As far as fashion capitals go, we know exactly what’s around the bend—from restaurants, watering holes, boutiques, exhibits, we’ve zeroed in on our favorites and locked down our staples. However, when it comes to Lagos—the bustling and vibrant style capital of Nigeria, which is not only the fastest-growing economy in Africa, but quickly emerging as one of its most fashionable epicenters—we still need to be clued in. With Lagos Fashion and Design Week having kicked off just this week, we tapped one of the city’s most stylish denizens, creative strategy consultant Tokini Peterside, for an in-the-know survey of the local sites and attractions. Everything from the best boutiques and the country’s top designers who count Lupita as a fan to even where to order the best plate of joloff rice—by all accounts, a local must—is here.
Name: Tokini Peterside
Occupation: I’m a strategy consultant to creative entrepreneurs. I’ve worked with clients in fashion, design, food, the arts, and even in film.
Neighborhood: Victoria Island.
Favorite Nigerian designers:
Apart from Maki Oh. I love the easy print dresses designed by Republic of Foreigners and Grey which are designed by two of my best friends, Carmen Sutherland and Rukky Ladoja. I also really like two menswear designers, Kelechi Odu and Kenneth Izie, and there’s a really fun accessories label, Post imperial that does silk bow ties and pocket squares for men in traditional Nigerian prints.
Best local marketplace to pick up Nigerian fabrics and jewelry:
Lekki Market has got lots of locally made jewelry, and other interesting trinkets to buy.
Favorite new restaurant:
RSVP in Victoria Island serves jumbo prawns, roast chicken, and slow-cooked lamb amongst other things, in a chic but cozy atmosphere. They’ve got really yum cocktails like the Naija Spritz made with prosecco and fresh oranges.
Best place to grab a plate of jollof rice:
For jollof rice, I go to Terra kulture in Victoria Island. I’ll usually pair it with their delicious spicy ofada stew and sweet plantains, with several cups of sweet-and-sour palm wine.
Favorite coffee-shop:
I can usually be found at Art Cafe in Victoria Island. I love their banana bread and frothy cappuccinos. On the lower floor they have a cavern-like art shop and gallery selling sculptures and jewelry from all over the continent. I also really love the Archid Bisro in Ikeja which does one of the best apple crumbles on the planet!
Favorite bookstore:
I really like the Jazz hole, a music and bookstore in Ikoyi that’s something of a local institution. The owner, Kunle Tejuosho, has a phenomenal archive of contemporary and traditional music that stems from the old masters like Fela Kuti, Fatai Rolling Dollar, and Rex Lawson and my favorite new-school artists like Somi and Simphiwe Dana.
Best venue to hear local bands perform:
Afropolitan Vibes is a really fun live band show that happens every last Friday of the month at Freedom Park in Onikan, and draws an eclectic crowd. The genre of music performed by the artistes changes each time, too. Favorite gallery that shows Nigerian local art:
I’ve bought several pieces of art from Nike Art Gallery. in Lekki, which is spread over three floors and has paintings and sculpture by renowned and emerging artists spilled everywhere in a really eccentric but endearing way. It’s a great place to discover new talent, and in the back rooms they also sell beautiful hand-dyed adiré and batik fabrics.
Favorite after-hours bar to hang with your friends:
I love to hang out at Miliki, a private members’ club in Victoria Island owned by my friend Patrick Koshoni. It’s got a vintage ’70s vibe with excellent music and cocktails, like the Mìlíkì Spot which is a sexy grown-up version of our beloved local Chapman drink. Also, 57 in Ikoyi and Vapors [Night Club in Victoria Island] both have really good DJs that keep us dancing nonstop until 5:00 a.m.!
Best place to people-watch:
Weddings! Nigerian weddings are pretty large, and people come out in all their jewels and finery to these occasions. But if you can’t get an invite to a wedding, then I’d say any brand-new hotel in town that’s recently opened and is all the rave. Right now it’s The George in Ikoyi.
Best-kept local secret:
It’s ironic to call it a secret, but I’d say the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, which run along the Lagos coastline. It used to be a bit dangerous to go out there, but now with the Eko Atlantic city development you can take a boat out into the sea, and sit in the middle of the stunning ocean watching out for dolphins.
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