It was a night of fashion, music, and star power as Nigerian luxury brand Onalaja unveiled its Spring/Summer 2026 collection, “Marked: A Rite of Passage,” in Lagos on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.

The event, held in collaboration with Chivas Regal, drew a crowd of fashion insiders, cultural tastemakers, and celebrities all gathered to celebrate creativity, craftsmanship, and heritage.

A night of elegance and storytelling

Hosted at Alliance Française Lagos, the showcase was more than a runway show; it was a cinematic journey through art, identity, and emotion. The runway was designed to curve dramatically around the audience, creating a close, immersive experience. Every element, from the golden lighting that shimmered under the night sky to the carefully chosen soundtrack pulled guests into Onalaja’s world of refined storytelling and feminine power.

The show reflected Onalaja’s signature blend of heritage and modernity, celebrating the evolution of the modern woman. Models glided down the runway in pieces that featured intricate beading, rich embroidery, and sculptural silhouettes. Each garment appeared to tell its own story of resilience, beauty, and the journey of becoming.

Star-studded audience

The evening brought together some of fashion’s most influential figures. Among the guests were Grammy Award winning singer Ciara, who stunned in a sheer mesh dress, along with fashion influencers Eni Popoola, Frilancy Hoyle, and Dodos Uvieghara. Also in attendance were Reni Folawiyo, founder of Alára Lagos; Dennis Eseimokumoh, Editor-in-Chief of Marie Claire Nigeria; and Olympia De Maismont, Chief Photographer at Agence France-Presse.

Many attendees embraced the moment in Onalaja’s designs, a subtle nod to the brand’s growing influence across Nigeria and internationally. Their presence added glamour to an already captivating evening that bridged the worlds of fashion, art, and culture.

A toast to creativity

Guests were treated to an intimate brunch experience curated by Chivas Regal, the official sponsor of the event. The whisky brand, known for its smooth blends and royal legacy, set the tone for the night with its signature cocktails the Chivas Free Flow, made with Chivas 15, strawberry-coconut syrup, and watermelon; and the Chivas Sour, a mix of Chivas 15, Amaretto, and sweet & sour notes.

The culinary highlight came from Chef Fregz, who designed a menu that mirrored the evening’s elegance. Guests enjoyed bite sized dishes such as prawn fritters with sweetcorn cream and parsley, perfectly complementing the refined atmosphere of the event.

The collaboration between Onalaja and Chivas Regal underscored the fusion of craftsmanship and celebration, two worlds united by a shared appreciation for heritage and artistry.

The designer’s vision

For Kanyinsola Onalaja, founder and creative director of the brand, the collection represents more than fashion, it is a reflection on purpose and self discovery.

“‘Marked: The Rite of Passage’ explores the body as a canvas and craftsmanship as ceremony,” she said. “It is about exploring heritage through three-dimensional surfaces and silhouettes that celebrate culture. More than a collection, ‘Marked’ is an act of devotion to craft, to heritage, to the women who wear it.”

Her words mirrored the emotional depth of the collection, where each piece embodied strength and femininity. From beaded seams to embroidered motifs, every design whispered a message of visibility and empowerment: “You are seen, you are anointed, you are marked.”

Redefining African luxury

Since founding her brand in 2014, Onalaja has steadily carved out a space for herself on the global fashion scene. Her label stands at the intersection of art, heritage, and modern femininity, fusing traditional African craftsmanship with contemporary design.

Onalaja known for her attention to detail and inclusivity, Onalaja offers pieces in a wide size range from XXS to XXXXL, making her collections accessible to women of all body types. Her works, featuring intricate embellishments and sculptural tailoring, have earned her recognition in luxury markets across London, Lagos, and New York.

With global stockists including Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s, and Revolve, Onalaja is redefining African luxury as something deeply personal and unapologetically bold.

A celebration of women and purpose

The SS26 collection brought together a community of strong, creative women, each representing different expressions of excellence and individuality. Through her designs, Kanyinsola Onalaja continues to celebrate womanhood in all its forms, reminding her audience that luxury can be intimate, cultural, and emotional all at once.