Lagos, Nigeria– January 2026 – The Austrian Embassy – Commercial Section Lagos is pleased to announce the second edition of the Austrian Lace Appreciation Event (ALAE), an exclusive evening dedicated to celebrating Nigeria’s leading sellers of authentic Austrian lace and their longstanding partnerships with Austrian manufacturers.
Scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, at Sky Restaurant, Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, the invitation-only event will honour outstanding lace sellers whose dedication, loyalty, and excellence have played a pivotal role in sustaining the prominence of Austrian lace in Nigeria.
For decades, high-quality embroidered fabrics produced in Vorarlberg, Austria, have been transformed into iconic Nigerian garments worn on special occasions. This enduring cultural and commercial exchange is made possible by Nigerian lace sellers and their clientele, whose appreciation for originality, craftsmanship, and authenticity continues to drive demand for Austrian lace.
The Austrian Lace Appreciation Event was created as a meaningful gesture of gratitude from Austrian lace manufacturers to the women and businesses—often referred to as the ‘Lace Ladies’—who have maintained trusted relationships with Austrian companies over several generations. In an era where authenticity matters more than ever, the awards also serve as a mark of credibility, recognising sellers who genuinely trade in original Austrian lace and stand out as top performers in the market.
Following the success of its inaugural edition, this year’s event will feature two major highlights:
An award ceremony recognising top Austrian lace sellers with certificates of excellence
A refined fashion showcase, presenting a curated selection of materials and designs from five renowned Austrian lace manufacturers: Riedmann, Oscar, HOH, Scheffknecht, and Amann
The runway will spotlight elegant creations by acclaimed Nigerian designer Lanre Da Silva Ajayi (LDA) and bespoke menswear designer Aramanda, alongside emerging young designers who continue to redefine contemporary fashion with Austrian lace.
Speaking ahead of the event, Barbara Lehninger, Commercial Counsellor at the Austrian Embassy Lagos, said:
“Following the success of the first edition of ALAE, we are raising the bar this year with a more exciting and elevated awards show, featuring renowned designers such as LDA and Aramanda. Together, we are celebrating the beauty and elegance of Austrian lace, and we aim to inspire a new generation of designers and audiences.”
The evening will be hosted by Ify Igwe, returning after successfully anchoring last year’s edition, and will include live entertainment. The programme is expected to conclude around 9:00 PM.
The event will also be graced by Honourable Commissioner Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebemse, Honourable Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Lagos State Government, alongside distinguished guests from the diplomatic corps, fashion industry stakeholders, and key partners. Their presence further reinforces the event’s significance as a best-practice example of a mutually beneficial trade relationship built on trust, quality, and long-term cooperation.
The Austrian Lace Appreciation Event is organised by the Commercial Section of the Austrian Embassy in Lagos on behalf of the Association of Austrian Lace Manufacturers in Vorarlberg, Austria.
