Kimono Kollection Marks 16 Years with Debut Fashion Show, ‘Threads of Time’

Bennett Oghifo

Nigerian menswear brand, Kimono Kollection, has marked 16 years in fashion, with its first-ever fashion show, tagged ‘Threads of Time’, held in Victoria Island, Lagos on Sunday, October 25, 2026.

The showcase brought together fashion, culture and storytelling to reflect on the journey that has shaped the brand and introduce its next chapter.

Rooted in the language of tailoring, Threads of Time explored the idea that a single thread gains meaning when woven into something greater.

The concept served as a reflection of Kimono Kollection’s evolution of over 16 years, shaped by craftsmanship, creative expression and the people whose contributions have become part of its story.

More than an anniversary celebration, the show presented the brand’s journey as a continuous narrative, connecting its beginnings to its evolving place within contemporary African menswear.

Founded by Hakeem Balogun, Kimono Kollection was born from a vision to redefine contemporary Nigerian Menswear. After two years of design, training and styling experience in London, Hakeem Balogun returned to Nigeria in 2009, recognizing an approach to traditional dressing through impeccable tailoring.

Guests at the show were entertained by a documentary which traced Hakeem Balogun’s journey from the Lagos Island market to his current established stand.

The documentary reinforced the central message of Threads of Time, stressing that a brand’s identity is built over time.

It also featured the unveiling of the brand’s SS27 collection, comprising 70 looks across colour palettes of black, cream, brown, green, burgundy and grey. The presentation explored the brand’s design sensibility through a considered progression of looks, bringing its approach to modern menswear to the runway.

One of the show’s standout moments came during the black palette segment, when Dipothevoice (Oladipupo Ogundele) made a surprise appearance from within the audience.

The runway was filled with notable personalities, including Wale Ojo, Efe Iwara, Leo Da Silva, Cross Okonkwo and Saskay, alongside an inclusive runway that reflected the importance of representation and diversity in fashion.

Hosted by actor Tobi Bakre, the evening also featured a special audience giveaway, with Tobi Bakre presenting his first-ever Kimono suit to a guest selected from the crowd.

Several personalities and designers alike in the fashion industry – including fellow designers Mai Atafo, Vodi, Lanre Da Silva as well as notable fashion and lifestyle personalities- Dabota Lawson, Akin Faminu, Kiki Osibanjo, Powede Awujo graced the event.

Expressing excitement, the creative director, Hakeem Balogun said “Give me thread and needle and the rest is history.”  His words captured the spirit of the occasion, returning to the fundamentals of tailoring and the creative possibilities that have sustained Kimono Kollection over 16 years. Event sponsors include Isimi Lagos, Martell, Coca-Cola, Fat Gbems and White Stone Jewellers.