On the 19th of January, in a breathtaking fusion of fashion and beauty, the second edition of the Lagos Canvas runway unfolded as a vivid tapestry of art, culture, and creativity. Hosted at the British Deputy High Commissioner’s Residence, the event was a fearless embrace of color, texture, and innovation. British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter, in partnership with Mo Abudu, CEO of EbonyLife Media, set the stage for an evening where fashion met artistry in its purest form.
Backstage at Lagos Canvas
This year’s runway pulsed with the rhythm of Lagos’ heartbeat, as celebrated designers—Wanni Fuga, JZO, Abebi by Tan, PettreTaylor, Emmy Kasbit, ESO by Liman, Hertunba, and Cynthia Abila—showcased collections that pushed the boundaries of craftsmanship and contemporary style.
Yet, beyond the exquisite garments, beauty took center stage, weaving a narrative as dynamic as the fashion itself. Sponsored by Essenza, the runway’s beauty trends drew inspiration from Lagos’ creative ingenuity while echoing global influences from the runways of Paris, Milan, and London. The result? A bold redefinition of African beauty, seamlessly blending modernity with deep-rooted tradition.
The Bold Language of Colour
On the runway, vivid hues told a story of vibrancy and identity. PettreTaylor’s structured silhouettes in electric blues stood in striking contrast to the rich ochres and deep reds of Emmy Kasbit’s signature woven pieces. This fearless embrace of color extended into beauty, where models radiated under iridescent highlighters reminiscent of a Lagos sunset. The Essenza Beauty team crafted makeup looks that reflected the audacious color play seen in international fashion capitals, proving that Nigerian beauty is bold, expressive, and unapologetically radiant.
Textile Meets Texture: Skin as Canvas
As designers paid homage to indigenous textiles, beauty looks were curated to complement rather than compete. Glowing, lit-from-within skin served as the perfect canvas for intricate textures of akwete, adire, and silk jacquards. Dewy finishes and luminous serums lent models an ethereal glow, mirroring the craftsmanship and detail in every stitch and weave. This approach to beauty wasn’t just about makeup; it was about honoring the tactile richness of African fashion with a fresh, modern edge.
Eccentricity in Detail: The Power of Accessories
Accessories on the Lagos Canvas runway were statements of bold individuality. Maliko’s avant-garde footwear and Unrefined’s striking jewelry redefined contemporary African luxury, adding depth and drama to each look. This attention to detail carried into beauty, where geometric face embellishments, metallic accents on brows, and sculptural hairstyles mirrored the architectural brilliance of the clothing.
Braids Reimagined
Hairstyling at Lagos Canvas 2.0 was a masterclass. Darling Hair’s expertise brought a fresh perspective to traditional African braiding, transforming heritage techniques into haute couture expressions. Intricate cornrows cascaded into gravity-defying crowns and sculptural twists paid homage to timeless African aesthetics with a futuristic twist.
The Reign of Gloss and Dew
If one beauty trend defined Lagos Canvas 2.0, it was the luminous, high-shine finish that dominated both the runway and the city’s ever-evolving beauty landscape. Glazed lips, hyper-glossed cheekbones, and ultra-dewy skin reflected the humid vibrance of Lagos itself. The Essenza team perfected glass-like finishes that felt both fresh and sophisticated, an effortless nod to the dewy complexions seen on international runways from New York to London. This was beauty in its most radiant form—effortless, sensual, and undeniably Lagos
A Love Letter to Lagos Beauty
More than just a runway event, Lagos Canvas 2.0 was an ode to the city’s unapologetic boldness and creative genius. It cemented Lagos as a global fashion and beauty powerhouse, where artistry knows no limits. From the daring interplay of color to the reinvention of traditional aesthetics, the show proved that Lagos is not merely part of the conversation—it is leading the charge.
The second edition of the Lagos Canvas Fashion Show was brought to you by ESSENZA in collaboration with Darling Hair, Maliko, and Unrefined.
Creative Team
Curated by: @thehouseofzeta
Producer: @thechideramuoka
Assistant Producer: @lukfl3x
Runway Director: @godwinxokoruwq
Videography: @artyangles
Photography: @tomiwaarije