In an Unprecedented Yr, the Nigerian Vogue Group Is Holding Sturdy

“Our choice to name off Lagos Vogue Week was not a simple one contemplating the in depth work and planning that had gone into all of it yr, however it was undoubtedly the precise factor to do,” says Akerele. “We’re nonetheless reeling from the shock of the ordeal, and there are nonetheless so many unanswered questions. I’m not saying the whole lot ought to grind to a halt, however it was vital for us to point out our solidarity, assist, and deep sense of loss after 20/10/2020 [the date of the Lekki massacre]. I’ve been on the receiving finish of police brutality earlier than, and I actually really feel helpless realizing that the perpetrators of 20/10/2020 may get away with this, and there’s seemingly little to nothing we are able to do about it, a minimum of for now. The query is, can everybody and the whole lot actually return to regular after an ordeal of this magnitude?”

The Nigerian style group is already discovering its toes once more. Tomorrow sees the launch of this yr’s Come up Vogue Week in Lagos, which shall be held digitally and livestreamed as the primary main style occasion to be held because the protests. And as they work in direction of a longer-term new regular within the wake of October’s atrocities, Akerele’s outlook on the best way to help her group within the speedy future is easy. “That is the season to name on our group to go the additional mile to assist Nigerian manufacturers,” says Akerele. “It’s been a troublesome yr with the COVID-19 pandemic coupled with minimal assist internally. The designers nonetheless created collections this season, so we should assist them.” Many of those designers are included within the accompanying photos shot by Lagos-born photographer Lakin Ogunbanwo and styled by Taylor Angino, that includes extra established figures within the Nigerian style group, equivalent to Lisa Folawiyo and Emmy Kasbit, alongside a number of new names to know. There are the acid yellow and greens of the ruched silk clothes designed by Tola Adegbite for her label Turfah; a dramatic explosion of fiery marabou feathers zigzagging throughout a smooth black lace gown by Frank Aghuno for his label Fruché; and a playful upcycled look by Nkwo Onwuka for her environmentally aware model NKWO created from traditional checked laundry baggage.