Epic Fashion Week 2026: 50 Designers and Industry Leaders Set to Redefine African Fashion in Lagos
Fashions Finest Africa has officially announced the dates for its highly anticipated Epic Fashion Week 2026, formerly known as the Epic Show. The event, scheduled to take place from 22 to 24 May 2026, promises to be a landmark occasion in the African fashion calendar, bringing together 50 carefully selected designers and key industry figures for a three-day immersive experience.
The announcement was made by the founder and producer, Sola “Mr Mahogany” Oyebade, during a virtual press conference attended by PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday. He revealed that this year’s edition will be held at The Podium in Lekki, Lagos, a venue chosen for its accessibility and modern infrastructure, which aligns with the event’s vision of creating a world-class platform for African talent.
What Makes Epic Fashion Week 2026 Different?
Mr Mahogany emphasized that Epic Fashion Week is not just another runway show. It is a structured ecosystem designed to support emerging designers through visibility, industry access, and long-term development opportunities. The event is built around three core pillars: sustainability, innovation, and commercial viability.
“So for this year’s edition, we put together an extraordinary lineup of experiences and opportunities. You should expect more than just beautiful collections on the runway; you will, of course, see some very creative stuff. We’ve got some amazing designs,” he said.
Selection Criteria: How the 50 Designers Were Chosen
One of the most intriguing aspects of this year’s event is the rigorous selection process. Mr Mahogany explained that the 50 designers were not chosen arbitrarily. Instead, they were evaluated based on a set of professional criteria designed to identify talent with real market potential:
- Strength and clarity of design identity – Does the designer have a distinct, recognizable aesthetic?
- Level of innovation and originality – Are they pushing boundaries and offering something new?
- Business readiness – Do they understand the commercial side of fashion, including production, pricing, and distribution?
- Growth potential – Can they scale their brand and reach wider audiences?
- Ability to translate ideas into market-ready collections – Are their designs not just creative but also wearable and sellable?
This approach ensures that the designers featured are not just artists but also entrepreneurs ready to compete on a global stage.
Beyond the Runway: A Platform for Real Growth
Mr Mahogany stressed that the new direction repositions the week as more than just a showcase. He described it as a structured ecosystem that operates through two key arms:
- EPIC Fashion Week – The showcase arm, where designers present their collections to buyers, media, investors, and fashion enthusiasts.
- D4DF (Design for the Future) – The sustainability and development-focused initiative, which provides mentorship, workshops, and resources to help designers build resilient, ethical brands.
This dual structure ensures that designers receive not only exposure but also the tools and knowledge needed to sustain and grow their businesses.
Building
Free Access: Democratizing Fashion
In a bold move to make fashion more inclusive, Mr Mahogany announced that the event will offer free access to the public. This decision opens the doors to a wider community of fashion enthusiasts, students, and industry stakeholders who might otherwise be excluded by high ticket prices. It reflects a commitment to democratizing fashion and fostering a more diverse and engaged audience.
What Attendees Can Expect
Attendees will experience a rich program of activities designed to connect emerging talent with key players in the fashion ecosystem:
- Runway presentations – Featuring the 50 selected designers showcasing their latest collections.
- Curated designer exhibitions – An opportunity for deeper engagement with the designers’ work and brand stories.
- Networking sessions – Facilitating connections between designers, buyers, investors, and media professionals.
- Industry-led conversations – Panels and talks on topics such as sustainable fashion, brand building, and the future of African fashion on the global stage.
These activities are designed to create a holistic experience that goes beyond passive observation, encouraging active participation and collaboration.
Expectations
Building a Global Future for African Fashion
Mr Mahogany noted that as African fashion continues to evolve on the global stage, Epic Fashion Week serves as a meeting point for creativity, commerce, and conscious design. He emphasized that the event is not just about celebrating fashion but about building an industry where designers are discovered, developed, funded, and positioned for long-term success.
“African fashion has always had creativity; what we are doing is building the structure that helps it scale globally and be taken seriously at every level,” he said.
He added: “We’re not just celebrating fashion, but we’re also building an industry where designers are not only discovered but developed, funded and positioned for long-term success. We want to change the narrative within Nigeria. So Epic Fashion Week was created with a clear purpose to go beyond the traditional ideas of fashion weeks as just runway shows and instead build a platform that truly works for designers. I mean, that’s a platform that not only gives visibility, but creates real opportunities.”
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Practical Takeaways for Designers and Industry Stakeholders
For designers looking to participate in future editions, the key takeaway is clear: focus on building a strong design identity, invest in business readiness, and prioritize sustainability. The selection criteria used for Epic Fashion Week 2026 offer a roadmap for what the industry values in emerging talent.
For buyers, investors, and media professionals, the event offers a unique opportunity to discover fresh talent and engage with the next generation of African fashion leaders. The free access policy also makes it easier for students and aspiring designers to attend, learn, and network.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for African Fashion
Epic Fashion Week 2026 represents a significant step forward for the African fashion industry. By combining runway glamour with a structured ecosystem for talent development, sustainability, and commercial growth, it sets a new standard for what fashion weeks can achieve. As Mr Mahogany aptly put it, the goal is to change the narrative—not just in Nigeria, but across the continent and beyond.
Mark your calendars for 22–24 May 2026 at The Podium in Lekki, Lagos. Whether you are a designer, buyer, investor, or simply a fashion enthusiast, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
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