Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage has always been reflected in its vibrant fashion scene. From traditional aso-okes to modern contemporary styles, the country’s fashion industry has evolved significantly over the years.
Shade Thomas-Fahm, regarded as Nigeria’s first modern fashion designer, pioneered the integration of indigenous fabrics into contemporary styles. Her legacy has paved the way for a new generation of designers redefining the fashion industry.
Here are seven Nigerian designers who are making waves in the fashion world:
1. Veekee James
A trendsetter and icon in the fashion world, Veekee has carved a niche for herself with her creativity, technical skills, and business acumen. Born Ruth Erikan James, she has received numerous awards and was featured on the 2024 Forbes Africa “30 Under 30′ list.
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2. Mai Atafo
A leading designer in men’s fashion, Atafo is also known for his stunning bridal wear. His clothing label Mai Atafo Inspired has revolutionized men’s wear in Nigeria.
Atafo underwent fashion training at the Savile Row Academy in Leeds. In 2010, he established his clothing label and founded Weddings By Mai in 2011. His designs have been showcased at major fashion events.
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The CEO of Jewel by Lisa is a graduate of Law from the University of Lagos (UNILAG). She founded her brand in 2005 and has not looked back since.
Folawiyo masterfully fuses traditional West African prints with modern design and tailoring. Her designs have gained recognition globally, and she has styled big names like Lupita Nyong’o and Solange Knowles.
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4. Deola Sagoe
Often regarded as one of the pioneers of luxury African fashion, Deola is renowned for her intricate craftsmanship and retro avant-garde designs involving the Yoruba aso-oke. She has showcased her designs at prestigious fashion shows like New York and Paris Fashion Week.
Deola also received an endorsement from Oprah Winfrey and designed the costumes for ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’, the 2013 movie adapted from Chimamanda Adichie’s novel.
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The founder of Tiffany Amber, Nigeria’s first ready-to-wear luxury fashion brand, Akindele-Coker has staged several fashion shows globally. She was the first African-based designer to showcase at the New York Fashion Week twice.
Folake was also the first recipient of the ‘Designer of the Year’ award at the African Fashion Week in Johannesburg in 2009 and was once named in the Forbes Power Women in Africa list.
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Lanre’s brand extends beyond couture and ready-to-wear outfits, she also deals with jewelry and hairpieces. She founded the Lanre DaSilva Ajayi brand in 2005.
Her style blends traditional African aesthetics with modern elegance, incorporating Victorian and Edwardian influences in her designs.
She has been featured in major publications such as Vogue Italia, Forbes Africa, and CNN African Voices and has showcased her work at prestigious fashion events.
Lanre once partnered with Vlisco, the Dutch textile brand, to create unique collections.
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Oke-Lawal, the founder of Orange Culture, is known for his bold and androgynous designs that challenge norms and push boundaries.
His label has partnered with high-end brands like Nike, and he was a semi-finalist at the LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers.
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