Lagos Fashion & Design Week (LFDW) Newbie Guide – What To Expect.

Except you’re living under a stone, you probably know that its fashion week season in Nigeria. If you don’t, get out of that rock right now! And I mean, right now!!

The Lagos Fashion and Design Week is the most anticipated fashion event in Lagos and its finally here again.I’ve been attending fashion week since 2013 and its one event I always look forward to every year.
My first LFDW experience was pretty fun! Although, I was a newbie unsure of my left from right, but I was with the right people and was eager to take it all in.

I know quite a number of people might be attending fashion week (LfDW)  for the very first time, so I thought to make it all easier for them by sharing a few things to know and expect.

1. Location. Location!

Lagos Fashion and Design Week runs from Oct 26 through to Oct 29, and the official central hub for LFDW is at Federal palace in Victoria Island.
You will find a couple of tents (backstage tent, retail/shopping tent etc) at the venue and the main event actually takes place in one of the tents which will be open when they are ready for the show.
The runway show is meant to start by 6pm daily but there are almost always delays so the tent might not get opened till 7 or later.
So, what will you be doing till then? Hanging around, of course! That’s when everyone meets everyone, pose for the paps, give interviews and basically just take in the scene.
So your best bet is to get there somewhere around 5pm so you don’t miss this bit – its an integral part of the fashion week experience!
There’s also going to be some shopping of outfits off the runway and this will happen from 11am to 6pm everyday. To check out the full schedule of the event, and see other side events that will happen on the grounds, check HERE

2. It Might Not Be All Fun.

Not to discourage you or anything but I feel its important to let you know this bit. If you happen to go alone and you aren’t quite the social butterfly, It’s easy to feel a bit lost.
You might think that you’ll get there and immediately meet people to do the event with but you’ll find that everyone is basically all over the place too.
Last year, I went with people who were majorly interested in getting pap’d (posing for pictures) and I lost them in the haze of things. Thankfully, I hooked up with other bloggers at the event (another reason why blogger boos are important) and had people to be with till the show started.
How to avoid this? Well, go with someone! Or try to get involved in things. See someone’s style you love? Go say hi!
You can also check out the retail stands while you wait for the doors to the runway shows to be open.

2. Have flats somewhere in your bag!

Except you’re one of those female superheroes who can stand on heels for hours and feel no discomfort. Because like I said, there will be some standing around before the doors to the show opens! In case you were expecting to just get there and get right into the main event.

3. The Paparazzi.

Don’t be surprised if you keep getting pulled to have your pictures taken or give a quick interview. There are usually lots of press, just In case you’re asked who you’re wearing and you’re feeling shy to say it’s baffs from the market. Take this as a heads up now. Loool!

4. The Politics Of Seating.

When the doors finally gets open, the next thing is getting good seats which can be a pain. Because of course, front row seats are reserved. But here’s a tip – be confident and go sit where you want. Most times, nobody will disturb you and you win.
To be on the safe side though, if you’re not a fan of being asked to get up midway into the event, just sit on the second row and to the extreme end so you don’t get blocked by people’s heads.

5. Fashion Week Swag Bags.

Expecting goodie bags?
Just get it off your mind now! You might find a magazine on your seat though.

6. Don’t Come Hungry.

There usually isn’t anything to eat (or drink), so don’t come with an empty tummy because if you get hungry, you’re on your own. Luckily though, its in V.I and you can always branch toany restaurant. Although, that’s extra cab fare if you’re like me that don’t have a car.
Also, don’t come with empty phone/camera batteries!  Of course, you know why right?

Fashion week is a great opportunity to make good connections because lots of those fashion people you’ve meaning to work with or meet would definitely be around. Don’t be shy to say hi or just introduce yourself. Come handy with your business cards (bloggers, listen! ) and elevator pitch.

All in All, I think it is definitely worth experiencing. For me, being surrounded by so much fashion and street style makes me sooooooooo happyyyy. I can’t explain it! I’m always reminded of how much I love fashion whenever I’m at fashion week.

Another thing I always look forward to is definitely seeing some of my model friends and designer buddies slay the runway! I’ve particularly been looking forward to seeing what T.I Nathan and Fruche has for us this year and I’m pretty bummed I won’t be able to make their show because of work but I’ll be joining in on the whole fun from friday, so I look forward to seeing some of you!

P.S : 
– Wondering how to network at the event? I’ve got you covered HERE.

– Need some style inspiration? Check out this street style guide for fashion week HERE

– Also check out all my fashion week posts/outfits/experience up to date HERE.