The E1 Championship Fashion Show transformed the EbonyLife Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos into a vibrant hub of creativity, innovation, and cultural pride — an evening that positioned African fashion at the center of the global stage.
Curated by Rikaoto by Me, the event brought together some of Africa’s most visionary designers from Lagos to Johannesburg, Accra to Harare each telling stories woven in fabric, tradition, and modern artistry. It wasn’t just a runway show; it was a grand showcase of the continent’s creative economy — where fashion met opportunity and vision met investment.
The evening opened with Afrikayla by Ibijoke Shallangwa, whose collection celebrated Africa’s rich heritage through a stunning fusion of Ankara, Adire, Aso Oke, and Kente, reimagined in fresh, urban silhouettes. “We’re passionate about telling Africa’s story through fashion,” said the designer. “Every piece carries a slice of history stitched into style, that’s Afrikayla.”
What to Wear redefined the classic Agbada with refined detailing and elegance, while Keannie Fashion Line lit up the runway with playful, curvy dresses for the modern party lover.
The finale belonged to RikaotoByMe, whose luxury gowns dazzled under the lights, each one a symphony of crystals, beads, and stones reflecting African opulence at its finest.
Speaking after the show, Maryam Elisha, Founder and CEO of RikaotoByMe, described the event as “a celebration of Africa’s creative excellence, powered by vision, partnership, and purpose.
She acknowledged the strong support of Afreximbank through its CANEX program, FEDA, and the Lagos State Government, whose collaboration made the show possible. This was more than fashion, it was a platform that united designers, artisans, and models from across the continent to tell the story of African innovation. Together, we’re accelerating intra-African trade and investment in the creative economy while amplifying our talent to the world.
The fashion show also created a melting pot of culture and experience. The international beauty queens who attended the E1 Lagos Grand Prix had the opportunity to experience Africa’s luxury and style firsthand, discovering that glamour and sophistication live not only in Paris or New York but also in the vibrant heart of Lagos.
Beyond the glamour, the E1 Championship Fashion Show stood as proof that collaboration fuels transformation. By merging fashion, culture, and sustainability, the initiative unlocked real opportunities for job creation, business networking, and global exposure for African creatives.
“I’m deeply grateful to all our sponsors and to every designer who brought their dreams to this runway,” Elisha added. “Designers like Tannymash (Zimbabwe), Afrikayla, Keannie Fashion Empire, What 2 Wear, Anjoreen Couture, Prince Glam Style (Nigeria), SGTC Clothing (Ghana), and Dashikipride African Designers in the Diaspora (New York City) gave this event its true power.”
The success of the E1 Championship Fashion Show sends a bold message — Africa’s creatives are ready. Ready to trade, to create, and to lead. With continued support from visionary partners, the continent’s creative industry will keep transforming ideas into enterprise and dreams into opportunity.
