Deola Sagoe
Deola is one of Nigeria’s most cherished fashion designers. The CEO of House of Deola can do no wrong when it comes to the infusion of African signature into timeless silhouettes.
She made her mark on the global fashion scene in 2004 by becoming the first black woman to present a collection at the AltaRoma Fashion Show in Italy. Similarly, she became the first Nigerian designer to have a stand-alone show at New York Fashion Week in 2014.
With over 35 years of ethical practice, she is known as a preacher of the ‘African to the world’ commitment to sustainability.
With her luxurious collection including Tropical Galactica 01 Surreal, Komole Kandids 2016, and Wings collection spring/summer 2014, Deola remains one of the best designers to watch this year.
Mai Atafo
Celebrity fashion designer, Mai Atafo has established himself as a fashion icon and influencer. He has styled many public figures, both at home and abroad, including Banky W, Omowunmi Akinnifesi, and IK Osakioduwa among others.
Although he had held various positions across sectors as a manager, Atafo was able to stand out with his fashion skills.
He clinched the Designer of the Year at the Glitz Style Award in 2013.
Duro Olowu
For selling out in fashion stores around the world, Nigerian-born British fashion designer, Duro Olowu is an emperor in the Nigerian fashion scene.
His brand, ‘Duro Dress’ is considered one of the most prestigious and exclusive firms in the world.
Renowned for his use of bold and harmonious patterns in his womenswear collections, his work straddles the boundaries of fashion, art, and culture.
In 2005, Olowu won the New Designer of the Year Award at the British Fashion Awards.
Olowu enjoyed early support from American First Lady Michelle Obama, who frequently wore his designs. In 2015, Mrs. Obama also commissioned Olowu to decorate the Vermeil Room in the White House. 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.”
Toyin Lawani
Call her the ‘Fashion Goddess,’ and you won’t be queried by anyone in the fashion scene. Whenever you need a glamorous dress or odd costume, Lawani’s brand ‘Tiannah’s Place Empire’ is your go-to store.
The serial entrepreneur and celebrity stylist became a household name after she showcased her collections at Africa Fashion London in 2013.
She remains an unstoppable fashion icon with her weird and wide range of styles, from avant-garde to traditional.
Zizi Cardow
Marching at the vanguard of African fashion, Cardow is best known for launching a revolution for indigenous fabrics with a view to globalization.
She established herself as a leader in the Nigerian fashion industry after she founded her Eponymous Haute Couture label in 2000.
The ace designer has since worked with different brands both home and abroad. Zizi received the prestigious Designer of the Year Award at the Nigerian Fashion Show (NFS) amongst other awards and accolades.
Her clothes were on the runways of South Africa, Italy, France and the UK. In 2002 she staged a top-notch fashion show dubbed ‘Jungle Renaissance’ which received rave reviews from both local and international critics.
Cardow is a fashion icon in her own right.
Lisa Folawiyo
For the CEO of Jewel by Lisa, fashion is simply an art.
For two decades, she has been creating pieces that seamlessly blend exquisite patterns with traditional African textiles.
Lisa is famous for expressing the true colour of Africa through her astonishing hand embellishment, sequin trim and beadwork.
She has the power to adorn individuals in a tapestry of elegance and sophistication.
Adebayo Oke-lawal
The CEO of Orange Culture, Adebayo Oke-Lawal is at the forefront of combating hyper-masculinity, injustice and suppressed expressions of Africanism through his fashion signature.
Known for his innovative and gender-fluid designs, Orange Culture, which launched in 2010, has gained international recognition for its bold colours, contemporary silhouettes, and celebration of African culture.
Adebayo has styled some of some of the best dresser celebrities around the world including Ncuti Gatwa, Kelly Rowland, Lupita Nyongo, Dua Lipa, Davido, Adekunle Gold, Ayra Starr, Tiwa Savage, Chimamanda Adichie, Akon and more.
Currently stocked in Lagos, Paris, London, New York, Atlanta, Hollywood and Kenya, the fashion brand plans to stock in many more stores this year.
Folake Folarin-Coker
Since she flaunted her clothing line, Tiffany Amber in 1998, Folake has been empowering women with her elegant and sophisticated designs.
She popularised ready-to-wear in high fashion in the country. In recognition of her dexterity as an influential designer, she was offered to showcase her collection twice at New York Fashion Week in 2008, becoming the first African-based designer to do so.
The following year, she was also the first recipient of the ‘Designer of the Year’ Award at African Fashion Week held in South Africa. Over the years, she has showcased her silhouettes across global stages.
Coker is one of the trendsetters in the fashion industry.
Omoniyi Makun
Though he became a fashion designer by mistake, Omoniyi Makun popularly known as Yomi Casual remains the choice of celebrity when it comes to modern menswear in the country.
His creations are known for flawless tailoring, boldness, creativity and detail.
He has styled several actors and distinguished personalities including IK Ogbonna, Alex Ekubo, his elderly brother, comedian AY Makun and others.
Veekee James
Before launching her label in 2018, Veekee James had been sewing since her childhood age. She was mentored by her mother who was into fashion designing over two decades ago.
Veekee James’s bold and unique designs are what set her apart from her contemporaries. Her vision is to always curate splendid experiences that leave long-lasting memories for fashionistas.
In 2022, the multitalented thespian won the AMVCA and the Hercomony Awards as the Best Fashion Designer of the Year.
In 2023, she won three awards including the Future Awards Africa. The same year, she organized her first masterclass that helped over 100 fashion creatives from different countries develop their skills.
No doubt, she is one of the Nigerian designers redefining global fashion.
