A Taste of What’s to Come at Lagos Leather Fair (LLF2025) – Wrap-Up with Waridi Masterclass
The countdown to the 8th edition of Lagos Leather Fair has begun with an electrifying preview of what’s to come. From the 2nd to the 4th of June a few selected brands from the LLF Accelerator programme participated in the three-day, in-person workshop facilitated by internationally renowned Fashion Consultant and CEO of Fashion Africa 254, Waridi Wardah.
Titled Building Brand Identity and Uniqueness, the workshop brought together a select group of emerging designers for an intensive dive into the principles of product design, branding, storytelling, and the art of balancing creativity with commercial success. The workshop was designed to equip the participants with the skills to build a strong identity and grow their brand. Waridi’s one-on-one sessions also offered each participant a rare chance to get real-time, personalised feedback from someone with decades of global fashion experience.
This Exclusive Masterclass constituted the final chapter of the LLF Accelerator, a comprehensive 4 week programme that had transformed these entrepreneurs long before they walked into the room with Waridi – participants had already completed an intensive curriculum through 2-hour weekly sessions with industry leaders. The following areas where covered:
- Foundations of Leather Craft Entrepreneurship with Abimbola Azeh, CEO, Mona Mathews Ventures took participants through the importance of market research and ways in which to identify business opportunities.
- Business Operations and Management led by Moremi Onabolu, CEO/Co-Founder, Twin Institute, covered supply chain management, financial planning, and production optimization.
- Branding and Marketing Strategies delivered by Opeyemi Olugbemiro, Brand Storyteller & Comms Strategist and Uche Egele, Creative Director, Marte Egele, focused on brand identity, digital marketing, and customer relationship management
- AI Technology in Leather Design with Scott C. Eneje, CEO, Beyond Transactions Podcast and The Work Haven explored the hands-on application of cutting-edge AI tools in Leather Design.
- Pitching and Networking Practicals by Chioma Ukpabi, Co-founder of SUWK Technologies, discussed strategies on how to craft compelling business pitches and present their business idea to potential investors and partners.
These sessions were followed by pitching and business plan development sessions for the top performers. The energy was palpable as participants pitched their refined business concepts using skills honed during the programmme. The top three are set to receive a Business Support Fund.
This year’s fair, themed “Designing for Tomorrow,” will bring together some of Africa’s most exciting designers, thought leaders, and fashion entrepreneurs for two immersive days of exhibitions, runway showcases, masterclasses, and more.
If you’ve followed the buzz leading to LLF2025, imagine it multiplied across hundreds of brands, stakeholders, and creators – each one pushing the boundaries of what Africans can achieve.
This programme was proudly supported by: Wema Bank and the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF).
Do not miss out on what promises to be the largest gathering of Leatherpreneurs. Click here to register now and be part of the movement. Stay updated via their website https://thelagosleatherfair.com and follow @lagosleatherfair on Instagram.
For sponsorships, partnerships, or participation, reach out to info@thelagosleatherfair.com, and for media inquiries and press accreditation, yd@yettyd.com.
About Lagos Leather Fair
Lagos Leather Fair is a vibrant and inspiring showcase of Nigeria’s rich leather craftsmanship. With its dynamic exhibitions, interactive conversations and workshops, captivating runway shows, the fair serves as a platform for fostering creativity, innovation, and economic growth within the leather industry.
