Lanre Da Silva has partnered with a diverse group of designers to champion sustainable fashion and provide a platform for showcasing new seasonal collections through the LDA Runway Renaissance. Each designer brings a unique perspective, blending cultural influences and design expertise to create distinctive pieces. Together, they support small-scale local producers, fostering a more sustainable and inclusive fashion ecosystem.
What is the LDA Runway Renaissance?
The LDA Runway Renaissance is an initiative dedicated to uplifting emerging designers while championing eco-friendly fashion practices. This platform showcases three talented designers from diverse backgrounds, each committed to sustainability and exceptional craftsmanship. Through their work, they tell the stories shaping Africa’s fashion landscape, emphasizing social responsibility without compromising style or quality.
Meet the LDA Runway Renaissance featured designers…
#1. Adebukola Adeogun
Adebukola Adeogun is a fashion enthusiast, women’s advocate, and serial entrepreneur with a BSc in Economics from Lagos State University. She seamlessly combines her creative passion for fashion with sharp business acumen through various initiatives that focus on entrepreneurship, youth engagement, and economic empowerment. Adebukola is the founder of Bukola Neville Limited, Fabrithread Cycle Limited, and the SLY Impact Foundation, which supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Her collection, Neville Dechets, draws inspiration from the concept of “rebirthing from refuse”—celebrating the harmony between new and discarded materials. A beacon of conscious fashion, each piece is crafted from reclaimed materials, telling stories of transformation and hope. In this collection, creativity breathes new life into waste, proving that even discarded items can become powerful symbols of change.
#2. Ugochukwu Onukwubiri
Ugochukwu Onukwubiri is a stylist and the Creative Director of 1407Style, an androgynous Nigerian brand founded 14 years ago. The brand focuses on accessible and affordable pieces designed to stand the test of time, with a commitment to high-quality, eco-friendly fabrics that ensure both comfort and style. Over the years, 1407Style has embraced sustainability, incorporating upcycled materials to create unique, one-of-a-kind garments.
Ugochukwu’s LIFE collection delves into the diverse ways individuals experience the world. It challenges the notion of seeing things in binary terms—good or bad, right or wrong—and invites us to explore the complexities and nuances that shape our perspectives. Each piece in the collection reflects this multifaceted view of life, where dualities merge, and the beauty lies in the grey areas.
#3. Abisoye Olorunnimbe
Abisoye Olorunnimbe is a visionary entrepreneur and the Creative Director of HUE, a brand that fuses cultural heritage with contemporary luxury. With over a decade of experience sourcing unique fabrics from around the world, her expertise spans traditional Nigerian textiles, luxury haute couture fabrics, and bespoke designs. A graduate of Law from the University of Manchester, Abisoye has seamlessly transitioned from law to fashion, founding a renowned retail fashion label and small-batch production company in Lagos. Despite her entrepreneurial success, she maintains a balance between business and family life and enjoys playing tennis in her downtime.
Her Blossom collection celebrates boldness, individuality, and confidence. Featuring vibrant prints and dynamic designs, each piece embodies the spirit of unbridled enthusiasm and self-expression, encouraging wearers to embrace their unique beauty and power.
Speaking on the LDA Runway Renaissance, Creative Director Lanre Da Silva stated, “The launch of this platform was inspired by the next frontier of fashion, which focuses on sustainability and collaboration. It is about leveraging platforms and networks for mutual benefits and working collectively to bring local talents to the global stage.” She continued, “The LDA Runway Renaissance aims to empower the fashion industry by supporting talented designers and small-scale producers who prioritize sustainability. By providing a platform for these emerging creatives, we seek to inspire a more conscious approach to fashion, benefiting both people and the planet.”
Two decades of LDA: Leading the charge for conscious fashion
The Lanre Da Silva (LDA) brand, set to celebrate its 20th anniversary next year, has earned global recognition as one of Africa’s leading fashion houses. In 2013, the brand’s Spring Summer 2013 “Butterfly Kisses” Collection was showcased at the Dolce & Gabbana Spiga2 Concept Store and featured at the prestigious Pitti Immagine Trade Show in Florence, Italy, marking a significant milestone in its international presence.
In conclusion, the African fashion industry has undergone tremendous evolution and continues to thrive, with immense growth potential. This progress has fueled a strong commitment to sustainability and conscious fashion practices. LDA is at the forefront of this movement, aligning its work with a broader vision of social impact—supporting brands that champion sustainability while creating lasting change in both the fashion sector and local communities.
Featured image: Courtesy of Lanre Da Silva
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