Emerging fashion designers from across Africa, Europe, and the United Kingdom lit up the runway in Lagos on Saturday during the grand finale of Fashion Finest Africa’s Epic Show 2025, a two-day celebration of youthful creativity, cultural expression, and innovation in fashion design.
Held in Nigeria’s bustling fashion capital, the event spotlighted rising talent in design, styling, and garment production positioning the continent’s next generation of fashion leaders for global visibility.
Founded in 2017 during London Fashion Week, Fashion Finest Africa has rapidly evolved into a premier platform for nurturing and showcasing up-and-coming African designers. This year’s edition was no exception.
“We believe young designers need to acquire knowledge, gain experience, and get access to information,” said Sola Oyebade, founder of Fashion Finest Africa. “This platform exists to promote that need and push the next generation of fashion professionals forward.”
A Cross-Cultural Runway
The 2025 runway featured a diverse mix of bold statements and subtle elegance. Designers presented collections that wove African heritage into modern aesthetics highlighting traditional textiles, intricate threading, and innovative silhouettes that resonated beyond the continent.
One standout was Tai Lore, a brand praised for its ability to bridge cultural worlds. “The collection is simple, sophisticated… a fusion of Western and African elements,” explained Richard Bara, Operations Manager for Tai Lore. “You can see it in the fabric choice and threading patterns it’s about striking a balance between both cultures.”
Other collections leaned into eco-conscious fashion, gender-fluid tailoring, and streetwear rooted in African urban identity drawing attention from local buyers, stylists, and international fashion scouts.
Looking Ahead
As Lagos continues to rise as a fashion hub in Africa, events like Epic Show 2025 underline the importance of nurturing new voices in an industry long dominated by established global houses. For young creatives, the exposure can be career-defining.
With the success of this year’s event, Fashion Finest Africa is expected to continue expanding its reach, offering mentorship, visibility, and business support to designers poised to lead Africa’s fashion future onto the world stage.
Suomi 
English 