Onalaja Debuts SS26 Collection “MARKED: The Rite of Passage,” with Ciara in Attendance

On Wednesday evening, Onalaja unveiled its Spring/Summer collection, “Marked: A Rite Of Passage,”at Lagos Fashion Week. The presentation drew a diverse audience of industry leaders, tastemakers, fashion icons and editors, all gathered to witness Onalaja’s continued exploration of identity, heritage, and craftsmanship. In collaboration with Chivas Regal, the event marked the unveiling of the new collection. It is a meditation on what it means to be chosen, to walk boldly in purpose, and to embrace the marks of both beauty and trail.  

The Onalaja showcase, held at Alliance Française Lagos, unfolded like a cinematic experience, an evening of artistry, elegance, and emotion. The runway curved dramatically around the guests, creating an intimate scene where every detail, from the lighting to the music, drew the audience deeper into Onalaja’s world. More than a fashion show, it celebrated craftsmanship, identity and the modern woman’s evolution. Guests, dressed in their finest, watched as each look glided down the runway under the night sky, illuminated by golden lights that danced across the space. 

The intimate brunch hosted high-profile figures across fashion, beauty, art and entertainment. Among the attendees were Grammy Award-winning singer Ciara, influencers Eni Popoola, Frilancy Hoyle, and Dodos Uvieghara, cultural entrepreneur, Reni Folawiyo, Editor in Chief of MarieClaire NG, Dennis Eseimokumoh and Agence France Presse Chief Photographer Olympia De Maismont, —some of which were dressed in Onalaja’s pieces. 

Chivas Regal, the official sponsor of the evening, set the mood with signature cocktails like the Chivas Free Flow, a refreshing blend of Chivas 15, strawberry-coconut syrup, and fresh watermelon, and the Chivas Sour, a smooth mix of Chivas 15, Amaretto, and sweet & sour notes. Guests also enjoyed an exquisite selection of bite-sized creations by Chef Fregz, including prawn fritters with sweetcorn cream and parsley, crafted to complement the evening’s refined ambiance.

Kanyinsola Onalaja, the founder and creative director of Onalaja, expressed her vision behind the collection, stating:

‘MARKED: The Rite of Passage’,  explores the body as a canvas, and craftsmanship as ceremony. This collection is about exploring heritage through three dimensional surfaces, and silhouettes that celebrate culture. More than a collection, ‘MARKED’ is an act of devotion to heritage, to craft, to the women who wear it. It is a meditation on what it means to be chosen, to walk boldly in purpose, to embrace the marks of both beauty and trial. In every beaded seam and every embroidered scar, the collection whispers: you are seen, you are anointed, you are marked. This collection is for people who dream.

Kanyinsola Onalaja, founder and creative director of Onalaja.

Onalaja’s SS26 show brought together a community of powerful women, each representing a different facet of excellence and creativity. As the fashion industry continues to evolve, the designer’s commitment to celebrating women remains at the forefront of her work.

See the collection below:

About Onalaja

From intricately hand-embellished dresses to sculptural ready-to-wear, Onalaja stands at the intersection of art, heritage, and modern femininity. Founded in 2014 by Nigerian designer Kanyinsola Onalaja, the brand is redefining African luxury through meticulous craftsmanship and a bold celebration of individuality. Each piece reflects a seamless fusion of African heritage and contemporary design, where embroidery, texture, and embellishment become storytelling tools of identity and transformation. Onalaja champions inclusive and accessible luxury, offering an extended size range from XXS to XXXXL, and empowering women to embrace both strength and softness in equal measure. With global stockists including Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s, and Revolve, and a growing presence across London, Lagos, and New York, Onalaja continues to shape the narrative of modern African fashion—timeless, powerful, and deeply personal. Instagram: @onalajaofficial  Website: onalaja.com

About Chivas Regal

Chivas Regal is a brand of blended Scotch whisky produced by Chivas Brothers (John and James Chivas), a subsidiary of the French company Pernod Ricard. Originating from a grocery store in Aberdeen, Scotland, founded in 1801, the brand has a rich history. In 1843, it received a Royal Warrant to serve Queen Victoria at her Balmoral retreat, reinforcing its regal image. Chivas Regal is a multiple award-winning whisky for a reason. Every sip is silky smooth and full of the world-famous Speyside malt flavors – but each blend has its own unique taste and aroma. Since 2001, Chivas Regal has been owned by the French company Pernod Ricard. Additional information about the Chivas Regal can be found at Pernod Ricard, créateurs de convivialité