AFW- Lagos Designers have had a love affair with Africa for decades, from 60s YSL to Derek Lam's S/S 12 shows, but Nduka Obaigbena (aka The Duke), the Nigerian media mogul who publishes the This Day newspaper and Arise Magazine, and who funded the whole week as well as paying for more than 300 international visitors, sees Lagos fashion week as essential for putting Africa on the fashion map proper. "We are demonstrating that Africans can contribute, be the best and be world class," he said, wafting around the crowds in a billowing white gown, martini in hand. "This is about putting Africa on the map." One of the standout designers, Central Saint Martins educated menswear designer Buki Akib - who is hopefully showing in London next year - concurs, but says it's also about Africa "losing its novelty factor." Being an African designer should simply be about where you're from. "Anyone can copy African design," she tells me in the back of a car, "but hopefully platforms like this will show the industry that African designers can fit in internationally without having to be a separate entity."Her collection, based on intricately patterned monochrome knitwear with metallic leather panels and big, swooshy boxing gowns, was one of the most
Swimwear by designer David David. Photograph: Jon Gambrell/AP