All the Ways in Which Tia Adeola Paid Homage to Nigeria at NYFW

According to Tia Adeola, the main goal of the New York Fashion Week fashion show was to bring a piece of Nigeria – the designer’s home – to the runway.

Here are all the big and small details in which she managed to do that.

• Braids

Hair was a big topic at the show, and especially, braids. They were literally everywhere, even on the actual designs, hand-woven in Lagos. As Tia says: “Braids have always been more than hair. This is heritage.”

• Accessories

The fashion designer really did not spare any expense on accessories. Let it be sea shells braided into hair and onto pieces of clothing, dresses made just of colorful beads, or feathered handbags, Tia paid close attention to all the details inspired by her country’s tradition.

One of the newest designs – a full length dress – was made only of shells and took almost 30 days to bead. Tia even called this particular look a “stand-out piece” of the whole runway collection.

• Colors

Another statement detail was the use of fun, bold colors, such as bright yellow or coral red.

• Atmosphere

Tia wanted to have a big party in the proper Nigerian style and she had it, especially the afterparty!

• Guests

Finally, there were many special guests who came to support this rising star designer, including Serayah McNeill and a few guests that Tia even pointed out as “the women who shaped her love for fashion.”