At Lagos Leather Fair 2025, one of the standout moments came during a candid one-on-one
session with Mark Odiete, the founder of Trax Apparel, a fashion house known for its striking
blend of traditional African elements and contemporary streetwear.
Moderated by fashion consultant and strategist Rhoda Aguonigho, the session—“In
conversation with Mark Odiete: Making it On My Own Terms: Navigating Identity, Integrity, and
Global Dreams”—offered a rare window into the mind of a designer who is reshaping the
narrative around African fashion.
From the very beginning, Mark made it clear: his work is about more than clothes. “I’m telling
stories,” he said. “I’m holding space for memory, culture, and self-expression.” Through Trax
Apparel, he has created a brand that doesn’t compromise—one that merges heritage with
innovation to create what he describes as “wearable declarations of identity.”
What followed was an honest, unfiltered conversation about navigating the global fashion
industry as a designer from Africa—without losing one’s voice or values. Mark spoke about the
tension between staying rooted in tradition and pushing creative boundaries, reflecting on how
his personal and cultural identity continue to shape his work.
His words struck a chord with many in the audience, particularly emerging designers and
creatives looking to define success on their own terms. “The world is loud,” he said, “but you
can still build something quietly and meaningfully, if it’s true to you.”
Rhoda steered the discussion with clarity and warmth, teasing out insights on everything from
the creative process to the challenges of scaling a fashion business from Nigeria to the world.
The chemistry between speaker and moderator made for an engaging and deeply thoughtful
exchange.
This session was a clear highlight of LLF2025—an inspiring reminder that in a market obsessed
with trends, there’s still space, power, and purpose in authenticity. See images of the discussion
below
