Two decades in fashion is no small feat, and last night, Lisa Folawiyo reminded us why longevity feels like a language. Her twentieth anniversary show, “A Life in Colour,” didn’t simply unveil a new collection; it invited us into a world shaped by twenty years of vision, craftsmanship, and fearless storytelling.
The experience began before stepping into the main auditorium. At the entrance of Space Hub, guests walked through a quiet yet powerful archive of Lisa’s journey—pieces from collections over the years displayed alongside framed photographs that captured her evolution. It felt like walking through a timeline of creativity: silhouettes that marked milestones, textiles that defined eras, and imagery that documented a designer continually expanding her artistic vocabulary.
Inside, the auditorium carried a clean, polished atmosphere. Minimal yet confident, the space placed full attention on the runway. At its start, “Lisa Folawiyo” glowed softly beneath umbrella lights, almost as though the name itself was being celebrated for the legacy it represents.
Then came the colour—unapologetic, joyful, and intentional. The collection lived up to its title in every sense. Lace appeared alongside hand-painted leather reminiscent of Ankara prints. Silk, raffia, feathers, Akwete, organza, sequins, pleats, yarn, and intricate beadwork all found harmony within the same creative language. It was a vibrant reminder of Lisa’s mastery: her ability to take diverse materials and craft them into a cohesive, recognisable aesthetic.
There were moments of playful brilliance too. The unexpected appearance of corn motifs—rendered in prints, beading, and embellishment—brought a sense of whimsy, while asymmetry emerged as a recurring theme, adding movement and depth to several silhouettes. These details felt surprising yet familiar, like discovering new layers in a creative voice you already know well.
For twenty years, Lisa Folawiyo has been a champion of Nigerian craftsmanship, elevating indigenous textiles and reimagining embellishment with a distinct global polish. This anniversary collection did more than look back; it demonstrated her continuous evolution as an artist who remains curious, imaginative, and bold.
What stood out most was the cohesion of the entire presentation. So many elements—textures, fabrics, histories, colours, and ideas—came together without competition. Instead, they contributed to a larger narrative about creativity, legacy, and the beauty of artistic endurance.
A Life in Colour was not just a collection. It was a celebration of identity, heritage, and the brilliance of a designer who has shaped the landscape of contemporary Nigerian fashion for two decades—and continues to do so with intention and grace.
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