The Lagos x Paris pop-up boutique unveiled an impressive array of fashion, ranging from daring streetwear to refined menswear and womenswear, all enhanced by a curated selection of accessories and leather goods. Each piece embodied the innovative craftsmanship and visionary energy flourishing within Nigeria’s dynamic fashion landscape.
Guests at the recent Forum Création Africa experienced a vibrant fusion of styles, showcasing everything from cutting-edge urban apparel to sophisticated womenswear and meticulously crafted leather items, sparking inspiration for fashion enthusiasts with diverse preferences.
Organized by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and artistically directed by MansA – Maison des Mondes Africains, Forum Création Africa served as an engaging hub for creative exchange and groundbreaking ideas, fostering fresh narratives and pioneering business models throughout Africa’s creative sectors.
Against the iconic setting of Lagos’s Federal Palace Hotel, the pop-up was further enhanced by a digital dimension through a partnership with Astra, a Nigerian tech startup delivering an immersive virtual reality shopping experience, allowing visitors to explore the collections interactively online.
The Lagos x Paris Pop-Up featured a thoughtfully selected lineup of brands participating in the esteemed LAGOS x PARIS – Fashion & Design Accelerator Programme.
This comprehensive accelerator, spanning nine to twelve months, combines French and Nigerian expertise to promote sustainable growth for emerging Nigerian fashion and design labels, equipping them to compete on the global stage.
Initiated in 2023 by the French Embassy in Nigeria under the Création Africa Fund, the program has successfully supported two cohorts of Nigeria’s most promising creatives, bolstering the nation’s creative economy.
Mathilde Lepert, Programme Manager for the Lagos x Paris Fashion and Design Accelerator, emphasized the pop-up’s importance: “This boutique showcases a curated selection of 16 Nigerian brands from the Lagos x Paris Fashion Accelerator, backed by the French Embassy through the Création Africa Fund. As part of the Création Africa network, we are proud to present authentic Nigerian craftsmanship to a worldwide audience, celebrating the country’s rich heritage.”
Lepert also highlighted the accelerator’s extensive support framework, which includes intensive training, masterclasses, and workshops led by global industry experts.
“The program empowers brands with essential skills to build solid business foundations, strategically position themselves in the market, and confidently engage with investors. It’s a comprehensive approach designed to help them excel in the competitive international fashion arena.”
Representing the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Industry at Forum Création Africa, Austin Aimankhu, founder of Wear Nigeria-a festival celebrating Nigeria’s rich textile heritage and cultural diversity-presented a collection that masterfully blends traditional Nigerian fabrics.
Aimankhu shared, “Our audience includes visitors from across Africa and Europe. We strive to highlight our fashion aesthetics, textiles, and cultural heritage. My collection incorporates Akwete from the East, Ashoke, and other indigenous fabrics from Nigeria’s middle belt, reimagined into modern designs that express our cultural identity.”
He stressed the significance of promoting Nigerian fashion and textiles, stating, “Our mission is to share our artistic vision, narrate our story, and showcase the richness of Nigerian textile craftsmanship. We proudly support this movement to elevate Nigerian fashion and culture on the global stage.”
The pop-up featured a diverse range of brands, including Waf. (streetwear), Elexiay (womenswear), Refine (jewelry), Pepper Row (womenswear), AABOUX (bags), Maliko (shoes and bags), Y’Wande (womenswear), Aga Culture (womenswear), Aminda (womenswear), Babayo (womenswear), Omi Collective (design), Eki Kere (womenswear and menswear), Pith (streetwear), NYA (womenswear), and Obida (womenswear and menswear), among others.