Favour Oguntunde’s Early Exploration of Form and Colour at Lagos Fashion Week

Long before developing the more restrained and conceptual language seen in his later work, Favour Oluwafemi Oguntunde was already experimenting with many of the ideas that would come to define his design philosophy. His collaboration with celebrated designer Ejiro Amos Tafiri at Lagos Fashion Week 2021 offered an early glimpse into a creative mind fascinated by structure, movement, and the possibilities of textile manipulation.

The collection embraced colour unapologetically. Soft turquoise, lavender, pink, coral, and mint green appeared throughout the runway, creating a visual rhythm that felt youthful, optimistic, and distinctly African. Rather than relying on a single print story, the garments layered multiple striped and textured fabrics together, producing looks that felt vibrant without becoming chaotic.

What stands out immediately is the collection’s willingness to play. Several garments feature exaggerated sleeves, sculptural hips, dramatic cut-outs, and unconventional proportions. These details transformed otherwise familiar silhouettes into something more theatrical. A striped mint-green ensemble with oversized pink sleeves, for instance, balanced architectural volume with playful femininity, while a fitted bodice paired with flowing striped trousers demonstrated a growing confidence in mixing structure and ease.

There is a noticeable tension between softness and control throughout the collection. Favour’s contribution appears most visible in the way garments negotiate the female form. Bodies are accentuated but never restricted. Corset-inspired panels shape the waist, yet skirts and trousers retain movement. Cut-outs reveal skin, yet remain elegant rather than provocative. The result is a collection that understands femininity as both strength and fluidity.

The craftsmanship of the textiles deserves particular attention. The repeated use of striped woven fabrics creates a sense of continuity across the collection, while subtle variations in colour and scale prevent repetition. In some looks, these fabrics are juxtaposed against lace overlays and draped metallic accents, creating a dialogue between tradition and modernity. One standout look pairs an intricate green lace dress with a striped corset-like bodice and draped silver detail, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of layering and texture.

Movement also plays an important role in the success of the collection. Billowing sleeves, flowing skirts, and draped panels respond beautifully to the runway, allowing the garments to transform as the models walk. This emphasis on motion suggests an understanding that fashion exists not merely as an object but as a performance.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the collection, viewed retrospectively, is how many elements foreshadow Favour’s later work. The sculptural silhouettes, fascination with contrast, and interest in balancing softness with structure all appear here in embryonic form. While the collection remains rooted in the romantic and feminine aesthetic often associated with Ejiro Amos Tafiri, traces of Favour’s emerging design identity can already be detected beneath the surface.

This collaboration was therefore more than a professional milestone; it served as a formative creative laboratory. Working alongside one of Nigeria’s most respected fashion houses provided Favour with the opportunity to engage directly with large-scale runway production while refining his understanding of silhouette, textile development, and visual storytelling.

Looking back from the perspective of his more recent collections, this Lagos Fashion Week 2021 presentation feels like the beginning of a journey. It captures a designer learning how to manipulate form, colour, and movement while contributing to a collection that celebrated bold femininity and contemporary African fashion. Though collaborative in nature, the work reveals an early glimpse of the creative instincts that would continue to evolve throughout Favour Oguntunde’s career.