Lagos luxury concept store Alára has earned another major international recognition after being named one of the Best Fashion Stores in the World by The Business of Fashion (BoF).

The newly released guide features 65 independent retailers from around the world that are changing the way people experience luxury shopping. Instead of focusing on the size of a business or its revenue, the list celebrates stores with a strong identity, thoughtful curation and a clear point of view.

For Alára, the recognition is another reflection of the work it has done over the years to bring African creativity and design to a global audience.

Founded by Reni Folawiyo, Alára opened in Lagos with the idea of creating a space where fashion, art, design and culture could come together. The store has since become known for its carefully selected mix of international luxury brands and leading African designers, giving customers a shopping experience that feels both global and distinctly connected to the continent.

But Alára has always been about more than what is displayed on its shelves.

Located in Lagos, the store has grown into a destination for fashion and culture, with exhibitions, creative collaborations and initiatives that support African designers and artists. Its distinctive building, designed by renowned architect Sir David Adjaye, has also become an important part of its identity.

Its inclusion in BoF’s list places Alára alongside some of the most notable independent fashion retailers around the world and further highlights Lagos’ growing reputation as a city with a strong influence on fashion, luxury and creative culture.

The recognition also comes at a time when the fashion industry is paying greater attention to destinations outside the traditional luxury capitals. Cities such as Lagos are increasingly becoming part of the global fashion conversation, offering different perspectives, local talent and experiences that cannot simply be replicated elsewhere.

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Alára has been part of that shift for years. Through its platform, the store has continued to introduce international audiences to African design while creating a retail environment that feels deeply rooted in Lagos.

For Nigeria’s fashion industry, the recognition is another proud moment. It shows that homegrown businesses can build world-class retail experiences and compete on the same stage as established fashion destinations across Europe, North America and beyond.

As interest in African fashion and creativity continues to grow internationally, Alára’s latest achievement is a testament to the vision behind the brand and the increasing global appreciation for Africa’s creative industry.

The countdown is officially on. With only a few days left before they exchange vows, Nigerian TikTok stars Peller and Jarvis have shared their official pre-wedding photos, giving fans another reason to look forward to what is already shaping up to be one of the biggest celebrity weddings of the year.

The couple, whose real names are Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja and Elizabeth Aminata, posted the stunning images on their verified social media pages, instantly drawing thousands of reactions from excited followers.

The elegant photos capture the couple sharing warm smiles, playful moments and affectionate poses, highlighting the chemistry that has made them one of Nigeria’s most beloved internet couples.

The release of the photos comes after months of wedding preparations that have unfolded in the public eye. Since announcing their August 1 white wedding earlier this month, Peller and Jarvis have consistently shared updates with fans, from outfit fittings and invitation deliveries to behind-the-scenes moments leading up to their big day.

Their openness has made supporters feel like they have been part of the entire journey.

Long before their wedding countdown began, Peller and Jarvis had already established themselves as one of Nigeria’s most talked-about social media couples. Their relationship blossomed through livestreams, comedy skits and collaborative content, attracting millions of followers who watched their friendship gradually turn into romance and eventually an engagement.

In the weeks leading up to the ceremony, the couple completed their traditional marriage rites after Peller formally visited Jarvis’ family. They also held a civil wedding, making the August 1 church ceremony the final celebration of their union.

The wedding preparations have also generated plenty of conversation online. One of the biggest talking points came after Peller revealed that the premium version of the wedding aso ebi would cost ₦700,000. While many fans admired the luxurious celebration, others debated the increasing costs often associated with high-profile celebrity weddings.

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The event has also received support from several well-known personalities. Celebrity businessman Cubana Chief Priest publicly pledged financial support after receiving his wedding invitation, while entertainers, influencers and digital creators are expected to attend what many are calling one of the biggest influencer weddings Nigeria has seen.

With excitement continuing to build across social media, fans have already started counting down to the ceremony. Many are eager to see the couple’s wedding outfits, celebrity guests, and memorable moments that are likely to dominate conversations online long after the celebrations are over.

If the beautiful pre-wedding photos are anything to go by, Peller and Jarvis’ white wedding promises to be one of the most talked-about events of the year.

See the pre-wedding photos below.

There was a time when enrolling in fashion school was seen as the first and most important step toward becoming a fashion designer. It was where aspiring designers learned how to sew, draft patterns, understand fabrics, and build the technical foundation needed to succeed in the industry. For many people, earning a certificate from a respected fashion school was almost a badge of credibility.

Fast forward to 2026, and the fashion industry looks very different.

Today, someone can learn pattern making on YouTube, watch masterclasses from international designers, use artificial intelligence to generate design ideas, take online fashion business courses, and even build a clothing brand from a smartphone. Knowledge is no longer locked inside classrooms, and opportunities to learn have never been more accessible.

That has sparked an important conversation within the industry. If so much information is available online, is fashion school still worth it the time and money?

The answer is yes, but only if you understand what fashion school can and cannot do for you.

Fashion School Is No Longer the Only Way to Learn

One of the biggest changes in the fashion industry over the past decade is how people acquire skills. Years ago, your options were limited. You either attended fashion school or found an experienced tailor or designer willing to train you. Today, the internet has changed that completely.

A determined learner can spend months studying garment construction, pattern drafting, textile knowledge, and fashion illustration without paying tuition. Platforms like YouTube and online learning websites have opened doors that were once closed to many aspiring designers.

However, access to information is not the same as mastering a skill. Watching someone sew a dress and actually producing a perfectly finished garment are two very different things. Fashion remains a practical craft, and practical skills are often developed through repetition, correction, and hands-on experience.

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That is where fashion school still has an advantage.

Fashion School Offers More Than Technical Skills

Many people assume fashion school exists only to teach students how to sew. In reality, a good fashion school does much more than that.

Students learn why certain techniques matter, how different fabrics behave, how garments are constructed for durability, and how to solve problems that arise during production. They work under deadlines, receive constructive criticism, and improve through continuous practice.

These experiences are difficult to replicate when learning alone.

An experienced instructor can identify mistakes that a beginner may never notice, while classmates often expose students to new ideas, different approaches, and healthy competition. Those interactions help shape not just better designers but more disciplined professionals.

For many aspiring designers, that structured environment becomes just as valuable as the lessons themselves.

The Fashion Industry Has Changed Faster Than Fashion Schools

While fashion schools continue to play an important role, the industry they prepare students for has changed dramatically.

Running a fashion business in 2026 requires much more than making beautiful clothes. Designers are expected to create content for social media, respond to customers online, accept digital payments, manage orders efficiently, understand branding, and market themselves in an increasingly competitive environment.

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Artificial intelligence has also entered the conversation. Designers now use AI to brainstorm concepts, generate mood boards, write marketing copy, and organise content for their brands. Technology has become part of the creative process, whether designers choose to embrace it or not.

Unfortunately, many fashion schools still spend most of their time teaching technical skills while giving far less attention to the business side of fashion.

That creates a gap between education and reality. Graduates may leave school knowing how to construct excellent garments but struggle with attracting customers, pricing their work, or growing a profitable brand.

A Certificate Alone Is No Longer Enough

The fashion industry has also changed the way it evaluates talent.

Years ago, where you studied often carried significant weight. Today, many employers and clients are far more interested in what you can actually produce.

A strong portfolio, excellent craftsmanship, creativity, and consistency usually matter more than the certificate hanging on the wall. Customers rarely ask where a designer studied. They care about whether the outfit fits perfectly, arrives on time, and meets their expectations.

Social media has accelerated this shift. Designers now showcase their work directly to thousands of potential clients, allowing their finished garments to speak louder than their qualifications.

That does not make certificates irrelevant, but it does mean they are no longer enough on their own.

The Most Successful Designers Never Stop Learning

Perhaps the biggest misconception about fashion school is that graduation marks the end of education. The reality is quite different.

Fashion changes constantly. Trends evolve, customer preferences shift, new technologies emerge, and business strategies continue to develop. Designers who stop learning often find themselves struggling to keep up with an industry that never stands still.

The most successful fashion entrepreneurs continue learning long after they leave school. They attend workshops, study international fashion markets, follow emerging technologies, experiment with new techniques, and constantly improve both their creative and business skills.

Whether someone started in fashion school, learned through apprenticeship, or taught themselves online becomes less important than their willingness to keep growing.

So, Is Fashion School Still Worth It?

The answer depends on what you expect from it.

If you believe fashion school alone will guarantee a successful career, you are likely to be disappointed. The industry has become too competitive and too dynamic for technical skills alone to be enough.

However, if you see fashion school as a place to build a strong technical foundation while understanding that you must continue learning about business, marketing, technology, and customer experience, then it remains one of the best investments you can make.

Fashion school is no longer the only path into the industry, but it is still a valuable one.

In 2026, the designers who stand out are not necessarily those with the most certificates or the largest social media following. They are the ones who combine craftsmanship with curiosity, creativity with business knowledge, and traditional skills with modern technology.

The future of fashion belongs to designers who understand that learning does not end when they leave the classroom. It simply takes on a different form.