Photo taken from Google

If you are a fashion lover or simply enjoy retail therapy in your spare time, then you may be very conscious of the different retail experiences out there. Visiting the motherland, Nigeria, is never short of an experience to remember.

In Lagos, the fashion hub of Nigeria, the latest trends are everywhere, and shopping is a luxury that everyone will afford-by any means necessary. As you drive through Lekki, away from Lagos mainland, you will notice the conscious effort of everyone to make the streets their own personal runway. Consequently, malls and boutiques lavishly splurge on cutting edge and off-the-runway inspired designs; and you'll find both luxury and low-end pricing. There is really no excuse not to be on trend- this is Nigeria, after all.


Photo taken from Google

You can't really share a Lagos experience on one page- time doesn't permit; nor does one claim to know it all. But this is why it's a personal experience. So in a nutshell, happy reading!

'The early bird catches the worm' describes moving around in Lagos perfectly. Particularly if you want to get to the island (Lagos consists of an island and the mainland), setting out early in the day allows you to shop to your heart's content and gives you enough time to head back to the mainland before rush hour creeps in. Lagos is rich in culture and activities, and it's also heavily populated. Make sure traffic doesn't put a dent in your plans. Also, once you've mapped out and decided where you want to go, don't hold back on your purchases! I'm not saying splurge or be wreckless in buying the unnecessary- but if you love it, go ahead and buy it. Boutique items are sourced from so many different parts of the world, and from so many fashion seasons- there's a small chance you'll find the exact item elsewhere and at a better price. Having said that, the market is a great place to haggle, look around, and return if you wish to make a purchase. Balogun market on Lagos Island is known to be one of the most resourceful and most loved open markets to shop. They say you find everything in this market: from designers, to wholesale, to machinery parts.

Make sure you indulge yourself in some good icecream spots if you're out shopping the whole day! I recommend Chocolate Royal if you're on the island; or browse Ikeja mall on the mainland for a good spot.

In the world of Fashion and Beauty some things come across pretty standardised and impersonal. So it's always good to know that there are brands out there that carry alot of personality , and truly do have their end-consumer in mind. The last 5-10 years have witnessed this growing trend of sustainability and social responsibility. Brands that tell a story, one personal to the creator, are definitely winning in my books. These are brands made with love.

So in no particular order - 

1. Keji Victoria Designs - a bespoke and Ready-to-wear collection by yours truly, is inspired by my cross-cultural journey between Africa and the West. The latest collection, #madewithlovebykv draws inspiration from the names of locals in Northern Nigeria; as well as pays homage and solidarity to local businesses in that area.

2. Shea Moisture - a hair and beauty brand that has a family history and African heritage: shea butter, a rich home-grown plant is the selling point of this kind-to-the-hair brand.
Sofi Tucker was the forerunner to selling shea butter (that inspired Shea Moisture); and the grandmother to one of the brand's co-founders.

3. The Honest Company, founded by Jessica Alba and Christopher Gavigan, makes pure and harm-free baby products their priority. Once again, the most cherished brands are ones who the owners are also proud consumers of the goods.

4. Alex and Ani - an eco-conscious accessory brand that exists to give back to the planet. What I love about this brand is the recycle qualities in its manufacturing processes. The accessories are made with some recyclable elements, and the aesthetics are not compromised.

5. Studio 189 is a fashion social enterprise founded by Rosario Dawson and Abrima Erwiah. The Ghana and New York based platform works with award-winning artisans in Africa. 'Fashion Rising' has been notable campaign of the brand, which uses fashion to create more opportunities and empowerment for communities particularly in Africa.

6. Two-Thirds clothing brand - takes its brand inspiration from the ocean, which is known to take up two-thirds of the planet. Every collection is designed with lovable sea creatures and donations are made towards keeping our blue seas clean and safe. How lovely!

Can you share any brands in the industry that exist to help their community and make a difference?

Keji x

'...classy yet eclectic silhouettes that encourage women to express their individuality...' www.thelineanddot.com. This is the very reason why Line and Dot have successfully been able to attract above-the-highstreet trendsetters. For a Sunny-California-based brand, they also manage to design some stylish coats for us Winter folk! Enjoy my favourite pieces!

(From top to left)

- Blanche Eco Fur Jacket; faux fur jacket with whiskey colour block
- Dalida Moto Sweater Jacket; black ribbed knit with vegan leather Moto jacket
- Wren Maxi Coat; wool and acrylic with polyester lining

What are your thoughts on Line and Dot's collections?

Loving the minimal looks by luxury designer, Joseph. I came across this brand a few years back, and I absolutely love the comfort-luxury style! My take on Joseph's creative direction is that it uses a canvas of quality and luxury; and allows the individual to add and personalise as they wish.

- Check Jacquard Nicol Blouse
- Nappa Leather Scandal
- Scuba Jog Pants

www.joseph-fashion.com 

What isyour favourite Joseph piece?

My latest collection, #madewithlovebykv, puts sustainability at the heart of fashion. Being rooted and connection with my hometown, I am able to source supplies and fabrics from local businesses in Kano, Nigeria. I'm constantly inspired by the textiles found in small local businesses- it's almost certain you won't see it anywhere else. Being able to support these small enterprises and give back to my community definitely drives what I do.

Where did the name for the collection come from?

Being a part of the whole making of the collection; from sketching to sampling, means that every piece has my customer in mind. What makes the KV person comfortable, bold, and unique? Personal touch sometimes gets compromised when making multiple pieces and we sometimes get too focused on following a theme or following trends that do not necessarily reflect our customers needs.

New features in the latest collection include:

• Real model size for guidance
• Plain colour fabric options available to customise your order
• Easy-to-access Size chart

Enjoy!

This season loves the bardot style - the off-shoulder. Whether you're going somewhere fancy, or just hanging out with friends, there's pretty much a bardot suitable for every occasion.

The off - shoulder style is definitely flattering; but if you don't enjoy baring all shoulders and collar bone, you can opt for ones that hang on the hinges of the shoulders or the cut out styles.

What's your favourite bardot style?

Whether it's the oversized boy-cut blazer; a tassel-embellished accessory; or the block-heels sandals, retro fashion has made a come-back and is here to stay!

Comfort and style - what's not to love?

Handmade Wool Coat & Mule Sandals - Zara
Fringed Suede Bag - Mango

What new season pieces are you adding to your wardrobe?

Keji x