Picture it: The city of Lagos is buzzing — horns blare, street vendors shout, but for one sweet week, all eyes are glued to the runway’s bright lights. Lagos Fashion Week isn’t just another event on the calendar; it’s the heartbeat of Nigerian style, setting the pace for what we’ll all be rocking in the months to come. Think it’s just glitz and glam? Think again. The fashion trends unveiled here ripple through barbershops in Surulere, boutiques in Lekki, and markets from Aba to Abuja. It’s an explosive showcase that reveals not just clothes, but the culture itself.
Have you ever wondered why, after Lagos Fashion Week, you suddenly start seeing certain designs everywhere — from Instagram reels to your neighbour’s owambe? The answer is simple: the runway is where trends are born, and once they sprout here, they take over Naija like harmattan fire.
Lagos Fashion Week 2025 (LagosFW25) might have wrapped up in early November, but the shockwaves are still being felt! From October 29th to November 2nd, Nigerian designers like Hertunba, Elexiay, JZO, Jewel Jemila, Fruché, Boyedoe, and Onalaja transformed the catwalk into a celebration of art and identity. Every stitch, every print, was more than just fabric — it was a statement.
But beneath the spectacle, sharp-eyed fashion enthusiasts began noticing something truly fascinating. Despite the diversity of brands, certain themes wove their way through collection after collection. Can you guess what everyone’s rushing to add to their wardrobe this year?
As someone who watched every show like an awoof hawk, I can tell you straight up: the LagosFW25 runway wasn’t playing. Textures were wilder, craftsmanship bold, silhouettes free and daring. There was this almost rebellious energy — as if the designers woke up and said, “Why settle for ordinary when we can burst brains?”
Let’s dig into the most explosive Lagos Fashion Week trends every Nigerian (and style lover) should know. Na there the gist dey!
Crochet: A Ravishing Revival
Crochet has been quietly weaving its way into the Nigerian fashion scene for years, but this season saw an unprecedented renaissance. LagosFW25 witnessed an explosion of crochet — you’d think our grannies’ knitting clubs had gone international! But forget any ideas of old school; this was cool, bright, and oh-so-now.
Designers pushed boundaries with intricate weaves — mashing together vivid colours and see-through, almost air-like textures that nodded to nostalgia and still whispered modern sophistication. The result? Outfits that’d make you stand out at Tarkwa Bay and still impress your aunties at traditional gatherings.
Don’t let anyone deceive you — crochet is pure handiwork. It demands hours of patience, nimble fingers, and a deep passion for detail. According to Studio Imo, whose “Moirai” collection reportedly took over 120 hours to complete, their majestic full-length coat remains the talk of the town, patchworked in deep earth and popping primary colours.
Don’t be surprised if “knitted texture” becomes the big flex at beach parties or summer rooftop hangs. This trend is on the move, and next year, na everybody go dey drop “who made your crochet?”
Tie-Dye (Adire/Kampala): Dripping Colour & Identity
Think tie-dye is just for hippies or secondary school art class? Lagos designers would like a word! Adire and kampala made a grand entrance, only this time, it wasn’t about loud chaos, but calculated, chic statements. Bursts of orange, splashes of yellow, deep reds — all working in harmony on smooth cotton and silk.
Garbe’s collection, for example, brought tie-dye prints into the 21st century. The dyed patterns felt intentional and architectural, all while adding that extra “oomph” to your look. According to Nigerian fashion analyst Chika Unigwe, “this is the modern maximalism we’ve been expecting. It’s vibrant but never overwhelming.” If you’re looking to stand out at your next Sunday brunch or even at the market, this trend delivers colour without apology.
Fringe Detailing: Dancing with Every Move
This year’s motto on the runway? If it doesn’t move, abeg, it’s not complete! Fringe exploded across countless outfits. From tops that swayed as models strutted, to trousers, skirts, and even daring gowns — fringe brought that irresistible “come and see me” energy.
Hertunba, for example, served pure regality with a blue mini-dress that was crowned with white-fringed layers. Honestly, when the spotlights hit the fringe, the effect was goosebump-inducing — like watching a river of colour carve across the crowd.
Pepperrow didn’t come to play, either. Their beads-and-fringe masterpieces looked like something you’d wear to dance till the sun comes up on the mainland. According to a backstage stylist, the fringe is all about “bringing joy to the fabric and life to the outfit.” These are outfits that will follow you to all your parties — from club to traditional wedding. Who wouldn’t want that?
Denim: From Ordinary to Avant-Garde
If you thought denim was only for jeans and jackets, Lagos designers have news for you! This season, denim hit the runway with an attitude you’ve never seen before. The experts reportedly pushed denim to its creative limit — sharp, structural tailoring that looked more like wearable sculpture than everyday clothes.
Boyedoe’s “Paradise Regained” collection stunned with architectural denim. It was denim, yes, but with a twist of art — almost like taking something familiar and serving it with suya pepper. FIA joined the movement too, dropping a standout blue co-ord set that could easily be the new face of office or date night style.
This “couture denim” isn’t just swagger — it’s a practical choice for Naija’s ever-shifting weather and bustling lifestyle. Who says you can’t look sharp, feel comfy, and still dodge Lagos traffic in style?
Silk: Liquid Luxury on the Runway
Silk once had a “special occasions only” reputation, but designers at LagosFW25 flipped that story. This year, silk strolled confidently from the red carpet to the streets, redefining what it means to look and feel luxurious every day.
Fruché led the charge, reportedly using rich, moody shades to paint the runway in royalty. Meanwhile, Ibilola Ogundipe explored pastel “liquid” fabrics that seemed to melt against the models’ movement, creating the illusion of water flowing over the body. Na so! According to fabric expert Tolu Ajayi, silk’s resurgence shows “that looking soft and grand isn’t just for parties. It’s every day, everywhere.”
Other designers like Eki Silk weren’t left behind, using silk as a literal canvas for swirling prints and bold colours. These are the kind of clothes Lagosians love—where every outfit tells its own “I’m not your mate” story.
Aso-Oke: Tradition Triumphs, Everyday Style
For many, Aso-Oke is that heavy, luxurious fabric reserved for weddings and yams festivals — you know the one that takes a small village to wrap? This season, though, designers shattered old perceptions by blending Aso-Oke’s historic identity with everyday contemporary chic.
One standout? Éso by Liman, who delivered a tiered, striped mini-dress that looked both traditional and runway-ready. FIA also wowed with their modern two-piece sets, transforming Aso-Oke into something your younger siblings would happily rock to the mall. As Lagos-based textile historian Bukola Lawani explains, “adapting Aso-Oke for daily fashion is about celebrating our roots without losing relevance.”
This explosion of maximalism, bold texture, and cultural pride is proof: Nigerian designers are not only keeping up with global trends, they’re leading the charge. From crochet to denim, fringe to Aso-Oke, Lagos Fashion Week 2025 reportedly set the stage for handmade brilliance, daring silhouettes, and a celebration of everything uniquely Naija. Fashion is no longer just about clothes; it’s a living, breathing language on the streets.
Ready for these trends to move from runway to real life? Lagos and beyond, the ball is now in your court!
What trend are you itching to try — is it bold crochet, regal fringe, or a next-level adire? Which one do you think will capture Lagos streets first? Drop your thoughts in the comments and share your own fashion stories!
Have a story to tell or want to get your fashion journey featured on our platform? Maybe you want to sell your story or know someone making waves in Nigerian fashion? Send your stories, style tips, or business profiles to us at story@nowahalazone.com.
Keep the gist flowing — follow us on Facebook,
X (Twitter), and Instagram for daily fashion buzz, Naija trends, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
