Bennett Oghifo
Nigerian menswear model, Kimono Kollection, has marked 16 years in vogue, with its first-ever vogue present, tagged ‘Threads of Time’, held in (*16*) Island, Lagos on Sunday, October 25, 2026.
The showcase introduced collectively vogue, tradition and storytelling to mirror 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 a single thread good points which means when woven into one thing better.
The idea served as a mirrored image of Kimono Kollection’s evolution of over 16 years, formed by craftsmanship, artistic expression and the folks whose contributions have turn into half of its story.
More than an anniversary celebration, the present introduced 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 way of 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 strengthened the central message of Threads of Time, stressing {that a} model’s identification is constructed over time.
It additionally featured the disclosing of the model’s SS27 assortment, comprising 70 appears to be like throughout color palettes of black, cream, brown, inexperienced, burgundy and gray. The presentation explored the model’s design sensibility by way of a thought of development of appears to be like, bringing its method to fashionable menswear to the runway.
One of the present’s standout moments got here throughout the black palette section, when Dipothevoice (Oladipupo Ogundele) made a shock look from throughout the viewers.
The runway was crammed 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 vogue.
Hosted by actor Tobi Bakre, the night additionally featured a particular viewers giveaway, with Tobi Bakre presenting his first-ever Kimono swimsuit to a visitor chosen from the group.
Several personalities and designers alike within the vogue trade – together with fellow designers Mai Atafo, Vodi, Lanre Da Silva in addition to notable vogue and life-style personalities- Dabota Lawson, Akin Faminu, Kiki Osibanjo, Powede Awujo graced the occasion.
Expressing pleasure, the artistic 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 artistic potentialities which have sustained Kimono Kollection over 16 years. Event sponsors embody Isimi Lagos, Martell, Coca-Cola, Fat Gbems and White Stone Jewellers.
