Fashion runways have increasingly become meeting points for Nigeria’s entertainment industry, political leadership and creative entrepreneurs, with familiar faces from different professions stepping into a space traditionally dominated by professional models. The annual Lagos fashion event has provided another opportunity to see how far the country’s fashion industry has expanded, bringing together personalities whose appearances attracted attention beyond the collections being presented. From established entertainers and reality television stars to a sitting state governor, the 2026 edition featured several appearances that added a different dimension to the runway presentations.
The designers also had an opportunity to showcase their creative direction through collections that drew from African heritage, contemporary styling and traditional craftsmanship, making the event a gathering of fashion, entertainment and culture.
Lagos Fashion Week 2026: Dates, Venue, Organisers, Theme
The 2026 edition of Lagos Fashion Week marked the event’s 15th anniversary since its establishment in 2011 by fashion entrepreneur Omoyemi Akerele. Organised by Style House Files, the event ran from October 28 to November 1, 2026, bringing together designers, models, fashion professionals, entertainers and other personalities from across Nigeria and the African fashion industry.
The main runway presentations took place at the Federal Palace Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, from October 29 to October 31, while November 1 was dedicated to offsite presentations at different locations. More than 60 designers were reported to have participated, making the anniversary edition an extensive showcase of established labels and emerging creative talents.
The theme for the 2026 event was CRAFTED: Heritage. Innovation. Circular Futures. It centred on African craftsmanship, traditional knowledge, innovation, textile production and sustainable approaches to fashion. The programme also provided opportunities for designers to demonstrate how cultural influences could be incorporated into contemporary clothing without losing their original identities.
Beyond the runway presentations, the event attracted attention because of the personalities associated with the different collections. Several entertainers, reality television stars and public figures appeared alongside professional models, creating some of the most discussed moments of the fashion week.
Sanwo-Olu Returns to the Runway for Ugo Monye
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was among the prominent personalities who attracted attention during the 2026 edition after joining professional models on the runway on Saturday, October 31. His appearance came during a presentation by Nigerian fashion designer Ugo Monye, whose collections frequently incorporate African cultural influences into contemporary menswear.
The governor wore an off white outfit styled with elements of a traditional caftan and kimono, complemented by a beige fedora. He walked alongside the models as the audience watched the presentation.
Following his appearance, Sanwo-Olu explained his decision in a social media post, writing:
“I stepped away from the usual business of governance to walk the runway for the incredibly talented Ugo Monye at Lagos Fashion Week.”
He continued:
“Lagos continues to grow as a home for fashion, creativity and culture and I am always happy to support the people driving this growth.”
The October 31 appearance was his second documented runway participation at Lagos Fashion Week. His first came in 2023 when he joined the models during a presentation by designer Emmy Kasbit. On that occasion, he wore a light blue patterned blazer over a dark T shirt and blue trousers.
His return in 2026 also continued his public association with the creative industry, particularly the fashion sector, where local designers have increasingly attracted attention through major events and international exposure.
Hilda Baci, Teni, Real Warri Pikin Among Celebrity Runway Personalities
The governor was not the only familiar personality featured in the celebrity runway coverage. Hilda Baci, singer Teni Makanaki, comedian Real Warri Pikin, actress Rachael Okonkwo, Sharon Adeleke and entertainer Temi Nkem were among the personalities who appeared during the event.
Hilda Baci was among the notable names associated with the runway presentations. The celebrity chef, who gained international recognition following her Guinness World Record achievements, brought another dimension to the gathering, connecting Nigeria’s food entertainment scene to the fashion industry.
Singer Teni Makanaki was also included in the celebrity coverage. Known for her music and distinctive public personality, the entertainer was among the familiar faces who featured during the fashion presentations.
Comedian and actress Real Warri Pikin was another personality identified among the participants. Nollywood actress Rachael Okonkwo also featured on the reported list, bringing another figure from Nigeria’s film industry into the fashion showcase.
Sharon Adeleke, the sister of Afrobeats singer Davido, was equally mentioned among the personalities associated with the runway. Her appearance brought another member of the wider Adeleke family into the event.
Temi Nkem, BBNaija Season was also identified alongside the other personalities.
BBNaija’s Oyin, Barry, Chimsom Chuka, Makes Runway Modelling Debut
The involvement of Big Brother Naija personalities was another notable part of the 2026 Lagos Fashion Week. Among them was Oyin, a housemate from Season 11, who made her reported runway modelling debut on Thursday, October 29.
The 22 year old participated in a runway presentation at the Lagos Fashion Week tents located at the Federal Palace Hotel. Oyin had previously been introduced to television audiences through her participation in the reality show, where she was identified as a sales entrepreneur and model from Ogun State.
Her appearance alongside Barry, Chimsom Chuka, others at the fashion event provided another opportunity to explore modelling outside the reality television environment. The runway debut also placed her among the BBNaija personalities who have begun establishing connections with fashion and entertainment opportunities following their television appearances.
Other Season 11 housemates, including Tram, Flora and Sultex, were also spotted at the event. Their presence added to the reality television representation at the gathering.
Araga’s Modelling Background Before BBNaija
Araga was another BBNaija personality associated with the 2026 Lagos Fashion Week, although his connection to modelling began before his appearance on reality television. His real name is Oluwaseyifunmi Sosanya, and he is known for his involvement in fashion modelling and track athletics.
His modelling journey reportedly began in 2020, several years before he became associated with BBNaija. He won Mr Global Nigeria in 2023 and subsequently emerged as first runner up at The Model Look Africa Season 20.
His participation in Lagos Fashion Week was an extension of an existing modelling career. His participation at the 2026 event also included a runway appearance and engagement with Lord’s London Dry Gin at the brand’s promotional space.
Araga’s background distinguishes him from other reality television personalities whose involvement in fashion may have started after gaining public recognition through the programme.
Zerry DL Makes Runway Debut for Oshobor
Nigerian singer Zerry DL was another entertainer who explored modelling during the 2026 fashion week. The musician made his reported runway modelling debut for Nigerian fashion label Oshobor, adding another music personality to the list of entertainers who have participated in fashion presentations.
Oshobor was among the designers featured in the Lagos Fashion Week programme, with its collection included in the October 29 schedule. Zerry DL’s appearance therefore formed part of the wider presentations by Nigerian designers during the event.
The singer’s participation brought him into a different creative setting, where clothing, presentation and movement were central to the showcase. His involvement also reflected the increasing relationship between the Nigerian music industry and fashion, with musicians frequently collaborating with designers, wearing locally produced labels and participating in fashion campaigns.
Ugo Monye, Ejiro Amos Tafiri, Fruché Among Featured Designers
While the celebrity appearances attracted considerable attention, the designers remained central to the 2026 Lagos Fashion Week. More than 60 designers were reported to have participated, presenting collections influenced by different aspects of African identity, craftsmanship, contemporary fashion and textile innovation.
Ugo Monye was among the designers whose presentation attracted attention, particularly because of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s participation. The designer has developed a reputation for incorporating African cultural references into contemporary menswear, with traditional garments and styling influences forming part of his creative direction.
Ejiro Amos Tafiri was another designer featured during the programme. Her label has built recognition through womenswear collections that combine contemporary silhouettes with African influences.
Fruché also featured among the participating labels. The fashion house is known for its distinctive approach to contemporary African fashion, using colours, textures and creative silhouettes to develop its collections.
Lisa Folawiyo was included in the November 1 offsite programme, while Andrea Iyamah was also among the designers featured during the final day’s presentations.
Emmy Kasbit, whose previous runway presentation featured Sanwo-Olu in 2023, was also among the designers associated with the 2026 programme. The label has become recognised for its use of traditional Nigerian textile influences and contemporary menswear and womenswear designs.
Orange Culture was another participating label, with its presentation included in the programme. Other participating designers and labels included Bridget Awosika, Dimeji Ilori, Boyedoe, Christie Brown, Nkwo, Cute Saint, Abiola Olusola, Bloke, Jermaine Bleu, Ibilola Ogundipe, Oshobor and Elie Kuame.
The event also featured the Green Access initiative, which provides a platform for emerging designers exploring sustainable approaches to fashion.
Davido’s Earlier Runway Appearance for Ugo Monye
The relationship between Nigerian entertainers and Lagos Fashion Week predates the 2026 edition, with Davido among the musicians who have previously walked for local designers.
The Afrobeats singer participated in a runway presentation by Ugo Monye in 2024, wearing a brown traditional inspired outfit complemented by beads, a matching cap and a staff. His appearance attracted attention because of his established position in Nigeria’s music industry and his association with the designer.
Davido’s participation also demonstrated the relationship between celebrity influence and fashion promotion, as popular entertainers can introduce designers and their collections to audiences beyond the traditional fashion community.
His appearance is particularly relevant to the 2026 edition because Ugo Monye also featured Sanwo-Olu during the October 31 presentation. The designer has therefore been associated with runway appearances involving both prominent entertainers and a sitting Lagos governor.
Mike Edwards, Teddy A Among BBNaija Personalities Associated With Fashion Runways
Former BBNaija housemates Mike Edwards and Teddy A have also been associated with fashion runway presentations, including appearances connected to Ugo Monye.
Their involvement forms part of a wider relationship between reality television and the Nigerian fashion industry. BBNaija has introduced contestants to large audiences, creating opportunities for some of them to explore modelling, fashion campaigns, brand partnerships and other entertainment related ventures.
For some housemates, fashion becomes an extension of their existing interests, while others explore the industry after gaining public recognition. Araga’s modelling background and Oyin’s reported debut at the 2026 event illustrate these different routes.
Why Nigerian Celebrities Are Appearing on Fashion Runways
The growing presence of entertainers on Nigerian fashion runways reflects the relationship between the fashion business and the country’s wider creative economy. Musicians, actors, comedians, influencers and reality television personalities already command public attention, making their participation useful for designers seeking greater visibility for their collections.
Fashion events also provide opportunities for collaborations between designers, celebrities and commercial brands. Some personalities appear as models, while others participate in promotional activities, attend presentations or support particular labels.
The involvement of Sanwo-Olu also illustrates how fashion events can attract people outside the entertainment industry. His participation brought political leadership into a presentation by a Nigerian designer, while the appearances of Hilda Baci, Teni and Real Warri Pikin connected the event to other areas of popular culture.
With more than 60 designers participating, the event provided a platform for Nigerian and African fashion businesses to showcase their work, connect with audiences and promote local creative production.
A Fashion Week That Brought Different Industries Together
The 2026 Lagos Fashion Week, held from October 28 to November 1, brought together established designers, emerging talents, professional models, musicians, actors, reality television personalities and public officeholders.
Sanwo-Olu’s return to the runway for Ugo Monye, Hilda Baci and Teni’s celebrity appearances, Oyin’s modelling debut, Araga’s participation and Zerry DL’s appearance for Oshobor were among the developments that placed the event in the entertainment spotlight.
Davido’s earlier appearance for Ugo Monye in 2024 and the previous runway participation of Sanwo-Olu in 2023 also provide a longer history of celebrity and public figure involvement in the event.
Beyond the personalities, the designers and their collections remained the foundation of the gathering, with the 15th edition placing particular attention on African craftsmanship, heritage, innovation and the future of sustainable fashion.
SNAPSHOTS OF OTHER CELEBRITY APPEARANCES
