"What We're Watching" is our newest series dedicated to highlighting global programming as pertains to fashion, design, and culture (and the business engines behind them) all across the diaspora. The Weekend Edition focuses on Design Market Abidjan and Lagos Leather Fair.

LAGOS, Nigeria - Lagos Leather Fair

Kicking off this weekend, the 1st annual Lagos Leather Fair will offer a deep dive on the evolving leather industry in Nigeria, including talks with top retailers (Reni Folawiyo of Alara), government officials (Minister of State for Industry Trade and Investment Aisha Abubakar and Commissioner for Commerce, Industry, & Cooperatives Rotimi Ogunleye), and the all-important designers (Zainab Ashadu of Zashudu and Matiu Gordon of Nodrog Street to name a few). With promises to be solution-oriented, the Federal Palace Hotel in Victoria Island will host narrative-changing discussions on the domestic leather sector.

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast - The Design Market Abidjan

Also launching this weekend is the inaugural seasonal market The Design Market Abidjan for independent designers, artists, and creatives, featuring brands from Ivory Coast (Paul Sika, Yalerri), Ghana (Raffia), Mali (Awa Mette), Nigeria (Kelechi Odu Collection, Needlepoint), and Senegal (Mis Wude, Nio Far). Support independent craftsmanship from throughout western Africa, hosted by Dabira.