Lagos Fashion Week has opened applications for Green Access 2025, its flagship accelerator program dedicated to shaping the future of African fashion. The applications opened on Wednesday, September 10.
As part of its 15th-anniversary celebrations, this year’s edition challenges emerging designers to transform pre- and post-consumer textile waste into visionary designs that merge sustainability with Africa’s rich heritage of craftsmanship.
Since its inception, Green Access has been instrumental in nurturing a new generation of designers committed to circularity and sustainable practices. Alumni have gone on to build innovative brands that continue to redefine the essence of responsible production. Past participants such as Kadiju, Pepperrow, Cute Saint, Ywande, Desiree Iyama, Ajanée, Pettre Taylor, and Oshobor exemplify how the program equips designers to combine creativity, cultural storytelling, and commercial impact.
Green Access is more than a program: it’s a movement that empowers young designers to imagine new possibilities for African fashion while honouring the traditions that shape our identity.
Omoyemi Akerele, Founder & Convener, Lagos Fashion Week
“As we mark 15 years of Lagos Fashion Week, we remain committed to fostering innovation that is bold, creative, and regenerative,” she adds.
The 2024 cohort, including designers Samiat Salami (Oya Abeo), Bella Adeleke (Garbe), and Rosette Ale (Revival London), showcased how Green Access equips emerging talent to navigate creative challenges while producing commercially and culturally resonant work.
Through mentorship, skills development, and platform exposure, Green Access continues to drive sustainable growth in African fashion while shaping the next generation of designers who honour heritage and redefine industry standards.
Green Access 2025 will guide participants through craft-driven innovation, transforming discarded textiles using traditional African techniques such as weaving, embroidery, and dyeing; reimagining waste, breathing new life into deadstock and used clothing through reconstruction and modular design; youth activation, collaborating with young artisans to promote skill-sharing, community engagement, and income generation; and digital exploration, integrating modern technologies such as 3D printing into heritage-based circular design.
Applications are open to emerging designers in or connected to Nigeria until September 19. Apply here.
