Epic Fashion Week 2026 Opens in Lagos, Showcasing 50 Emerging African Designers

By Faith David

LAGOS, Nigeria — The 2026 edition of Epic Fashion Week opened in Lagos with a vibrant display of creativity as over 50 emerging designers from across Africa showcased their latest collections, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as one of the continent’s leading fashion hubs.

The two-day event, held at The Podium in Lekki, brought together fashion designers, models, buyers, investors, media professionals and fashion enthusiasts to celebrate innovation and sustainable fashion while creating opportunities for young creatives in the industry. The event, organised by Fashions Finest Africa, was open to the public and featured runway presentations, exhibitions, networking sessions and industry discussions.  

Speaking during a media briefing before the event, the founder of Fashions Finest Africa, Sola Oyebade, popularly known as Mr. Mahogany, said Epic Fashion Week was created to provide more than just a runway for designers.

He explained that the event aims to build an ecosystem where emerging designers can gain visibility, connect with investors and buyers, and develop sustainable fashion businesses capable of competing globally.

According to him, African fashion has continued to gain international recognition because of its originality, cultural richness and growing commercial value.

“This year’s edition is about creating opportunities beyond the runway,” he said, adding that participants should expect creative collections, business conversations and collaborations that would strengthen Africa’s fashion industry.  

The runway featured collections ranging from contemporary African wear to evening gowns, streetwear and ready-to-wear pieces inspired by African heritage. Designers combined traditional fabrics such as Ankara, Aso-Oke and Adire with modern tailoring techniques, reflecting the industry’s increasing focus on blending culture with innovation.

Models walked confidently down the runway before an audience of fashion lovers, photographers and industry stakeholders who applauded the creativity displayed throughout the event.

Fashion entrepreneurs also used the exhibition space to display accessories, footwear, handbags and beauty products, providing visitors with opportunities to interact directly with brands and make purchases.

Industry experts at the event noted that Nigeria’s fashion industry continues to contribute significantly to the country’s creative economy by creating employment for designers, photographers, makeup artists, stylists, models, textile producers and digital content creators.

They explained that fashion events such as Epic Fashion Week serve as platforms for discovering new talents while promoting collaboration among professionals across different sectors of the creative industry.

The organisers also placed strong emphasis on sustainability, encouraging designers to adopt environmentally friendly production methods and responsible sourcing of materials. Discussions during the event focused on how African fashion brands can grow without compromising environmental responsibility.

Participants described the event as an important opportunity for learning and networking.

Several young designers expressed optimism that showcasing their work before industry leaders, investors and media organisations would help increase the visibility of their brands.

Fashion photographers and digital creators were also seen documenting runway presentations and backstage activities for publication across online platforms, demonstrating the increasing role of digital media in promoting African fashion.

Observers noted that Nigerian fashion has continued to attract global attention through the work of designers who have successfully combined traditional African craftsmanship with contemporary fashion trends.

The success of events such as Epic Fashion Week, they said, provides additional opportunities for emerging talents to showcase their creativity while strengthening Nigeria’s reputation as one of Africa’s leading fashion destinations.

As the event concluded, organisers expressed satisfaction with the turnout and reiterated their commitment to supporting young African designers through mentorship, business development opportunities and international exposure.

They noted that the long-term vision of Epic Fashion Week extends beyond annual runway presentations to building a sustainable fashion ecosystem where creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship can thrive.

For many attendees, the event was more than a fashion showcase. It was a celebration of African identity, creativity and enterprise, reflecting the growing influence of the continent’s fashion industry on the global stage.

As Nigeria’s fashion sector continues to expand, industry stakeholders believe initiatives such as Epic Fashion Week will play a vital role in discovering the next generation of designers while creating new opportunities for economic growth within the creative industry