#WhatWentDown@HLFDW2017: My experience at the Lagos Fashion Design Week 2017

The just concluded Lagos Fashion Design Week has been talk of the town. Known to be  one of the most anticipated and highly attended shows that bring together celebrities, fashionistas, fashion bloggers, fashion designers, business opportunists, fashion enthusiasts and the public generally, the curtains were opened for the 2017 edition of this worldly acclaimed event.

This annual event has become a tradition that showcases the collections of top designers both locally and internationally. To the fashion-conscious individual, It is another time to know fashion trends that are fast taking over the fashion arena. To another set, it is a time to build their brand and make a name. For some others, it is time to network and build long-lasting relationship. Yet for some others, it is time to blown away and just have fun.

The four-day event witnessed a new twist this year as the venue was changed from the Federal Palace hotel to Eko Atlantic. For those that came with their vehicles, it was an applaudable development. For some others who had to rely on public transport, they had to device alternatives to get to the venue going and coming probably through car-pooling or hiring taxis or public transport as it were.

The Lagos Fashion Design Week was indeed a success. Personally, I think the organisers did a good job. The venue was quite spacious for the activities, considering the car-park, the exhibition stands, the restroom facilities and food stands. The whole ambiance of the venue was peaceful and calm. The fresh air that saturated the area and the beautiful landscape view was another high point to not be forgotten in a hurry. They all added to the beauty of the event.

To add to this, the DJ was rendering soothing music from the old school to the new school and it appealed to everybody present. The decorations were also on point, everywhere around the venue was perfect for that selfie, conversation or interview. I noticed that the venue was also clean to a fault; I think the venue management deserved thumbs up.

 At a point in Day One, the lightning of the hall was sparking and people were scampering for safety. Kudos to the maintenance team for sorting out the issue in no time and the event progressed without further hitches. Security was also tight as there were no reported cases of theft, harassment or any kind of societal vice.

However, there were some flops. As usual the event which was slated for 6p.m followed the norm of 'Nigerian timing' and started later than expected for all the days. I noticed that for Day One, the hall was barely full to capacity, however as the event progressed it was quite difficult to get a seat because it became jam packed. Extra seats had to be placed on the runway for the VIPs to create more spaces for the audience but that didn't solve the problem much.

Recession might have hit hard the fashion industry because this year, there were no ‘freebies’. Judging from last year, the attendees were given freebies on daily basis but this was not so this year. Instead the freebies, I observed, were for only for a selected few-the VIPs, with their names on their seats.

Having said that, the Lagos Fashion Design Week still clinched a pass mark in my good books for the successes far outweighed the flops. It was worth the time, energy, resources and experience and next year, it would definitely be another event to look forward to attend again. 

Check out photos of some guests giving us #HLFDW2017 Street style: