Tenicka Boydan influencer and content creator loved for her refined approach to fashion. Boyd’s seamless outfits and effortless style might warrant a follow on your behalf. I saw her recently at an event in New York and she looks as chic online as she does IRL. For her last adventure, she attended Lagos Fashion Week and was able to attend a series of presentations. But during her stay, she also enjoyed delicious food and was invited to preview the collections of Lisa Folawiyo and other fashionable brands on the continent.

In recent years, Lagos Fashion Week has attracted attention due to designers’ use of specific textiles with which they have a special relationship. But Key Week also becomes bigger because of the country and the focus on building programs around it. Boyd was able to participate in a panel and rub shoulders with designers. She had a first-hand immersive experience in Lagos.

“Lagos Fashion Week was definitely one of the best fashion weeks I have ever been a part of,” Boyd explained in an email. Some of the presentations Tenicka attended included Kilentar and Oríré, these are also some of the content creator’s favorites. Both are very popular here in the United States. For example, Kilentar recently held a pop-up in New York that was a success.

Many shows were also parties which were a remarkable way to celebrate new collections. “The way (the designers) insisted on capturing the audience, inviting them into the story of the brand, and the intentionality around (the) diversity of designs was commendable,” Boyd added.

Tenicka Boyd leaves ESSENCE on what she was up to during her days at Lagos Fashion Week. Keep scrolling to learn more about the fashion influencer’s whereabouts and outfits, below.

Day 1 — October 23

I landed in Lagos at 5:30 a.m., straight from Türkiye, where I was on vacation with my husband. When I finally got to my hotel, I needed a shower and a nap. I woke up to a fitting at my hotel with Peter Oshobor, the designer behind the brand. Oshobor. (I was excited to see this collection walk the runway – it’s so delicious)! Before rushing to meet my photographer, Ayo Makinwa. I photographed today’s look from Tongoroa brand based in Senegal. I always choose to shoot with local photographers and videographers when I travel because there are talented people everywhere.

Next, I was a panelist at the official Lagos Fashion Week conference to discuss using content creation to shape global conversations about African fashion. It has always been important to me to connect the Pan-African experience and discuss ways to support each other on a global scale.

I changed my look for opening night, this time opting for a new trendy black pair of pants and a cropped white blazer from Imad Edusowhich I absolutely adore. I barely made it to that party, let me tell you. I got home as soon as I could and went straight to bed.

Day 2 — October 24

The next morning I woke up to plantains and eggs and a busy day. I started at 9:45 a.m. with a fitting with my dear friends from Imad Eduso. I had the honor of previewing the stunning collection and meeting Dami Olukoya, the brand’s founder and her team. I then stopped at the fabulously organized store, Alara Lagos to discover their collection of African designers. This visit was followed by the most delicious lunch at NOK by Alara Lagos. The only thing more perfect than the interior design was the food. I always think about the food here.

Tonight was the opening night of Lagos Fashion Week. The standout shows for me were Imad Eduso, Dust of the Earth, OshoborAnd LFJ. I am absolutely blown away by the blend of African tradition and contemporary design. The quality and creativity are on another level. I wore Imad Eduso’s most iconic dress. I want to say hello Real Housewives of Lagos!

Day 3 — October 25

Lagos treated me so well and the welcome I received was beyond my wildest dreams. I am so grateful to be here in Nigeria. My morning was busy stopping to see a Nigerian designer That of Andrea Iyamah nice shop to see its latest collection.

I had an amazing brunch at the Mediterranean restaurant SLOW. Then I flew to Lisa Folawiyo showroom to view some of its archive pieces and get a glimpse of what’s to come from the Nigerian luxury brand. They make pure magic here.

IRÉMÍTIDE took my breath away with its vibrant and magical collection of elegant designs. Designed for the bold yet classic woman, she brought all the drama.

The beautiful feminine dresses of Elexiay were all focused on global extravagance and beauty. Each dress was well-tailored and I could imagine exactly where I would go with them.

Babayo and Hertunda were also standout shows for me. They each had impeccable connections to their tribal traditions that were expressed through the prism of contemporary design.

Pepper Row was my favorite of the evening. Their use of pink to represent contemporary and alluring elegance stood out from the crowd. The intentional use of draping, fringe and jeweled tops were exceptionally retouched. The mix of men’s clothing told the story of fun-loving socialites eager to attend their next party. This collection could take you from a seaside resort to an art gallery opening.

Day 4 — October 26

Day four began with a visit to Banke Kuku, the fun design brand known worldwide for bringing the perfect pieces into every closet it enters. I was able to try on a number of pieces from their latest collection to add to my wardrobe. From Dubai to Cape Town to the south of France, timeless dresses and bathrobes are some of my favorites in the world.

Oríré was very wise and very fine for the baby! She set such a beautiful tone of elegance with deep jade tones, expert cutting and a subtle touch in the most unexpected places. It’s very clear from the aesthetic that the customer who wears Oríré likes timeless pieces.

Rendoll is the IT girl brand and a favorite among American fans for a reason! Each room feels like you’re at a magical event, going to a party for Art Basel, having lunch in the garden of a villa, or greeting your friends at their new home. The inclusive womenswear brand has a way with fabrics that I want to continue to see for decades to come.

Kilentar was mythical and grounded. She stayed true to her resort wear aesthetic and played with patterns and fringe, and left us with a curated collection. There were fun party pieces, comfortable contemporary pieces for everyday wear, and trendy resort wear.

Day 5 — October 27

I started the day with Torloweithe luxury house inspired by lingerie. I went to the showroom to hear the story of the brand as I have been a customer for years and supported their New York Fashion Week event. Then I went to meet local Nigerian fashion designers, designers and entrepreneurs hosted at Melrose Loft which is an impeccable space to gather. We ate an amazing spread and reflected on the growing Nigerian fashion scene.

My first real show of the day, I almost missed it–Wanni Fuga celebrated 10 incredible years of stylish women’s clothing. The show was a star-studded affair that included a live singer, a celebrity host, and food (yes, food)! Food is scarce at New York fashion shows. The theme took place in a beautiful oasis garden including a podium lined with real flowers. Honestly, the drawings made me cry. They were not only regal, they were fitting for the times and the direction we are heading. Although the designs were sleek and included her signature draping, it was the fresh colors and subtle use of her logos at the most unexpected moments that made it a complete package of magic.

I couldn’t let the night end without another moment with Imad Eduso. They had a beautiful art installation focused on the eternal journey of the creative process, expressed through the butterfly motif seen in the latest collection.

I stepped into the future during the highly anticipated Orange Culture showcase. It was both a party and a spectacle. Each piece included a hint of homage to the diversity of Nigerian culture while finding a way to be heavily influenced by an optimism for the future. What a beautiful and brilliant presentation of the future of fashion.