By Yemisi Suleiman

The vibrant spirit of African fashion and culture came alive in Lagos, as Wear Nigeria held for three exciting days- November 28th to 30th bringing together designers, creatives and lovers of indigenous fashion from across the continent.

Founded in 2016 by fashion designer and culture advocate Austin Aimankhu of Luzol, Wear Nigeria was created to promote the Nigerian textile tradition and support the growth of the country’s fashion ecosystem. Over the years, the platform has continued to celebrate African heritage through fashion, craftsmanship and creativity.

The 2025 edition, held over three days kicked off day one and two at the Alliance Française Mike Adenuga Centre, featuring an African fashion-focused exhibition alongside the Wear Nigeria Symposium, creating a vibrant platform for conversations around culture, creativity and the future of indigenous fashion.
The symposium spotlighted the vital role African textiles play in promoting cultural tourism, preserving heritage and strengthening the continent’s creative economy. It brought together notable speakers, industry stakeholders, designers and fashion entrepreneurs who engaged in insightful discussions on the growth of the African fashion industry, the preservation of local craftsmanship, and the need to position African textiles more prominently on the global stage.

The event also served as an important meeting point for creatives and industry leaders passionate about sustaining and elevating Africa’s rich fashion heritage.

It culminated in a colourful indigenous runway showcase on day three, at the Federal Palace Lagos, featuring designers from Nigeria and different parts of Africa, all presenting collections inspired by African culture and identity. The runway came alive with outstanding designs crafted from rich African fabrics including Ankara, Kente, Aso Oke and lace, creatively mixed and matched into modern, artistic silhouettes.

From bold prints to intricate handwoven textures, each collection reflected the beauty of African craftsmanship while telling stories of heritage, tradition and contemporary style. The designers not only showcased fashion, but also celebrated the pride, history and cultural richness behind African textiles.

Beyond the runway, Wear Nigeria 2025 once again reinforced the importance of preserving local fabrics and empowering indigenous designers who continue to shape the future of African fashion on the global stage.

See collections from the show.