It’s Lagos Fashion and Design Week (October 26 – 29) and I’m super duper excited about it, the long wait is over finally. This excitement had me reminiscing about my first time attending last year, so I decided to write about the downsides I experienced at my first fashion week ever in Nigeria.
1. Heavy Traffic
This is quite a Lagos thing but because the Federal Palace & Casino Hotel which is the venue used is located just along the road and due to tons of cars going in and out of the venue, the traffic in that area is multiplied. So if you’re going to be coming in an UBER (which is actually the way to go) I’d advice you get there earlier than 6pm while workers are at work thereby beating the traffic.
2. Not Enough Seats
I don’t like to work out (I’m lazy like that) and I classify standing for too long as workout so this was a major problem for me. I got there late most of the time as I was writing exams then (thank God I’m not this year) and on all occasions all the seats were usually taken and I had to stand till someone sitting around me leaves their seat to go home. On one occasion i mistakenly stepped on some babe and she rained insults on me in French (I didn’t quite understand what she was saying but I just guessed they were abusive words due to her facial expressions). On this note best believe I’d be there on time this year and you should too.
3. Going Alone
You might be going with the mindset of connecting with other creative minds but trust me most of the time in that kind of environment all you’d be able to get out of them is a hi with a huge smile and maybe a hug too because everyone is trying to meet one person or the other or do one thing or the other. I’d advice you go with a friend(s) so you’d have people to share laughs, jokes and opinions about the runway shows with, that will make your experience more fun and memorable.
4. Making A Fashion Statement
I’ve heard cases of people saying some fashion bloggers ain’t all that because they probably expect you to come wearing new clothes, thick camel coats (like they’ve forgotten this is Lagos),10 inches heels etc. Yes it’s cool to have your expectations but hey I’d pick the comfort I feel wearing a tshirt and a pair of jeans over being featured on bellanaija (no shade intended).
I’m really looking forward to seeing the new creative pieces our awesome Nigerian designers are going to be showcasing but more especially I’m looking forward to seeing an improvement in the manner and organization of the whole event. Do have a splendid week ahead.
Till next time… xoxo
If you need style inspiration, you can check out this post
PS : I’d be posting quite often this week, I hope you don’t mind?
Will you be attending the LFDW for the first time? If it’s not your first time, you can tell me all about your experience by leaving a comment below thanks.
This is a great post I’m loving your site!
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Thank you so much Elizabeth
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sighs…. all you all are doing is just making me wanna turn back the hand of time so I can be @LFDW, next time though
quirksandoutfits.wordpress.com
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You can attend it next year don’t worry
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I feel bad that I did not attend. I would certainly attend next yr. Thanks for the tips. http://www.adagirl.com.ng
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You’re welcome girl.
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I can’t wait for 2017 to attend LFDW but it certainly is a good idea to be early
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Hopefully you’d make it. Being early is always a good idea
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I was a first timer and I actually went with a friend. I was so pissed that the event started really late because got there around past 6 hoping the show would have begun. It wasn’t really fun for me because I had to leave for home because it was getting really late and it’s just weird going with so much expectation and then begin disappointed later on. It was nice to see you tho..even though it was quite dark
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So nice to you too babe. I really hoped the lateness won’t happen this year again but I’m still going to be positive and hope it gets better in 2017.
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I wanted to come but too bad I can’t make it, since school resumed at exactly same period. Your tips are very valid.
I remember when I went to nsfdw alone, felt terrible.
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Awwwwn school sucks I know lol.
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You’re soo right! Having someone to go with is key, and that’s the thing that is discouraging me but i must still experience atleast one day of the show. Thanks for the tips!
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Don’t be discouraged you can make new friends there. You’re welcome girl
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First timer + going alone too, besides I think am gonna be an intern not sure but I hope so….wish to meet u there
PS; I visit ur blog everyday cos I love it and u inspire me a lot!!!
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I wanted to intern too but I want freedom so I let it slide, I hope I see you too. Thank you so much Timi, this is really encouraging
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Going alone for the first time😓,I really wish I had someone to go with but anyway I’ll try and make the most of it
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You go girl
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First timer + I think I am going alone.. Thanks for the tip, I hope to get there on time as I am coming from work #mainland.. Are you going on all the days or…
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You’re welcome. I think I will
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Very useful tips.. I hope I have a friend to go with so it’ll be fun. Can’t imagine having no one to talk (gossip) with.. See ya maybe..
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Having a friend around is key!! Hope to see you too
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These are lovely tips. I wish I’d coming for Lfdw will be in Lagos at that time but I might be too busy to attend, might come in quickly for a streetstyle thing. Btw we/I need you to dress up for streetstyle o, really looking forward to your looks and you can be super comfy too, most of my fav street look features one-inch heels and sneakers.
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Thanks dear, I’d try my best to dress up
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