As anyone in the fashion world knows, the runway has always been a domain for the pros. This is where models—trained in the art of the walk, the glance, the turn—bring a designer’s vision to life. But lately, we’re seeing a new kind of energy charging the runway: celebrities stepping into this sacred space, commanding the spotlight in a way only they can. At Lagos Fashion Week, Africa’s fashion heartbeat, this shift has stirred as much intrigue as it has controversy. Does the celebrity takeover mean a new era for the runway? Or are we at risk of overshadowing the professional models who have long made this space their own?

The Allure of Star Power at Lagos Fashion Week

Let’s be real: celebrities bring with them a magnetic allure. This year, Lagos Fashion Week embraced that undeniable pull by featuring some of Nigeria’s biggest names—singers, actors, influencers—all trading their usual stages for the runway. The buzz was immediate. When global superstar Davido stepped out in a show-stopping piece, the audience faces lit up like fireworks. The audience loved it, the media adored it.

For designers, this kind of attention is hard to resist. A well-placed celebrity can turn a single moment into a global conversation. In an era where social media reigns, a celebrity walk becomes more than a fleeting appearance; it’s an instantly viral moment, complete with hashtags, stories, and countless shares. In Lagos, where fashion has always been about pushing boundaries and owning the bold, there’s something poetic about seeing African celebrities step out as ambassadors of style.

What About the Models?

But while the crowd thrills, the models might have a different take. After all, walking the runway is a craft that goes beyond the glitz. Models spend years refining the artistry of the runway: the fluidity, the expression, the way they turn clothing into movement. There’s a reason models become muses for designers. Their work elevates the clothing, bringing the designer’s creative fantasy to life with every stride.

To many of these pros, the rising trend of celebrity walk-ons can feel like an encroachment. One model told me, “It’s wonderful seeing our favorite stars here, but this is our stage. We train for this.” And she has a point. When a celebrity walks, the moment is less about the designer’s craft and more about the celebrity’s persona. Models are chameleons; they become what the designer envisions. Celebrities, however, are known for being exactly who they are. It’s this shift in focus—from the clothing to the star—that is stirring debate.

Celebrities vs. Models: The Different Power They Bring

There’s a unique magic that only models bring to the runway. It’s their job to fade into the fashion and elevate the designer’s vision above all. Models tell the story of a collection, creating moments that are subtle yet powerful. They make us believe in the possibility of transformation—of becoming anyone, of embodying a designer’s wildest imaginings.

Celebrities, on the other hand, don’t transform; they arrive, already larger than life. At Lagos Fashion Week, the presence of a celebrity can draw fans into the room and turn heads in a way that’s electric but undeniably different. During one show, the designer’s work was nearly upstaged by the celebrity’s own brand—a reminder that for celebrities, their own identity often takes center stage. While this brings a certain edge, it can also blur the line between the designer’s narrative and the celebrity’s personality.

The Impact on Nigeria’s Modeling Industry

The shift raises real questions about Nigeria’s modeling industry, which is gaining global momentum thanks to platforms like Lagos Fashion Week. Here, models aren’t just showcasing African fashion; they’re redefining beauty standards, proving that African elegance and strength are worthy of the world’s gaze. For these models, Lagos Fashion Week has been a launchpad, a place where talent can rise from the city’s vibrant streets to the biggest international campaigns. But with celebrities on the runway, are we risking the dilution of this incredible platform?

In an industry where runway appearances can open doors for models, losing even a single opportunity to a celebrity could mean a missed chance at that elusive next level. The modeling world here is young, ambitious, and hungry to be seen. Lagos Fashion Week has been a place where the most captivating faces of Africa emerge. Yet with more celebrities stepping in, we may be sacrificing this precious real estate for fleeting viral moment.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this—what do you think?

Authored by BM