Ekiti Dazzles as South-West Fashion Week, Ekiti Fashion Exhibition Hold in Grand Style.

Ekiti Dazzles as South-West Fashion Week, Ekiti Fashion Exhibition Hold in Grand Style.

By Olamide Akinwumi 

Ado-Ekiti was abuzz with creativity and glamour as fashion lovers, creatives, and entertainment enthusiasts gathered at the Fajuyi Pavilion for the highly anticipated South-West Fashion Week 2025 and Ekiti Fashion Exhibition Runway & Awards 9.0. The event, which further elevated Ekiti’s status on Nigeria’s growing fashion map, was a grand cultural celebration, blending African heritage with modern fashion expressions.

The fashion fiesta, themed “Fashion Fusion”, kicked off with a glamorous red carpet event. Guests were dressed to the nines, showcasing striking traditional and contemporary outfits that turned the venue into a vibrant gallery of elegance and style. As the evening unfolded, the main runway event offered a dazzling display of fashion that captivated the audience with its breathtaking presentations.

The event, powered by De Elegant Expertise Palais, featured notable designers such as AOD Fashion, Itouch Collectibles, Bridals by Fasodara, Bettykay Hats & Bridals, Tobig Fashion Realm, Teekulture Clothings, Elegance Apparel Limited, and others. These designers presented collections that wowed the audience, showcasing the blend of vibrant African fabrics, handwoven textiles, and contemporary silhouettes. The runway was the heartbeat of the event, as models of diverse sizes and styles glided across the stage, each presentation telling powerful stories of heritage, innovation, and modern African identity.

The highly anticipated celebrity walk added further glamour, with industry creatives like AOD Fashion strutting the runway in luxury outfits infused with indigenous aesthetics, electrifying the atmosphere and adding star power to the showcase.

Adding a competitive edge to the exhibition, the fashion contest segment saw designers and companies flaunting their originality, charisma, and stage presence. Beyond the runway, the exhibition arena was bustling with activity, as designers, beauty brands, and creative entrepreneurs displayed a wide range of products, including couture outfits, accessories, footwear, fabrics, and cosmetics. Guests actively engaged with exhibitors, made purchases, and sealed business deals, marking a significant boost for small-scale fashion entrepreneurs.

The event also recognized outstanding contributions to the fashion and creative industries with awards for excellence, consistency, and creativity. These awards were presented to deserving individuals and brands who have made remarkable strides in fashion entrepreneurship across the South-West. The awards segment was a highlight, with recipients being celebrated to thunderous applause.

In between runway sessions, live entertainment performances, cultural dances, and musical displays added to the festive atmosphere, further reinforcing the theme of Fashion Fusion—a harmonious blend of culture, style, and entertainment. 

Busayo Owajoba, CEO of De Elegant Expertise Palais, spoke at the event, emphasizing the platform's role in empowering young designers, models, and creative entrepreneurs. “This platform is more than just a fashion show. It is an economic and cultural movement designed to create opportunities for young talents and position Ekiti as a fast-rising hub for fashion, arts, and tourism in the South-West,” Owajoba stated.

The exhibition also attracted a large number of fashion designers, models, and creative entrepreneurs from across Nigeria, further elevating its status as a national fashion platform. Their participation brought diversity and originality to the runway, showcasing trending styles from various parts of the country.

In conclusion, the South-West Fashion Week 2025 and Ekiti Fashion Exhibition Runway & Awards 9.0 was a resounding success, positioning Ekiti as a rising star in the world of fashion while offering a vibrant platform for creativity, business, and collaboration within and beyond the state.