Brand Spotlight: Kilentar SS26 at Lagos Fashion Week 2025

The Quiet Luxury of Handwoven Legacy

At the 2025 Lagos Fashion Week, Kílẹ̀ńtàr led by Michelle Adepoju delivered a powerful artistic statement. Rather than a traditional runway, the brand presented its SS26 collection as a striking private installation at Temple Muse, V.I., Lagos, transforming the space into a soft dream of textiles and movement. Kílẹ̀ńtàr successfully bridges the gap between traditional African designs and contemporary high fashion, using this showcase to emphasize the quiet luxury of genuine artisanal excellence.

The technical genius of the SS26 presentation lay in the ability to introduce softness and flow to often-structured traditional textiles. The looks featured delicate ruffles, sweeping maxi dresses, and strategic fringe detailing, honouring the feminine silhouette while showcasing the intricate patterns of the hand-woven cloth. This commitment to artisanal mastery makes their designs inherently investment-grade, as their value is rooted in irreplaceable craft.

Surulere

Kilentar’s SS26 collection, which embraced themes of movement, texture, and transformation, was titled "Surulere". It focused on silhouettes that moved with grace, proving that preserving heritage can be the most forward-looking form of design.