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Nigerian Designer Ukanireh Showcases Raffia-Infused Creations at Lagos Fashion Week
3 Nov
Summary
- Abasiekeme Ukanireh, founder of Eki Kere, known for using raffia in designs
- Sustainability a key focus at Lagos Fashion Week, with designers using traditional fabrics, banana fiber, and coffee grounds
- Ukanireh's show featured outfits inspired by traditional Ikot Ekpene wedding ceremonies
Four days before the start of Lagos Fashion Week 2025, the sewing machines at Abasiekeme Ukanireh's workshop were still buzzing. Ukanireh, the 35-year-old founder of the popular Nigerian brand Eki Kere, was making final preparations for one of Africa's biggest fashion events, which ran through Sunday.
Sustainability was a key theme at this year's Lagos Fashion Week, with designers from across the continent tapping into everything from traditional fabrics to banana fiber and coffee grounds. Ukanireh's brand, launched in 2020, is known for its use of raffia, a grassy fiber from palm trees. This year, she played up the use of indigo and dyes made from kola nuts, while still showcasing her raffia-infused designs.
During her Sunday show, dozens of models walked the runway wearing outfits inspired by traditional wedding ceremonies in Ikot Ekpene, a historic town in southern Akwa Ibom state, where Ukanireh is from. The traditional wedding lace was swapped for cardboard, linen, and raffia—a 100% biodegradable and compostable material.
