Behind the Runway: The Steps Leading Up to Lagos Fashion Show

When we see models gliding down the runway in flawless silk gowns, it all looks effortless. But behind every show is a whirlwind of planning, creativity, and endless to-do lists. With Lagos Fashion Week around the corner, I thought it would be the perfect time to take you behind the curtain and share the journey leading up to a fashion show.

1. The Vision

Every Eki Silk collection begins with a story. Sometimes it’s told through the language of nature, sometimes through the spirit of travel. But this season, I felt a pull back to culture.

The last time I explored my heritage was in SS19, and now, with fresh eyes and a more mature lens, I felt ready to return and retell that story. My journey began with weeks immersed in the richness of the Edo culture, absorbing its artistry, symbolism, and grace. With Eki Silk’s delicate fabrics, I chose not to recreate the red beadwork but to reinterpret its spirit. The bold reds and structural lines became my guiding thread, allowing me to transform centuries of heritage into modern silk gowns that speak of both tradition and timeless luxury.

2. Designing the Collection

Sketches, fabric swatches, and mood boards fill the studio. Choosing silk is always intentional, its flow and sheen bring my ideas to life in a way no other fabric can. This stage is where culture, creativity, and craftsmanship merge.

3. Preparing to bring the magic to the Runway

In the run-up to unveiling our new collection, the magic doesn’t just happen on the runway, it builds up behind the scenes.

Every detail is curated with intention, from the styling of the models to the rhythm of the music. This season, we’re blending tradition with modernity. We are working with a dear friend to style our models with the Ivie Coral beads.

The atmosphere backstage is electric: fittings, last-minute tweaks and rehearsals. Even the soundtrack plays a role, helping to weave the narrative of culture and elegance that defines Eki Silk.

4. The Team

No designer does this alone. Stylists, makeup artists, models, and production teams all come together to bring the vision to life. Collaboration is everything.

This year’s showcase feels especially meaningful as I’m lucky to have a few close friends flying in, not just to watch from the audience, but to be part of the magic behind the scenes and even on the runway.

From helping with accessory styling to weighing in on model selections, capturing behind-the-scenes footage, and cheering from the front row, their presence brings an energy that no spotlight can replicate.

Fashion is about storytelling, but it’s also about community, and having my support system woven into this journey makes the collection all the more powerful.

5. Final Thoughts

In today’s fashion world, a collection isn’t just about what walks the runway, it’s about the story that surrounds it. The journey begins long before show day, with visuals, content, and behind-the-scenes moments that build excitement and anticipation.

During the runway, the energy is captured in real time footage, photography, and live storytelling to amplify the experience far beyond the venue.

For me, this cycle of storytelling is as essential as the designs themselves, it’s how we bring our audience into the heart of the journey. If you like red, gold, white and soft luxurious silks, you're in for a treat this year.

A fashion show is more than just clothes on a catwalk. It’s storytelling, heritage, and emotion stitched into every piece. At Lagos Fashion Week, we aren't just showing a collection - we’re sharing a legacy.