Nigerian Fashion Designers

 

The Fashion Industry in Nigeria.
         ooooh so you never knew......?
     Well that's what we here for to inspire and promote fashion in another raw and unique style away from the undying love of Nigerian teenagers to one specific style brand and trends. 
         
     Today we bring you some of the top brands in Nigeria .

Since Nigeria is a diverse country and has many different tribes and nations, the fashion trends here are also diverse. Lately, the fashion industry in Nigeria has blossomed, because a lot of gifted and hardworking clothing designers have stepped on stage. It takes a lot of work and dedication to become a fashion designer, and you always have to be inspired by something to create your own original ideas. Read more: https://www.naija.ng/1144326-10-top-nigerian-designers-2017.html#1144326

Since Nigeria is a diverse country and has many different tribes and nations, the fashion trends here are also diverse. Lately, the fashion industry in Nigeria has blossomed, because a lot of gifted and hardworking clothing designers have stepped on stage. It takes a lot of work and dedication to become a fashion designer, and you always have to be inspired by something to create your own original ideas. Read more: https://www.naija.ng/1144326-10-top-nigerian-designers-2017.html#1144326

     
     Since Nigeria is a diverse country and has many different tribes and nations, the fashion trends here are also diverse. Lately, the fashion industry in Nigeria has blossomed, because a lot of gifted and hardworking clothing designers have stepped on stage. It takes a lot of work and dedication to become a fashion designer, and you always have to be inspired by something to create your own original ideas. And so far Nigerian fashion designers have been able to tap there inspiration from the preserved charm and beauty of this country and the whole Africa .
   
    The following top designers have done a lot of work for the development of fashion in Nigeria, and there creations are prominent when it comes to showing the spirit, diversity and culture of the country.

 

Folake Folarin-Coker

Folake was born in Lagos, Nigeria in 1974. After her education in Switzerland and the United Kingdom, She earned a postgraduate degree in petroleum law and returned to Nigeria to pursue her fashion interests. 

Her fashion brand, "Tiffany Amber" was launched in Lagos in 1998 and has become an iconic label in the Nigerian fashion industry. The Brand has four stand alone stores and boutiques in Lagos and Abuja. She has staged several fashion shows in Africa, Europe and the United States. In 2008, she made history as the first African-based fashion designer to stage a show twice at the New York Fashion Week. She was the first recipient of the "Designer of the Year" award at the African fashion week in Johannesburg in 2009 and was also awarded "Fashion Brand of the Year" at the ARISE Magazine Fashion week in 2011. In 2013, she received an Enterprise Award at the 2013 Women, Inspiration and Enterprise (WIE) Symposium and made the Forbes Power women list. She unveiled her 'Nirvana' spring/summer collections at DOII Designs launch.




 



 Duro Olowu
is a Nigerian-born, London-based fashion designer. He is best known for his innovative combinations of patterns and textiles that draw inspiration from his international background. His empire waist patchwork "Duro" dress was named "dress of the year" by both American and British Vogue in 2005. Some of Olowu's notable clients include Michelle Obama, Solange Knowles, and Iris Apfel. In 2005 he won "New Designer of the Year" at the British Fashion awards, the first designer to win without ever showing a runway presentation.

In 2004, Olowu launched a women's wear label under his own name, beginning with the Spring/Summer 2005 collection. A high-waisted patchwork skirt from that collection, later dubbed the "Duro," developed a cult following after being discovered and publicized by American Vogue editor Sally Singer and Julie Gilhart of Barneys New York, leading to it being hailed the dress of the year by both British and American Vogue.

In 2005, he was named London Fashion Week's New Designer of the Year, the only designer to do so without having a catwalk show.

In 2009, he was named the Best International Designer by the African Fashion Awards and received one of six nominations for the Swiss Textile Federation's coveted prize of €100,000

 Duro Olowu has enjoyed support from American First Lady Michelle Obama, who frequently wears his designs. “Michelle Obama was a real supporter and I felt very honoured because she wore very few non-American designers” Olowu said in an interview. Michelle Obama also engaged Olowu in decorating the White House for Christmas 2015, where he decorated the Vermeil Room with ornate trappings and teddy bears made of vintage African fabrics. The designer said, "My idea [was] to create a beautiful feast for the eyes reminiscent of a warm and joyful season filled with international treasures and signature fabrics.

 

 Deola Sagoe

  is a haute couture fashion designer from Ondo State, Nigeria. She is a fashion visionary with a unique approach to her craft that has endeared her to followers and critics all over the world for the past 25 years.

Deola has left a global footprint across the various continents. Using African hand-woven materials in which she brings to life a range of distinct cultures; contemporizing almost-lost traditional African techniques, Deola's designs present a unique vision and attitude for the well-rounded modern woman.

Deola Sagoe has gained international notoriety for her lively, and colorful designs.

Her fashion design credentials took a huge leap forward when she won the MNET Anglo Gold African Design award. She had been nominated by the legendary USVogue Editor, Andre Leon Talley as one of four designers from Africa to show their work at the New York Fashion Week in 2000. She later went on to be the first Nigerian to have her own stand alone show at the New York Fashion Week in September 2014.

Deola became the first black woman to present a collection at AltaRoma, Rome's celebrated fashion week back in 2004. Her globally appealing style has earned her an enviable clientele that ranges from Africa's first ladies, to society ladies like Lydia Hearst, top model Alek Wek, and famous personalities such as Oprah Winfreyand Will Smith.

She was recently appointed to represent Nigeria in a new international campaign organized by the United Nations World Food Program. The campaign, titled “Catwalk the World: Fashion for Food.”, began in Nigeria in April 2006 and recently staged an event in Ghana which brought celebrities like Damon Dash, his wife, designer Rachel Roy, and Ghanaian-born, London-based designer Ozwald Boateng. The campaign's goal is to raise money towards halving the number of hungry people in the world, particularly children, by 2015. Sagoe frequently exhibits her couture collection at Cape Town Fashion Week and she continues to lead the way in carving a space for Nigeria on the global fashion map.

 In 2011, the daughters of Deola Sagoe launched CLAN, ready to wear a fashion label under the House of Deola.

 Deola had a cameo appearance in the 2014 film October 1 where she was portrayed as Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti.

 Deola Sagoe was married to Kofi Sagoe though the couple separated due to irreconcilable differences. She has three daughters, Teni, Aba and Tiwa.

 

 Lisa Folawiyo

 is a Nigerian fashion designer who is best known for incorporating traditional West African textiles with modern tailoring techniques with an emphasis on beading and sequin trim. She is also known for modernizing and embellishing Ankara, a West African fabric, using her own custom prints and embellishments.

  She started her label "Jewel by Lisa" in 2005 from her home, after which she became an internationally recognised name and brand, having showrooms in Nigeria as well as New York. Celebrities such as Issa Rae have worn her pieces. Rae wore a cummerbund dress to the BET Presents the American Black Film Festival Honors.Her collections are also showcased in the US, the UK, Nigeria and South Africa. She won the Africa Fashion Award in 2012, nominated alongside Maki Oh and Kofi Ansah. In 2012 she was also featured in Vogue Italia. In 2014, WWD: Women's Wear Daily named her one of eight emerging talents. In 2015 she was featured in the prestigious BOF500, which is a list of fashion brands that are shaping the international fashion scene. She was one of a few Nigerians who made it on the list.Lisa Folawiyo has a background in law, which she studied at the University of Lagos.

 Folawiyo had been married for 14 years and had known her husband for 21 years in 2017. She is a mother of two children. Her father-in-law was the industrialist Wahab Iyanda Folawiyo.

 

 Soares Anthony

Soares Anthony is a young, energetic, and talented fashion designer who focuses on his men’s clothing line, Soares Anthony. His work draws inspiration from local Nigerian fabrics coupled with Japanese tailoring designs. His designs are masculine, yet modern and trendy by way of transforming an ordinary look into a sophisticated design that embraces elegance.

Anthony began acquired his love for fashion when he was a young boy where he spent his time sketching and drawing. He loves to work with colors, and his awesome talent has seen his pieces worn by famous politicians and celebrities. Young and successful, he is a talented fashion designer to watch out for as his name continues to cause ripples in both the local and global fashion industries.

His pieces are also sold globally in the UK, US, and France. Anthony uses his talent to make an impact on the community through a mentoring program he runs that helps young and upcoming Nigerian designers excel and compete on a global platform. Nature, colors, and artwork are his main sources of inspiration.

 

 Lola Faturoti

Lola Faturoti is a Nigerian-born, New York-based fashion designer with extensive experience and renowned international repute. Faturoti, who hails from Ondo State, went on to school in London before moving to New York in the early 1990s. Her fashion journey began from childhood when she helped her grandmother, who was also a fashion designer. “I got interested in fashion because my grandmother was a designer. She designed Nigerian traditional clothes. That was my first introduction to fashion, which I hated because I wanted to be out playing instead of picking out seams!”

Her inspiration is mainly drawn from her roots, and Faturoti rose to fame in New York when she made a dress to celebrate Barack Obama’s election as President of the United States. The dress had these bold Yoruba words, “Oluwa gba President Barack Obama,” which means, “God Bless President Barack Obama.”

She confirms that her mother played a major role in defining her personal style. “My mom travelled a lot to London and New York. She bought me a lot of clothes, so I began to dress differently. I think that was the first introduction to me wanting to be different through clothing,” says Faturoti.

While in New York, she was employed in the Charivari Boutique where president of the company, Barbara Weiser, noticed her potential and passion for unique fashion and helped her launch her first fashion collection. Her passion for African fashion is profound. “Everything begins for me with the print and fabric, which usually has some shine,” exclaims Faturoti. Her deep African roots, as well as extensive global experience with having lived and worked in New York and Milan have been instrumental in her success and international spotlight.

 

Frank Oshodi

Frank Oshodi is a perfect presentation of how Nigerian cultural diversity has been embraced in unique fashion design trends. With extensive industry experience spanning over 25 years, Oshodi began his career as a model and was employed by top household fashion houses, such as Dakova and Nikki Africana.

He also worked on popular TV commercials such as Maclean’s before rising in the ranks to become a model manager. He went into choreography before finally launching his makeup label, House of Bunor and Fashion Designing. His big break came when Silverbird hired him to be the designer and makeup artist for Agbani Darego, who was the 2001 Miss World winner. Since then, Oshodi’s career has continuously rewarded him, enabling him to acquire many clients across the world.

Effortless beauty and elegance is the foundation of Oshodi’s career and is reflected in the years he has been in the industry. He has played a major role in numerous events such as The West African Fashion Week 2008, whose aim was to showcase the very best of Nigerian fashion. There’s no doubt that Oshodi’s journey so far is only the beginning of future successes that await him on the Nigerian fashion scene. He’s definitely a force to be reckoned with.

 

Zizi Cardow

Zizi Cardow has been instrumental in successfully showcasing the Nigerian fabric and culture on a global level. She launched her label, Zizi, which has seen her profile expand proudly, letting the world know how unique and elegant the Nigerian fabric is. She is credited with promoting the Ankara fabric, which has earned it global fame as the fabric is now being worn to red carpet events around the world.

When she was young, Cardow hoped to become a forensic profiler, but after landing her first fashion job at only 17 in an Italian-owned boutique ignited her interest in fashion. Being a popular African fashion ambassador, her success has seen her designs featured in many international catwalk events in Cape Town, Milan, Paris, the USA, and other destinations worldwide.

Her global revolution for the African fabric to be appreciated internationally has earned numerous awards, with the list being long and continuing to grow. In 2001, after only one year in the fashion industry, she bagged the Prestigious Designer of the Year Award at the Nigerian Fashion Show. With this award to her name, the world noticed her work, and her work was showcased on a global platform.

In 2002, other awards knocked at her door.  The DAME Award recognized her for her outstanding achievement in fashion, and also winning the St. Moritz Style Selection Award and Nigerian Women Awards. From 2002, she kept winning numerous awards successively year after year, raising her profile in the industry. Some of the other major accolades Cardow has achieved include the 2010 UN Peace Ambassador, 2010 Global Leadership Award, 2010 Young Achievers Award, 2010 Fashion and Style Award, 2010 Merit Award for African Heritage, 2009 Zenith Award for Excellence, and 2007 African Role Model Leadership Award, as well as many others.

Her client base is vast, consisting of famous political figures and celebrities. She has also been featured by top international media houses such as CNN, SABC, Channel O, and FTV. Zizi Cardow has given back to society through numerous mentorship programs, which have, in turn, earned her awards.

 

Mai Atafo

Mai Atafo is a well-known Nigerian male bespoke designer. He rose into the limelight after launching his brand, Mai Atafo, which has been successful both on the local scene, as well as global fashion scene. His aim throughout his career has been to uniquely showcase the personality of a confident and elegant Nigerian gentleman.

Atafo is a trained IT specialist with a Master’s Degree in Information Systems and Technology from the UK. After returning from the UK in 2002, he worked in various positions in the corporate sector until 2010, when he resigned to pursue fashion full time.

Atafo’s clothing label has gained popularity while attracting top clientele. He has dressed personalities such as Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria in 2005, Omowunmi Akinnifesi, and I.K. Osakioduwa. In addition, other famous personalities on his list are Mercy Johnson, 2Baba, Waje, Gbenro Ajibade, and Stephanie Okereke.

Atafo also launched his fashion line, Weddings by Mai, in 2011 with his designs being showcased at various high-profile events. Atafo has bagged numerous awards during his career to celebrate and appreciate his excellent craftsmanship. Some of the awards he has received include being the winner of City People Fashion and Style’s Hottest New Male Designer two years in a row, LFW Menswear Designer of the Year, Mode Men Magazine’s Fashion Designer of the Year, and Allure’s Most Stylish Man of the Year.

Atafo believes fashion is an all-round aspect. “Fashion goes beyond clothes. It is also hair and all those elements put together,” notes Atafo.

Ade Bakare

Ade Bakare is an established Nigerian fashion designer whose impeccable African designs have caused ripples around the globe. Having been in the fashion industry for two decades, his super elegant designs are popular, making him a household name in both Nigeria and London. His work is a perfect example of female sophistication.

Bakare was born and schooled in the UK, after which he was employed in some of the top and finest fashion houses of Christian Stambolian and Victor Edelstein. In 1991, he founded Ade Bakare Couture and began selling his own collections to various boutiques in England, Scotland, and Channel Islands.

His work ranges from exclusive evening gowns to stylish wedding gowns, hats and fragrances. He deals with high-end clients in both Nigeria and London, who have recognized his over-the-top fashion talent. Bakare also has perfumes named Breeze, and Ade Breeze which is a jersey line of his brand.

Bakare’s work has been showcased around the world in places such as New York, Vienna, Mozambique, Morocco, Paris, and Cape Town. Aside from having numerous English personalities and celebrities wearing his pieces, he also has first ladies, senators, and minister’s wives as clients. He has also been involved in numerous programs geared to inspire upcoming designers. The Ministry of Youth and Culture recognized Bakare for this role in supporting young and upcoming fashion designers.

Bakare has also received awards from the Paris Academy and Conde Nast Publication. His dresses are known to be classic with a modern twist while spanning various types of fabrics. Bakare is well-known and celebrated for his famous and luxurious female gazar and organza sweep coasts.

And there you have it these Nigerian brands are each all one of the best there is, and also are the most loved and recognized .

So fellas make sure when you are out shopping next time its one of these brands 

This famous fashion designer is from Lagos, where she began her career. She was born in this city, but she got her education in European countries like Switzerland, England, and Scotland. She had a unique opportunity to get acquainted with various cultural features around the world, and this influenced her whole mindset. Actually, when she studied in Switzerland, she received a master degree in Petroleum Law there, but her passion for modeling and fashion overtook her whole life. Read more: https://www.naija.ng/1144326-10-top-nigerian-designers-2017.html#1144326

This famous fashion designer is from Lagos, where she began her career. She was born in this city, but she got her education in European countries like Switzerland, England, and Scotland. She had a unique opportunity to get acquainted with various cultural features around the world, and this influenced her whole mindset. Actually, when she studied in Switzerland, she received a master degree in Petroleum Law there, but her passion for modeling and fashion overtook her whole life. Read more: https://www.naija.ng/1144326-10-top-nigerian-designers-2017.html#1144326

The following top designers have done a lot of work for the development of fashion in Nigeria, and their creations are prominent when it comes to showing the spirit, diversity, and culture of the country. Read more: https://www.naija.ng/1144326-10-top-nigerian-designers-2017.html#1144326

The following top designers have done a lot of work for the development of fashion in Nigeria, and their creations are prominent when it comes to showing the spirit, diversity, and culture of the country. Read more: https://www.naija.ng/1144326-10-top-nigerian-designers-2017.html#1144326

The following top designers have done a lot of work for the development of fashion in Nigeria, and their creations are prominent when it comes to showing the spirit, diversity, and culture of the country Read more: https://www.naija.ng/1144326-10-top-nigerian-designers-2017.html#1144326

The following top designers have done a lot of work for the development of fashion in Nigeria, and their creations are prominent when it comes to showing the spirit, diversity, and culture of the country. Read more: https://www.naija.ng/1144326-10-top-nigerian-designers-2017.html#1144

The following top designers have done a lot of work for the development of fashion in Nigeria, and their creations are prominent when it comes to showing the spirit, diversity, and culture of the country. Read more: https://www.naija.ng/1144326-10-top-nigerian-designers-2017.html#1144326

Lots of modern designers take the traditional Nigerian patterns as their own source of inspiration. While moving towards the western trends, the fashion designers in Nigeria try to preserve the original charm and beauty of their native country. Read more: https://www.naija.ng/1144326-10-top-nigerian-designers-2017.html#1144326

The following top designers have done a lot of work for the development of fashion in Nigeria, and their creations are prominent when it comes to showing the spirit, diversity, and culture of the country. Read more: https://www.naija.ng/1144326-10-top-nigerian-designers-2017.html#1144326

Lots of modern designers take the traditional Nigerian patterns as their own source of inspiration. While moving towards the western trends, the fashion designers in Nigeria try to preserve the original charm and beauty of their native country Read more: https://www.naija.ng/1144326-10-top-nigerian-designers-2017.html#1144326

Lots of modern designers take the traditional Nigerian patterns as their own source of inspiration. While moving towards the western trends, the fashion designers in Nigeria try to preserve the original charm and beauty of their native country. Read more: https://www.naija.ng/1144326-10-top-nigerian-designers-2017.html#1144326

Since Nigeria is a diverse country and has many different tribes and nations, the fashion trends here are also diverse. Lately, the fashion industry in Nigeria has blossomed, because a lot of gifted and hardworking clothing designers have stepped on stage. It takes a lot of work and dedication to become a fashion designer, and you always have to be inspired by something to create your own original ideas. Read more: https://www.naija.ng/1144326-10-top-nigerian-designers-2017.html#1144326

Since Nigeria is a diverse country and has many different tribes and nations, the fashion trends here are also diverse. Lately, the fashion industry in Nigeria has blossomed, because a lot of gifted and hardworking clothing designers have stepped on stage. It takes a lot of work and dedication to become a fashion designer, and you always have to be inspired by something to create your own original ideas. Read more: https://www.naija.ng/1144326-10-top-nigerian-designers-2017.html#1144326

Since Nigeria is a diverse country and has many different tribes and nations, the fashion trends here are also diverse. Lately, the fashion industry in Nigeria has blossomed, because a lot of gifted and hardworking clothing designers have stepped on stage. It takes a lot of work and dedication to become a fashion designer, and you always have to be inspired by something to create your own original ideas. Read more: https://www.naija.ng/1144326-10-top-nigerian-designers-2017.html#1144326

Since Nigeria is a diverse country and has many different tribes and nations, the fashion trends here are also diverse. Lately, the fashion industry in Nigeria has blossomed, because a lot of gifted and hardworking clothing designers have stepped on stage. It takes a lot of work and dedication to become a fashion designer, and you always have to be inspired by something to create your own original ideas. Read more: https://www.naija.ng/1144326-10-top-nigerian-designers-2017.html#1144326