Lagos Fashion Week 2024 with Nneka Michel

One of the most powerful things about fashion is that in can exist anywhere in the world, so we were delighted when the fantastic Nneka Michel got in touch.

Nneka who is a full-time content creator known for her vibrant style, bold outfits, and chic looks, decided to share a day in her life with us as she attended Lagos Fashion Week this month, documenting her day in a very special photo diary made especially for DARKUS!

Read on to find out more....

Orange Culture Fitting

I started off the day attending my fitting for Orange Culture. The location was super sweet, it was Adebayo Okelawal childhood house which made the experience feel even more special and personal. There were so many good options to choose from, each piece reminded me of home.

I can’t wait till Sunday when I can see the full collection on the runway.

Pit Stop for Boiled Groundnut and Coconut

On our way to the next fitting, I saw a street hawker selling boiled groundnut on the side of the road. I was so excited that I stopped the uber and jumped out of the car to buy some. I haven’t had it for 7 years and it reminded me of my childhood here in Nigeria.

Fitting with Emmy Kasbit

I was so lucky to meet Emmy’s team and preview the show collection celebrating the brand’s 10 year anniversary. The show was an homage to the past 10 years of collections and so special. We tried on some pieces and I was blown away by the quality. Elevated quiet luxury with an African flair.

Stopped for Food

By this point i was starving so we stopped for at a local place. We ordered pounded fufu and egusi soup, some of my favourite foods from Nigeria.

Back to hotel to change outfits and shoot with photographer

I’m wearing a striking rustic orange FIA dress. I absolutely love this dress, I got so many compliments on it that I didn’t want to take it off. I shot around the hotel with my photographer to capture the cool elegance of the piece.

Head to the shows - Pepper Row and Wote Ki Design

Day 2 of Lagos Fashion Week was a very rainy one. It was so rainy that the path to the venue was absolutely flooded. The crew had to send a car to pick us up and drive us up to the door, so close we were practically inside.

The evening opened with several incredibly talented smaller designers. I really enjoyed the whimsical storytelling by Pepper Row and the Ghanian energy WOTE KI Design. The importance of sustainability and the pride that the designer portrayed while walking the stage was really inspiring. 

Melité

I also loved Melité, is an up and coming designer hailing from the Igbo Tribe. Melieté means uplift and her designs were very flattering and I felt the potential that she has. I cannot wait to see what she in the future, I’m already a fan. 

Hertunba

The Hertunba show was a stunning representation of the culture of the Yurba tribe and the traditional beaded crown headpiece portraying the goddess. I was also really touched by the showcase from Babayo of telling her story of culture through the designs.

The craftsmanship that shows the powerful dressing traditional of the Fula Tribe. Babayo elevated the traditional clothing while keeping the foundation. 

ESO by Liman

I enjoyed the E.S.O by Liman show because they brought the drama. I adored the airy textures and simplicity in movement. The designs were another example elevating traditional clothing to a new level. 

Cynthia Abila Studios

The Cynthia Abila Studios was a major standout for me. The dramatic shapes and bold colours had me planning my next me planning holiday from the front row. I wanted to buy every single piece that went down the runway. 

Emmy Kasbit

Emmy Kasbit closed out Day 2 in style. His show was an absolute masterpiece combining reimaginations of his designs from the past 10 years.

The quality was outstanding and such a breathtaking moment. His walk down the stage was filled with so much gratitude and humility, he owned the stage.

After this, I went back to my hotel, edited pictures and went to bed. 

Thanks so much for joining in on my day during Lagos Fashion Week. It has been such a joy being back in my home country celebrating African fashion.

To stay upto date with all of Nneka's amazing style and great adventures visit the below platforms:

Instagram - TikTok

Article & Photos By Nneka Michel