand for such a high profile appearance underscores Onalaja’s global reach and the rising influence of Nigerian designers on the world stage.
Ciara’s appearance at Lagos Fashion Week marks a symbolic connection between global entertainment and African creativity. Her look not only amplified Onalaja’s artistry but also reflected Lagos Fashion Week’s ongoing mission to champion African fashion and position it within global conversations about style, sustainability, and innovation.
A night of style, glamour, and celebration
The 15th-anniversary edition of Lagos Fashion Week brought together designers, fashion lovers, and industry insiders from across the continent and beyond. The event celebrated 15 years of pushing creative boundaries, spotlighting talent, and nurturing a new generation of designers committed to sustainability and cultural storytelling.
This year’s runway featured a striking mix of established and emerging designers whose collections explored bold silhouettes, reimagined traditional fabrics, and celebrated African identity through contemporary expression. The atmosphere was electric, filled with music, lights, and a sense of pride for how far African fashion has come.
Ciara’s unexpected presence elevated the energy even further.
Her Lagos appearance adds to a growing list of international celebrities showing interest in Nigerian fashion and culture, from Beyoncé’s Black Is King visual album to Naomi Campbell’s consistent advocacy for African designers.
As the night closed, one thing was clear: Ciara’s Onalaja moment was a celebration of creativity, culture, and connection. A reminder that fashion, at its best, transcends borders and tells stories that resonate across the world.
