
Influential Nigerian fashion designer Lanre DaSilva Ajayi (LDA) is celebrating two decades of creative excellence with the unveiling of her Spring/Summer 2026 line, “The Anniversary Collection.” The milestone showcase held on November 16 in Lagos brought together fashion lovers, industry icons, and entertainment stars for an evening of glamour and artistry.
Since debuting in 2005, DaSilva Ajayi has earned her place as one of Africa’s most visionary designers—renowned for her signature blend of vintage sophistication, bold African aesthetics, and meticulous craftsmanship. Over the years, her brand has expanded from couture womenswear to include ready-to-wear pieces, jewellery, and bespoke hair accessories.
The 20th anniversary event promised and delivered spectacle. Models and top celebrities lit up the runway, accompanied by two surprise musical acts. Production was led by Elizabeth Elohor, Founder of Beth Model Management, whose creative leadership ensured a world-class presentation.
True to her commitment to nurturing emerging talent, DaSilva Ajayi also used the occasion to relaunch Runway Renaissance, a platform designed to support three upcoming designers championing sustainability and craftsmanship across Africa.
Reflecting on her journey, she said:
“Fashion has never been just fabric and thread for me. Clothes hold memories—the scent of celebrations and the pulse of our ambitions. They are silent witnesses to who we are and who we’re becoming.”
The Anniversary Collection embodies LDA’s renowned design DNA—dramatic sleeves, fluid lines, and intricate embellishments. Traditional adire fabrics are reimagined alongside luxurious materials such as Chantilly lace, woven through a thoughtfully curated palette: emerald green for growth, gold for triumph, and sunlit yellow for joy.
The celebration received strong support from the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, alongside partners including Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Bank of Industry, Standard Chartered Bank, Heineken, and Privé Events.
Twenty years on, Lanre DaSilva Ajayi stands as more than a designer—she is a cultural storyteller, shaping how Africa defines beauty, confidence, and identity through fashion.


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