In the whirlwind of fashion innovation, the Lagos Space Programme stands as a testament to cultural fusion and sartorial rebellion. Masterminded by the visionary Adeju Thompson back in 2018, this gender-fluid Nigerian powerhouse cuts through the static, interweaving Yoruba heritage and avant-garde projections of culture that dare to colour outside the lines. Channelling the Yoruba soul and spiritual wisdom through a fabulously queer perspective, the Lagos Space Programme stitches together artisanal craftsmanship, precise tailoring, radical experimentation, straight-up pricing, and crystal-clear sourcing ethics.
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Unveiling its latest sartorial symphony, Project 9, christened ‘Invitation to Ojude Oba,’ Adeju’s genius turns Yoruba traditional threads inside out and pairs them with iconic British menswear elements. Saturated in the depths of organic indigo, the statement-making garb flaunts bespoke hand-painted post-adire motifs, crystallizing the Lagos Space Programme manifesto. This ensemble is a tribute to the pulsating heart of the Ojude Oba fest in Southwest Nigeria, a jubilant homage to the Ijebu-Ode Yoruba and marks a decade of Adeju rewriting fashion narratives. Romantic historical callbacks intertwine with the stoic elegance of colonial British styles, epitomized by a majestic, double-breasted overcoat, its wool blend jacquard kissing the ankles, exuding grandeur with a contemporary edge. This line is more than garments rife with British and Nigerian whispers; it’s the embodiment of Adeju’s odyssey as a queer entity traversing dual worlds, binding them in harmonious dissent.
Cradled by the embrace of the fledgling Ministry of Economy and Creative Culture, designed to catapult Nigerian creative talents in Music, Film, and Fashion into the stratosphere, Project 9 was born.
Let’s not forget the accolades, darling. The Lagos Space Programme gloriously ascended as a finalist for the coveted LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers in 2021. Fast-forward to 2023, the brand is basking in the glory of snagging both the International Woolmark Prize and the Fashion Trust Arabia Emerge Prize. Talk about a winning streak!
Hats off to the Lagos x Paris Accelerator, ALARA, and FHCM for their unwavering support and for building bridges across continents for fashion’s audacious voyagers.
Presented by Destination 2030, Nigeria Everywhere @destination2030nigeria
A big thank you to our sponsors: @fmacce_nigeria @lagosxparis @parisfashionweek @alaralagos.
Creative Director: Adeju Thompson
Design Director: @payfonejones
Styling: @olaebiti at @streetersagency
Jewellery: @mara.paris
Show Production : @error404___production
Casting: @stephanegaboue
Hairstylist: @yann_turchi
Make-up: @marianneagb
In-house production: @_alishacherise
LSP Operations: @xofunke
