Statement Pieces: CANEX Presents Africa Sends a Message About Contemporary Fashion

You’ve probably heard about the weather at Paris Fashion Week. Still, beneath the neoclassical colonnades of the Palais Brongniart, not even the slate gray skies and lashings of rain could dampen the buoyant spirit conjured by the Paris debut of CANEX (Creative Africa Nexus) Presents Africa, a talent development and showcasing platform for the design of the continent and its diaspora. Indeed, the location itself spoke to the sincerity of the mission: the former stock exchange is something of a Paris Fashion Week institution, with industry heavyweights like Raf Simons and Off-White having previously chosen it as the location for their shows.

Inside the exhibition.

Photo: Courtesy of Canex

Inside the exhibition.

Photo: Courtesy of Canex

Today, though, it served as a platform for Lagos Space Programme, Thebe Magugu and Sukeina, all of whom offered an idiosyncratic testament to the contemporary state of African fashion.

First up was Lagos Space Programme, the Nigerian label founded by Adeju Thompson in 2014 – and which took home last year’s International Woolmark Prize. Titled “The New Lagos Look,” Thompson’s collection meditated on the unfathomably rich craft heritage and history of his homeland, its traditional dress customs, and the contemporary reality of how young Lagosians dress. “My work is all about highlighting an alternative African narrative, taking things that are traditionally very Yoruba coded, but questioning how we can make it modern,” the designer said backstage post-show.

His responses came in the form of generously proportioned, savvily rethought tailored pieces, like zippered bomber jackets in pinstripe tailoring wools, scarlet hammered silk shirts and billowing poplin kaftan shirts. The Yoruba craft of indigo dyeing was deftly invigorated in denim car coats and a cosy jersey hoodie, while a flirtiness was flecked through the collection by way of halterneck waistcoat with open backs and flippy miniskirts with lace trims. “I’m carrying the reality of where I come from—I’m representing Lagos,” Thompson said. “When I’m out with my friends raving, that’s what they wear. I’m trying to convey spirit, while also merging it with how my grandparents and parents dress.”

Backstage.

Photo: Courtesy of Canex