It’s good to be back in the Federal Palace Tents. Day One of LFDW saw the MO team observe the action from every conceivable vantage point: after all this wouldn’t be fulsome analysis if we didn’t.  And to prove our dedication to the cause we even spied the make-up stash required to make all the models look runway-ridiculous worthy.

But onto the collections themselves. For us at MO it was all about the menswear. Tokyo James in particular showed a conceptually strong collection; entitled the ‘Circle of Life’ his vision for Spring/Summer 2017 was arresting in every sense. Shirts under suits were abandoned and cuffs and bondage style harnesses featured heavily; for the ‘tops’ out there, you definitely know what to purchase your best-beloved!

The interplay between power, submission and indifference were also evoked by chain details, neck cuffs that would be perfect for consensual constraint, shoes with shackles (an inspired collaboration with shoe designer King David) and the outsize ‘Tokyo James’ tags which were emblazoned with the legend ‘No One Cares’ a statement that also appeared on casual t’s.

Tokyo has always had form with coats and there were some stand outs in this collection including a Parker that gave us Nautical-Extreme with the outsize rope fastenings.

The applause erupted for a white dressing-gown style wrap coat with outsize faux fur pockets but for us the winning piece was the damask pea coat with bondage motifs.

T.I Nathan gave us a show that was great in parts. The moment his name come up spontaneous applause and cheers were deafening and seemed more at home for a teen concert than a fashion show. Cynically we thought this was due to the opening bars of  Lukas Graham’s mega-hit 7 Years,  that was the show’s soundtrack, but then Nathan served us  a bit of Vetements flavour with his mixed gender runway, and a clever, luxe take on street-wear. With Nathan the fun was injected via his t’s that had Pop Art influences and LOL slogans galore that were firmly posited in Lagos living.

I guess it is at this point one should self-declare as a Popaholic.  A special mention must also go to the runs-chick reference with a barely there ensemble covered up with a bomber jacket that announced ‘Give Me Your Money’ in cursive on the left shoulder.

Less successful were the sequence of jackets with polo-necks underneath teamed with slim-fit trousers that felt forced and jarred against the playful opening. However, Nathan is definitely one to watch.

Women’s wear was not floating our boat sadly. There seemed to be a lot of ‘incomplete’ concepts and in some cases incomplete pieces which were barely holding together as they made their way up the runway.  I said an internal prayer for one shoulder seam that was breaking for the border as the model strutted past me (I shan’t name names); and pondered how one would sit in many of the  pieces that saw models either hobbling, teeter-tottering and wincing past me. There were too many inconsequential video montages that didn’t flow with what followed on the runway (Style Temple springs to mind) and in one instance a mini-documentary that felt it belonged at a World Bank Conference (Kinabuti, we’re talking to you),  another memorable distraction was a singer closing one show who then seemed to do a runway-takeover of her own. All this smokes and mirrors action did not disguise collections that felt patchy and lacked clothes that were truly desirable, which ultimately is what these shows are all about. The biggest cheers of the night came for the plus size collective, About That Curvy Life whose soundtrack of Rihanna This Is What You Came For perked up the crowd. However, much as I was loving the idea of inclusiveness, especially when the reality of life is if one chooses a diet of Small-Chops, fast food and cake and repeats to fade, you will be in these clothes, the pieces themselves were not as fabulous as the attitude of the models rocking them. Inclusion needn’t resemble a concession which it pains me to write, this felt like. Most Plus-Size shows have models who though larger are still standard model tall, and in many instances the pieces suffered from not having the wow-factor of a Glamazon who would have sold them to us potential punters more effectively.

Overall though, the MO appetite is definitely whetted for the next three days. Connecting the dots never felt this fun and we are sure by Sunday we will be adding, never looked this sick.

 

 

You can feel it in the air. Friends are texting at odd times in the night (that will be those all=nighters in the studio), the marquees are going up on Federal Palace grounds and your go-to hairstylist is bouncing you for the A-Listers who are flying in and offering to pay in Dollars and Sterling rather than Naira. If you weren’t aware already: The Lagos Season: The Creative Edition is upon us.  Fashion, Art and Film are all taking centre stage in the coming weeks and amid the parties and red-carpet turns serious business is being done to create a blueprint for the continued growth and development of the creative industries in Nigeria. Yes, it is as serious as that. Just in case your invitation has been lost in the post and in our commitment to democratizing information and dissecting the scene for our readers enjoyment; MO is delighted to give you the skinny on what to expect from each of these three flagship events and how to navigate the sartorial code. This is after all Lagos, where you are only as good as your last appearance!

 

LAGOS FASHION AND DESIGN WEEK 26-29 OCTOBER, FEDERAL PALACE HOTEL, LAGOS

What’s it about?

Now in its 6^th edition, LFDW begins in earnest tomorrow. Founded by Omoyemi Akerele, this 4 day extravaganza sees fashionistas from Nigeria and beyond descend on the marquees in Federal Palace Hotel. Like the Big 4 (Paris, New York, London and Milan), this fashion week was borne out of a need to harness the full potential of what has always been a vibrant industry. There is a certain mirroring in this year’s theme and Eleanor Lambert, founder of the world’s oldest fashion week New York, who was passionate about changing perceptions and who sought to throw a spotlight on the American Fashion industry by educating press, buyers and customers about the immense home grown talent which is also at the heart of the LFDW cause.

What are we excited about?

Obviously there are big-ticket shows on each of the nights but there is already plenty pre-show buzz about Friday and Saturday Night (we are expecting fire, and there is no need to call names). Something tells us the shock and awe moments will be provided by all of the big ticket designers and there are plenty bubbling-unders who could also run ‘tings on the runway this year. MO will be reporting from LFDW each day, so for the most honest reviews (we’re on no one’s payroll), look no further!

What to wear?

Of all the three events; this is the one where your style game has to be beyond. The most stylish globally tend to mix it up and it’s no different here: there is no need to be head to toe in as seen on the runway or shipped in by Net-A-Porter, and besides the dollar wahala is real. Team a heritage piece with something more whimsical, check how your outfit looks both standing and seated (for the all-important ‘frow shot), and if you are going to blow the budget do it with your shoes. Hair and makeup should be able to withstand a long night as the first shows are at 5.30 and go on ‘til very late.

 

ART X, LAGOS 4^TH – 6^TH NOVEMBER, CIVIC CENTRE, LAGOS

What’s it about?

This year is Art X’s maiden edition, but the contemporary art scene is in no ways nascent. Lagos is awash with galleries, two of the smartest boutiques (Temple Muse and Alara) offer art consultancy services to customers and host shows for leading artists, and the eye-wateringly high prices fetched by pieces auctioned by Art House are the stuff of legend. However, what founder Tokini Peterside together with Artistic Director, Bisi Silva, has done is to create a truly international art fair. No need to get a visa and make one’s way to Art Basel or Frieze as TP-Collective have assembled some of the most exciting galleries and artists working on the continent and beyond.

What are we excited about?

Aside from browsing pieces and figuring out exactly how many deals in Abuja one would need to close to afford an El Anatsui (the legend will be at the event giving a talk), we are excited about seeing new work from a plethora of artists and visiting the spaces of premier galleries in the region including Art House – The Space, Bloom Art and Goodman Gallery.

What to wear?

The gallery girl has come a long way from her monochrome palette – although you still can’t beat anything from Commes Des Garçons or Issey Miyake to wow the art crowd. On the other spectrum expect guests who go the full hog and make an artwork of themselves…hmmm…interesting. If you are feeling safe but chic Celine anything will suffice or Bridget Awosika if you are rocking a designer closer to home. And if all else fails some it-jeans (Balenciaga Stirrup Jeans anyone?), edge top, alternative heels and thick rimmed glasses scream ‘collector’.

 

AFRICAN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, 13 – 20 NOVEMBER, FILM ONE AND GDC, LAGOS

What’s it about?

Also celebrating 6 years since inception AFRIFF returns to two locations, the newly opened FilmOne, IMAX Cinema and Genesis Deluxe Cinema both in Lekki. Founded by Chioma Ude, the festival is a showcase for the very best in films from Africa and the Diaspora. Expect premieres galore as over 100 films are screened as well as talks and master-classes given by some of the leading lights in the industry. As with all film festivals the jury will convene to decide which films deserve accolades and special recognition. Given Nigeria’s position of being home to Nollywood and only second to India’s Bollywood in terms of numbers of production, AFRIFF plays an important role in highlighting film=makers who are at the vanguard of the industry.

What are we excited about?

First and foremost the movies. Especially the premieres of the critically acclaimed ‘Birth of a Nation’ and ’76’ which are the tickets to tussle it out for. We would also be fibbing if we weren’t slightly excited about being in super stellar company. It’s not every day that you pop to the cinema and find yourself hobnobbing with an A-List Actor after all is it?

What to wear?

Given this is the film industry, this is the event when you can really, truly, unashamedly rock the red carpet. If you have that floor sweeper gown (Marchesa, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi, Dior) or starlet in the making number (Gucci, Rodarte, Lisa Folawiyo Studio) this is when to wear it. The paps will be out in force so make sure you have figured out your best angles beforehand in a mirror at home. With a little under 3 weeks to the start one could go on a liquid diet, Oscar styles and fashions or you can just pick your best feature (legs, bust, booty) and accentuate unreservedly so they become the story.

Our people will be everywhere…so expect MO aesthetic assessments from all three events and the fringe happenings around them. And in the spirit of #womensupportingwomen a hearty round of applause goes out to the three boss ladies at the helm of Lagos’ Creative Season. Omoyemi Akerele, Tokini Peterside and Chioma Ude we salute you!

Solange has long been chilling at the high-table of fashion forward musicians. In fact judged on her fashion savvy alone the cheese course has come and gone and the claret has been drunk at this particular banquet. Her red-carpet arrivals alone are the stuff of sartorial legend. A difficult hem-length, figure compromising silhouette, or so under the radar designer that the metal detector isn’t even beeping, none of it phases her. More importantly, she always looks like she actually enjoys fashion, rather than seeing at as an essential weapon in the arsenal of staying relevant in the digital age. Added to this Solange was rocking a natural a good clear four seasons before it became ‘a thing’ and everyone and their balding cousin decided to ‘transition’. A quick reminder for those of you at the back; an off-duty look that almost had me thinking cycling might be my new hobby, until I remembered I can’t ride a bicycle and I don’t live in Brooklyn where the streets are relatively pot-hole free, and her insane Giles Deacon dress at the Met Gala 2015 that was ultimate Optical Illusion Festival and is one of my all-time favorite looks from her.

But this isn’t just a discussion on her wardrobe choices but how with her latest album release (yes, it’s easy to forget that she is principally a musician and not a fashion plate), A Seat At The Table, she has managed to fuse the personal with the political and marry it, judging from the first two videos released so far, with the visually seductive.

I have had the album on loop for many reasons. First of all the genre shape shifting is a treat for any musical and cultural omnivore. Hip Hop legends are represented with the likes of Lil’ Wayne and for the old school ‘heads, Q-Tip (although he doesn’t rap, just harmonizes beautifully), who pop up on ‘Mad’ and ‘Borderline (An Ode To Self-Care)’ respectfully, but then there are electronica and synth vibes on ‘Don’t You Wait’, and classic soul is given a jolt of modernity in ‘Cranes In The Sky’. Second, there is something so celebratory, powerful and unapologetic in many of the songs, one gets the sense of a woman in charge of her destiny both internally and externally. ‘Don’t Touch My Hair’ is on one level a paean to the self-determinism of how a black person wears their hair and how that echoes experience, but on a deeper level is an exposition of self-expression in all its forms. The issues are real, especially with dreadlocks still deemed in some companies ‘unprofessional’ and cliques formed and broken based on how one wears their hair. Taking the thesis of strident self- acclamation further is ‘F.U.B.U’,  which to white ears might seem exclusionist with its refrain ‘this shit is for us’ but that actually  speaks lucidly to the  many ways black people navigate their blackness, from alienation, upending assumptions and  stereotypes and the occasional defiance required in doing it all. However, the album does not feel like an angry ‘protest record’, Raphael Saadiq’s production is too sophisticated and on-point for that, and this is further buttressed by the plethora of arresting motifs as seen in the two opening videos dropped.

Those videos! ‘Cranes in the Sky’ and ‘Don’t Touch My Hair’ are master classes in how to make the music video, a genre in danger of cannibalizing itself, into something fresh and interesting again. One can see that Solange has been rolling with the fine-art crowd with the precision of composition and with each video having a distinct tone and palette. Ever the pioneer, Solange mixes it up in her styling; with known luxury brands and underground labels all sharing viewing time and many of the tableaux created resemble full-on fashion editorial. Game-over pieces include an exquisite sherbet pink jacket by emerging talent Nadine Goepfert.

A luxe take on street wear is seen in an ensemble that features Chloe pants, a 3.1 Philip Lim top and cult accessories label of the moment, Mansur Gavriel shoes.

Finally, a risqué piece that would be at home in the Bush-Girl-Boutique consisting of strategically placed foliage, just remains with you long after you’ve seen it.

Having rinsed the album thoroughly, I eagerly anticipate what she does next with any of the follow up videos as they’re guaranteed to be a feast for often bored eyes.

The title of the album, speaks directly to the continued debate around equality. Are we all allowed the proverbial seat at the table? Or are some dismissed or not considered good enough due to race? It is easy to dismiss the question as one steeped in inherent privilege; if you are too busy dealing with the business of survival, whether you are at the high table or not becomes irrelevant. But music like fashion is a place where we can come to dream whether in the creation or appreciation of it. In this album, Solange has given a voice to experiences that are obviously posited in her subjective reality, but she has done it in the most inclusive way with sumptuous songs and gorgeous videos. And for that she deserves all the praise, inevitable accolades and petit fours.

Let’s be honest, only a super tiny minority of fashion lovers will experience the ecstasy and fantasy fulfillment that is haute couture. A slightly larger crowd will have the joys of trotting into the very best that prêt-à-porter has to offer: a place where everything just fits that little better, fabrics are luxe and attentive staff give you movie-star treatment. For the majority, the luxury dream truly lives in the accessories. Yes, Hermès handbags can run into the $100,000 plus category; but for the most part, putting exotic hides and limited additions to one side, a handbag or shoe from a luxury brand is going to come in at less than a head to toe day or evening look. And besides, the laser sharp scan from arm candy to feet is real. One can leapfrog into the style elites with the right shoe or bag.

Having an accessory or die approach to fashion has become entirely acceptable: shoe-a-holics are not freaks in the image of Imelda Marcos, (we have Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City to thank for that) and a handbag the price of a mortgage repayment is absolutely okay. We use phrases such ‘wear forever’ and ‘investment piece’ to assuage any background feelings of guilt and perhaps best of all accessories are by and large size democratic, which some of the more exacting pieces to wear are not. You can have that extra scoop of gelato, be eight months pregnant or have your best-body-ever days long behind you and still rock those Louboutin Pigalles with impunity.

With the dust long settled from the whirl-i-gig that was New York, London, Milan and Paris, the trends that are going to travel fastest here in sunny Lagos are the accessories. We have rounded up a selection of shoes guaranteed to make that dull as ditch dress into a spectacular-spectacular or have you perfecting fancy footwork on the dance floor just so they get their star turn. And let us not forget bags, for where there are bags there is calm, peace and joy. Presenting the MO Accessories Edit.

This shoe made me cry. With joy at its beauty and then with nostalgic memories. Yves was back in the mix after the aberration that was dropping the Yves from Saint Laurent in the first place. But sentiments to one side; the heel alone is twenty stanzas of poetry epic, although clearly this is a strictly car to venue sort of shoe. Another throwback was the extreme toe cleavage in the toe box, sexy with a capital S. If there ever was a shoe that is guaranteed to cause a riot or get the wearer mugged (for the shoes, nothing else), this is it.

Issey Miyake is known as the purveyor of pleats so it was only a matter of time before his signature motif found itself interpreted as a handbag in lick-able looking caramel. The magic in this shoulder bag is the proportions. The thick pleated capacious pouch is supported by skinny straps that loop into a thicker shoulder strap. Just call it clever-girl chic.

 

 

The Summer pump gets an edgy Scandi reworking from ACNE STUDIO. The sky blue upper in denim is next level inspired and softens the formality of the point in the toe box. But the start the applause moment really begins with the tonal heel with its sculptural curve. Extra bonus points for it not being too high, thus an all-day wear possibility. Whoever said wooden shoes are for clowns and extras in a medieval play has not seen these.

Nothing says ultimate handbag goals like Hermès. However, the undefeated world champions of making the world’s most convertible handbags have dared this season to push the boundaries. For those who have had their fill of Birkins, Kellys and Constances, this circular fringed tote is EVERYTHING. Whimsy meets exquisite craftsmanship and the petrol blue and rich chocolate colour way is ultimate lo-fi-luxe the remix. It also comes in canary yellow. Choices, choices indeed.

 

Some things every woman should have in her shoe collection. A sky-high stiletto, a shoe with some sort of skinny strap action and a metallic of any colour. Haider Ackermann in this stunning number has given us all three in one shoe, if this isn’t a canny investment piece I don’t know what is. Masculine tailoring is a natural and sensational pairing as the model in the picture illustrates. But this shoe would look equally good with a midi skirt, and don’t get me started on trad where the subtle potential for sartorial oppression is boundless.

Yes, we agree, the LV Monogram is the Alpha and Omega of ubiquity, not helped by how much counterfeit product it has begat, but how pretty is this clutch? And in Lagos at least, LV is definitely a rite of passage. First dance. First Kiss. First LV. Again, the excitement comes in contemporary flourishes, the hardware is on point and the black flap over mustard body proves that LV can still surprise. Definitely coming soon to several parties and weddings and church services and christenings and funerals…One gets the picture

Accessories front and center is definitely here to stay but as this selection illustrates there is something for every variation of woman and ensemble worn. No longer items considered as a final flourish they are oftentimes the foundation for a look, reflecting mood, purpose and aspiration of the wearer. If this doesn’t convince you dear readers to close your eyes at the till, hustle ‘til you drop and partake in the leather goods extravaganza that is heavenly handbags and sick shoes, nothing will.

 

Politics and fashion might not seem like obvious bedfellows but one only has to note the amount of time spent dissecting the sartorial choices of political spouses or the women who have reached the pinnacle of power to know this is not the case. In the digital age where anyone in the public eye is often only as impressive as their last outfit, can what you wear define not only how you are perceived but how you are remembered? Here at MO, we are of the firm belief it does, ‘wear the costume, get the part’ is not just an aphorism, it is a way of life. Mrs Rodham-Clinton please take note.

This time next year, the G8 might have beaten every Fortune 500 country to the 30% club goal if Hillary joins Theresa May of the UK and Angela Merkel of Germany at the top table. But what does it mean for us fashion watchers? Of the three women only Theresa genuinely seems to have an interest in fashion. She has been known for her love of shoes, animal print kitten heels in particular, and when she announced her candidature for PM she did so in a bold Vivenne Westwood tartan trouser suit. Since then Prime Minister’s Questions has often featured a statement necklace worn by the PM and her trim frame is often encased in LK Bennett when she is being ‘everywoman’ and Roland Mouret when she is not. Even if one disagrees with her politics, it is refreshing to see a woman in power who chooses to look her best.

In contrast, Merkel and until recently Clinton too, is wedded to shapeless trouser suits, whose sole purpose seems to be to disguise her femaleness. Sometimes we viewers are treated to a brightly coloured jacket; but that is as good as it gets. The pudding bowl hair-cut and non-existent make-up completes the frumpy frau look.

At least Hillary has embraced flattering make up, invested in a good haircut and trouser suits that if less than an inspiring in cut, are at least in photo-ready-friendly hues or white.

 

 

However, one cannot help but groan internally. It could all be so much better and it’s a pity that these western ladies have not taken pointers from historical and current Asian counterparts. The late Benazir Bhutto, Prime Minister of Pakistan embraced her culture by covering her hair in silk chiffon scarves but gave us beauty editorial worthy make-up looks; the kohl, mascara, blush and perfect lip were ever present right to her tragic end.

In Myanmar, Aung San Suu Kyi, is pulled together elegance personified in traditional anyi and longyi, a blouse and sarong set, but accessorised with fresh flowers and ever-dewy skin. The message is clear: The military regime might stink to high heavens but Aung is a fresh, fragrant counterpoint.  In politics in Asia at least, femininity and feminism are not mutually exclusive.

Meanwhile, the role of the political spouse has evolved. Before the Second World War, a leader’s spouse would be a grainy picture in a newspaper at best. But television changed that and from Jackie Kennedy onwards the spouse was a piquant ingredient to a leader’s appeal. Move to the 21^st century and the spouse is part of the campaign itself: with what they wear as much of a statement as a carefully worded policy briefing. When histories are written of this, I wager that 2010 will be one of the high-water marks of the political spouse. We had not only three genuine fashion plates in the G8 (step forward Michelle Obama of the USA, Samantha Cameron of the UK and Carla Bruni of France) but also the haute couture magnificence of Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser of Qatar ‘repping the Muslim world with her covetable collection of Ralph and Russo, Valentino and Givenchy and always with her signature turbans. And let’s not forget Africa’s own Chantal Biya of Cameroon bringing her own brand of outré ensemble moments to style proceedings.

 

 

But back to those non-verbal messages being conveyed to us the masses and potential voters: Michelle Obama has used her tenure to champion an alternative fashion narrative: instead of only engaging establishment houses such as Ralph Lauren or Donna Karan she opened the first lady’s closet to fully reflect multicultural America: Cuban-American designer Isabel Toledo got the call to design the chartreuse coat and dress she wore for her husband’s inauguration in 2009 and Michelle has continued to promote under the radar, often ethnic American designers, as seen in this outing when she wore at the time only known to fashion cognoscenti, Prabal Gurung:

 

 

Samantha Cameron in an attempt to soften the patrician and privileged background of her and her husband that had the British electorate in all-out class warfare, took to wearing high-street footwear with her enviable ensembles by Christopher Kane, Emilia Wickstead, Preen and Roksanda. The shoes were meant to bring credence to the ‘all in it together narrative’, whilst not denying her fashion background, and they did, for a season.

For Carla, a former supermodel for whom fashion came instinctively; she used her tenure to remind the world why France remains the fashion and epicurean lodestar of the world. The masses were served Dior Couture by the trunk load, Chanel in frequent doses, and Hermes, Gaultier and Vivier as and when needed. Embodying her and her husband’s unapologetic haute bourgeoisie credentials, her choices were every inch international jet=set power couple. Happy to embrace and display the very best of what their country had to offer and show the rest of us how it’s done.

So what are the new rules to follow with the political wardrobe? In short creative, because we are easily bored, credible in terms of messaging and chic. We are all more fashion literate and whilst accessibility is important aspiration trumps it every time. Leaders are meant to be better trained, skilled and equipped individuals; it is this that makes us choose them to lead after all. And the spouses? Apart from being a reminder that the leader in question is not a cipher and has a sex life; they are on the front line representing a country and reflecting the nation’s character. We are not expecting heart stopping fashion editorial ensembles (except from the good Sheikha!), but we are demanding certain levels of care and consideration. As Tom Ford aptly said ‘Dressing well is a form of good manners.’ And it definitely wins you votes.

 

 

 

 

When you live in Lagos, as I do, you end up going out to a lot of events. Partly because, these events happen all the time and also because it is who we are as Lagosians – we just can’t help ourselves.

 

Like most people who have moved back to Lagos, I was caught up in the Lagos that the Internet had promised me through the blogs and social media posts. These media outlets had shown a new and transformed city, a fun place buzzing with so many ideas and possibilities. But after a few months of turning up at these gatherings, I’m so bloody bored at every Lagos event I attend– and I think if you’re reading this too, you’re probably tired of them as well.

 

So just to make sure I wasn’t just being a hater, I asked a group of logical friends how they felt about Lagos events.  We thought about if for a moment and the answers started pouring in. I quickly realized that there was  affinity in our experiences. The same cocktail companies, the same media walls and same media blogs; wow, maybe the events we had come to know and love had become a little too predictable.

 

But would happen if there were a sudden shift (a ban on generic events): What would happen if all the events as we know them suddenly stopped happening? What would we miss the most? What would be in the ‘break incase of emergency’ box for Nigerian events?

 

What would happen if all the events as we know them suddenly stopped happening?

 

There would be mass panic! How will we fill our weekends? After those long weekdays filled with office work and traffic – we need our escape.

 

Weddings will definitely be the new clubs; they would be our only source of entertainment, free food and free booze.

 

Lots of event planners would run out of business because let’s face it; there is such a huge market for them right now.

 

Forget hunger games – there will be aso ebi games. Who wore it best? It sounds super dramatic, but it is very possible and very Lagos.

What would we miss the most?

Most of us said we’d miss the small chops first and foremost, because we all agreed small chops deserves it’s own national holiday.

Secondly, we’d miss the chance to see what’s new on the fashion scene, because let’s face it, Lagosians know fashion, we live for it and we want everyone to know it too. We love any chance to channel our inner Serena van der Woodsen.

 

Lastly, we’d miss the free alcohol. Alcohol at every event is like the icing on the cake – we don’t fully enjoy it if it’s not there. I’ve been to several events where there was no water in sight but there was alcohol in abundance. True story. That’s just the way it is.

Lagos has something so vibrant and alluring about its culture and as Africa’s social prefect, we owe it to ourselves to bring on a little bit more chao and magic to shake up the status quo. There’s been a huge spike in the entrepreneurial spirit in the city and it is spreading like wild fire. Here is our opportunity to show the older generation how we can turn the scene around. No more tired red carpet launch parties. So how can we switch it up?

 

What would be in the ‘break incase of emergency’ box for Nigerian events?

What do we want? First off, we want events to start on time. Making an event start 2-3 hours behind schedule doesn’t make the event more captivating; it just makes us tired and over it.

 

How about some event dry runs before the actual event day? No more random black outs and technical difficulties. One or two of these are fine, but it happens way to often to be unavoidable.

 

What we want something new. If we can fork out money for Keri Hilson and Kim Kardashian to appear for a few minutes at our events, we can certainly fork out money for better performers. And by better performances, I mean not just another singer coming to do a cover of a chart topping song, actual entertainment. We want an experience for us to be engaged in. A very good magic show would not go amiss, maybe even some trapeze artists to ‘ooh and ah’ about. The theatrics of our city needs to be reflected at our events.

 

Lastly, we want edgier options; we are tired of the whole one-size fits all functions. So it’s either you are in or out. When we are in other countries, we have different events target at different circles but once we step off the plane and we’re home we are all just tossed into the same zoo pen. We want events for people who appreciate graffiti, black and white film festivals, photography, gardening, and wine tasting. We want real events, not just something to say we did, we want an experience.

 

We can keep the small chops; small chops are here to stay, it’s a movement.