Bennett Oghifo
Nigerian menswear model, Kimono Kollection, has marked 16 years in style, with its first-ever style present, tagged ‘Threads of Time’, held in Victoria Island, Lagos on Sunday, October 25, 2026.
The showcase introduced collectively style, tradition and storytelling to replicate on the journey that has formed the model and introduce its subsequent chapter.
Rooted within the language of tailoring, Threads of Time explored the concept that a single thread features which means when woven into one thing larger.
The idea served as a mirrored image of Kimono Kollection’s evolution of over 16 years, formed by craftsmanship, inventive expression and the folks whose contributions have change into half of its story.
More than an anniversary celebration, the present offered the model’s journey as a steady narrative, connecting its beginnings to its evolving place inside modern African menswear.
Founded by Hakeem Balogun, Kimono Kollection was born from a imaginative and prescient to redefine modern Nigerian Menswear. After two years of design, coaching and styling expertise in London, Hakeem Balogun returned to Nigeria in 2009, recognizing an method to conventional dressing by impeccable tailoring.
Guests on the present have been entertained by a documentary which traced Hakeem Balogun’s journey from the Lagos Island market to his present established stand.
The documentary bolstered the central message of Threads of Time, stressing {that a} model’s id is constructed over time.
It additionally featured the disclosing of the model’s SS27 assortment, comprising 70 seems throughout color palettes of black, cream, brown, inexperienced, burgundy and gray. The presentation explored the model’s design sensibility by a thought-about development of seems, bringing its method to trendy menswear to the runway.
One of the present’s standout moments got here through the black palette section, when Dipothevoice (Oladipupo Ogundele) made a shock look from throughout the viewers.
The runway was stuffed with notable personalities, together with Wale Ojo, Efe Iwara, Leo Da Silva, Cross Okonkwo and Saskay, alongside an inclusive runway that mirrored the significance of illustration and variety in style.
Hosted by actor Tobi Bakre, the night additionally featured a particular viewers giveaway, with Tobi Bakre presenting his first-ever Kimono go well with to a visitor chosen from the group.
Several personalities and designers alike within the style trade – together with fellow designers Mai Atafo, Vodi, Lanre Da Silva in addition to notable style and life-style personalities- Dabota Lawson, Akin Faminu, Kiki (*16*), Powede Awujo graced the occasion.
Expressing pleasure, the inventive director, Hakeem Balogun mentioned “Give me thread and needle and the rest is history.” His phrases captured the spirit of the event, returning to the basics of tailoring and the inventive prospects which have sustained Kimono Kollection over 16 years. Event sponsors embody Isimi Lagos, Martell, Coca-Cola, Fat Gbems and White Stone Jewellers.
