10 Trends from the Africa Fashion Week Nigeria

Lagos is fast emerging as a must-stop centre on the international fashion radar. More industry stake holders and important personalities are coming out to see young, exciting designer, who despite their relative newcomer statuses are influencing fashion shapes and colour.
From gorgeous dramatic sleeves which clearly held sway on the runways, clashing prints to ruffles and tassels seen on everything from dresses to cropped jackets, we bring you the top trends spotted on the runways of the just concluded Africa Fashion Week Nigeria (AFWN) 2017.

1. Clashing prints

It used to be a fashion faux pas to wear prints on prints, or patterns that do not go together. Now, clashing is not only okay, it’s the fad. The AFWN runways showcased outfits in which the more oddly put together they are, the better.

2. Dark Romance

A more sinister mode came over the catwalk as some designers sent out models in all black attire, with a lot of mesh and lace.

3. Jumpsuits and Playsuits

These have been there for a while and are definitely not going out anytime soon. This one- step outfit is the perfect alternative to dresses.

4. Dramatic sleeves

From bell-shaped to Bishop and balloon, it’s all about adding drama to your look next season. Dramatic sleeves are still hot on the fashion scene and not going out anytime soon.

5. Fringe and tassels

Sexy tassels and flirty fringes were seen on almost everything from skirts, tops, to jackets.

6. Shreds

This season looks set to embrace a more playful, feminine way of dressing, as displayed by the International Women Society (IWS) collective and Stiches by Chioma who lit up the runway with amazing designs of shredded Ankara dresses.

7. Ombre

Two tone dip dye fabrics reappeared on the catwalk, thanks to Kola Kudus and Del Africa, who showcased collections of different ombre looks, from light, dark colours to the traditional Yoruba adire. The collection is conservative but utterly versatile.

8. Bling Glamour

Stones on dresses and kimono tops all made an impact on the runway. We love the Signature Secret stones on Ankara drape blouses and Blingshikki’s interpretation of glam with intricate stones on her hooded kaftans.

9. Kimonos

Looks like the kimono jacket is fast coming back, but this time, in beautiful silky and crochet fabrics, as showcased by some designers on the AFWN catwalk.