…hosts 3000 visitors during its two-day fair
Lagos, Nigeria [19 th June 2023] – Lagos Leather Fair, the leading leather trade event in Africa and initiative of
Femi Olayebi, CEO, Femi Handbags, has further advanced the growth of leather industry in Nigeria and Africa,
at its recently concluded 6 th edition. The 2-day event which held at Balmoral Convention Centre, Lagos from 17
– 18 June, hosted over 3000 industry stakeholders, designers, creatives, and visitors as they explored the latest
advancement in the leather industry and discussed growth strategies to scale the industry.
The event is the largest gathering of leather experts and creatives in the West African region, providing an
exceptional networking hub for craftsmen, tanners, leather services experts, emerging designers, industry
stakeholders, and regulators, as well as a platform to celebrate creativity, excellence, and innovation through
the LLF awards.
Speaking at the event, Femi Olayebi, Founder, Lagos Leather Fair, expressed her gratitude and satisfaction at
the growth, the continuity of legacy, and the impact of the annual leather fair. She said, “Once again, I am truly
amazed at the wonderful turnout at the 2023 edition. I appreciate the support and expert workmanship of the
many brands, creatives, and exhibitors who were a part of this year’s edition and made it an absolute success.
LLF is all about the quality and innovation of the craft, and it is great to see how much effort has been put in by
everyone to uphold the highest quality standards known for at Lagos Leather Fair. As an industry, we need to
put the extra into the ordinary, ensuring that our products can sit anywhere in the world. Nigeria is known for
good quality leather, and I am confident with platforms like this, the sector will continue to advance. This fair
has always been about creativity, innovation, networking, and coming together to tell the African story and I’m
glad it was all captured in LLF 2023.”
The event was well-attended by key stakeholders and featured over 30 speakers who led thought-provoking
conversations and workshops. One of the key highlights of the event was an insightful panel session where
experts examined the creative sector with an emphasis on the leather industry. They drove the discourse on
how to move the industry forward and strengthen the value chain, ensuring African creatives stay relevant
globally. The session spotlighted how leather creatives in Nigeria can leverage collaboration to ensure
economic growth within the industry and strategically position the Nigeria Leather industry as a premium
sector globally.
Commenting further, Femi Olayebi said, “We launched this fair six years ago to change the narrative of the
Nigerian leather industry and ensure professionals have a platform to deliberate on sustainable solutions and
workable goals that cater to both local and global demands. We welcomed thousands of visitors during the
past two days to not only explore the various developments the industry has seen and its outlook, but to also
build working relationships and nurture a new generation of creatives. By connecting all the parties in the
industry, Lagos Leather Fair will continue to unearth lasting solutions to key challenges facing the industry,
ensuring leather remains a relevant instrument for the realization of the Zero-Oil Initiative”.
The fair also hosted exciting hands-on workshops, which guided leather designers through the process of
building their unique brand identities and leveraging social media for business growth.
Lagos Leather Fair 2023 was an impactful event featuring exhibitions, runway shows, and the Lagos Leather
Fair Awards, the first of its kind. The winners of the maiden edition award categories included K Aspen who
was awarded for the best-curated boot at the fair, Maraz who won the Brand Excellence Award, and Tender
Leather Care who bagged the Trailblazer Award. Ohiole Lagos also secured the final award of the night, named
the Most Innovative Designer.
The Lagos Leather Fair continues to advocate for the growth of the Nigerian Leather industry. It is a constant
reminder that made-in-Nigeria leather and products, if given the right support can compete and thrive in the international markets.
Published on Brandfit.
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