American music icon and pop culture influencer Ciara Wilson has declared her experience at Lagos Fashion Week 2025 as one of the most memorable events of her year. The Grammy-winning artist shared this sentiment while reflecting on her visit to Nigeria's bustling commercial capital for the prestigious fashion showcase.
A Star-Studded Celebration of Nigerian Fashion
In a video posted to her official Instagram page on Tuesday, December 31, 2025, Ciara revisited the exciting moments from her late October trip. The event, themed "In Full Bloom," ran from October 29 to November 2, marking its significant 15th anniversary. Captioning her post, the singer wrote, "One of my highlights of the year was Lagos Fashion Week!" She detailed participating in a runway show, touring the Trading Room Floor with Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and connecting with some of Nigeria's most gifted designers.
Her involvement began symbolically at the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), where she joined Governor Sanwo-Olu to ring the closing gong. This act formally signalled the commencement of the week's festivities. Addressing attendees, Ciara expressed her honour in being part of a mission to elevate African fashion globally. "I'm excited to have been enlisted in the mission to promote African fashion designs," she stated, adding that she would use her platform to showcase the beauty of Lagos to the world.
Personal Connection and Praise for Lagos' Growth
Ciara's affection for the city was palpable. She described a personal connection, noting, "This occasion is really special for me, because my heart always beats better whenever I am in Lagos." She also observed and commended the visible development across the metropolis. "I've seen the evolution of the city from when I landed at the airport to when I moved into the metropolis," Ciara remarked. "This speaks so loudly about the growth and how the economy is flourishing."
For the style icon, fashion is a core form of self-expression. She expressed deep admiration for the local creative scene, saying, "To see the growth in the fashion space, I can't describe how honoured I am to be part of this project." During her visit, she was presented with a box of handcrafted Lagos art figurines by Governor Sanwo-Olu, a gift symbolising the city's creative spirit.
Governor Sanwo-Olu on Fashion as an Economic Engine
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who led state executives to the NGX event, framed Lagos Fashion Week as more than a style parade. He described it as a reflection of local innovation and a platform positioning Lagos as a global hub for creativity, tourism, and investment. "Our administration is committed to supporting people who are curating an ecosystem that will push locally created brands to the global market," the governor affirmed.
He shared broader visions for Africa's economic future, stating, "Africa is the next continent that will drive the global economy in the next 30 years and on the continent, Nigeria is the one country that has the demographic advantage to lead this new economic growth." Sanwo-Olu highlighted Lagos as a city powered by youthful innovation, unique on the continent for its teens and young adults eager to drive change.
The governor also hosted a creatives' brunch at Lagos House, Marina, where he and Ciara mingled with designers and industry leaders. He later posted on X that her presence underscored the growing international fascination with Lagos, highlighting the city's rising profile as a nexus for fashion, culture, and creativity.
Ciara's endorsement and active participation in Lagos Fashion Week 2025 have significantly amplified the event's global reach, reinforcing Nigeria's burgeoning influence on the international fashion landscape.
