What if there was a world where only women existed? How would that impact how women dressed at night? Florentina Agu, founder and creative director of Hertunba, asked. Those questions formed the basis of Agu’s spring 2027 collection titled, which dreams of a women-led, liberated society where fashion is no longer policed and women are free to be “daring and bold.”
As a firstborn daughter growing up in a religious and strict household, Agu has some personal hurdles she wants to overcome, and she used this collection as a stepping stone. “Even with all my independence and mental liberation, I can’t wear certain things,” she said during a preview. “When I think of that new world, I think of the women in the diaspora who are just living [freely].” The idea here was to envision a world—a Nigeria—where women are liberated, empowered, and free in their fashion choices.
She started by injecting some fun into the proceedings. While the usual Hertunba staples––handwoven akwete skirts and tight dresses—remain at the forefront of the collection, Agu introduced new designs that she believes will challenge society’s perception of modesty. These pieces are short and playful, accentuating parts of the body that are often concealed. Agu also introduced new materials such as lace and wooden beads. Standout looks included a blue and cream mini dress with fringe detailing and a black sequin maxi dress.
Hertunba’s talent is that she knows how to make women of all ages feel sexy and seen. The show venue was overflowing with women wearing new and old Hertunba looks, many of whom appreciate the brand’s ability to serve multiple generations and body sizes.
For the past several months, Agu has been working closely with her artisans to ensure the collection is ready to launch online immediately post-show, in see-now, buy-now style. It’s no secret that handcrafts take time, and with this collection being largely handwoven, Agu worked far in advance so that clients in tropical and equatorial countries have a chance to start shopping for the warm temperatures. It’s a fitting development. During the show, guests fanned themselves with folded bits of paper in an attempt to keep cool during this Lagos heatwave.
