Inside The Design Table 2026
Hours before Lagos Fashion Week 2026 entered its final stretch, The Design Table returned for its second edition at The Gras Lagos, bringing together designers, founders, editors and other industry figures for an afternoon of conversation about the business and future of African fashion.
Away from the bustle of the Federal Palace Hotel tents, the gathering offered a welcome pause from the usual pace of fashion week. But there was more to the afternoon than sharing a meal. It was an opportunity to exchange ideas about the future of the industry, reflect on its progress and recognise some of the people and emerging talents shaping its next chapter, all under this year’s theme, “Legacy in Motion.”
The event returned after its 2025 debut, which drew figures including Lanre Da Silva, Mai Atafo, Beverly Naya, Tenicka Boyd and Eni Popoola. This year, hosted by actress Angel Anosike, it featured a series of panel conversations bringing together Mai Atafo, Ezinne Chinkata, Sacha Okoh, Tess Tenaka, Kiki Osinbajo and Yvan Otu to share perspectives on the fashion industry, its evolution and the work required to move it forward.
“For us, The Design Table has always been about creating a space for conversations that matter,” says founder Elizabeth Osho. “This year’s theme, ‘Legacy in Motion’, was particularly intentional because we wanted to explore what it means to build something that outlives you, while recognising that legacy is not something we simply inherit. It is something we actively create, challenge and evolve.”
The centrepiece of this year’s event was the new Next Gen Design Impact Award, a US$5,000 prize for an emerging African designer, alongside mentorship and industry visibility. I served as one of the judges, alongside Eniafe Momodu, Odio Oseni, Dr Yetty Ogunnubi and Yoanna “Pepper” Chikezie. The award drew 101 applications, from which ten designers were shortlisted. Each presented their collection and spoke to the judges about the ideas, inspirations and philosophies behind their work. I was struck by the depth of talent. The standard was high, and each designer brought a distinct perspective, which made narrowing the field to three finalists difficult.
Bhuv Woman took the inaugural prize, recognised for its craftsmanship and the elegance of a dress that brought cultural references into conversation with modern design. Accepting the award, designer Karen Ayuba described the win as a meaningful moment and said she would put the prize money towards strengthening and growing her business. A separate US$2,000 runner-up prize, sponsored by Odio Mimonet, went to Dimeji Ilori. Odio Oseni, founder of Odio Mimonet, also served on the award jury.
“African fashion and design have come such a long way, but there is still so much work to be done in building the structures, opportunities and ecosystems that allow our creatives to thrive, both locally and globally,” Osho says. “I want The Design Table to become a lasting institution within the African creative ecosystem. A platform that people look forward to, that challenges the status quo and that contributes meaningfully to where our industry is going.”
