Brand Spotlight: Onalaja SS26 at Lagos Fashion Week 2025

Tactile Innovation and The Power of Intentional Chaos

Led by Creative Director, Kanyinsola Onalaja, the British-Nigerian brand, Onalaja, is a meticulous exploration of identity and cultural symbolism. Onalaja's commitment to craftsmanship manifests in the fearless experimentation with textures, colors, and intricate embellishments. The technical complexity of the three-dimensional surfaces and multi-layered beadwork—which evoked traditional Nigerian body markings—naturally elevates the garment into an art object. Furthermore, Onalaja celebrates strength and individuality, ensuring their silhouettes and pieces speak to confidence and self-expression, making their work a truly diverse and globally resonant investment.  

‘Marked: A Rite of Passage’ 

ONALAJA’s SS26 collection, which embraced themes of heritage, identity, and the body as a canvas, was titled "Marked: A Rite of Passage". It solidified the brand’s vision of fashion as a powerful, expressive ceremony, complete with sculptural gowns and shimmering detail.