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  • Ten Nigerian designers to watch in2025

    Ten Nigerian designers to watch in2025

    In recent years, the Nigerian fashion industry has experienced a remarkable rise, with many designers’ works permeating foreign markets. They have graced the grandest fashion shows and catwalks across Africa and beyond, OLAITAN GANIU looks at ten Nigerian designers to watch this year.

    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.

    Read Also: Polaris Bank, Amtis Skills Place partner to empower young designers

    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.

  • Lagos X Paris: Ten Nigerian designers to receive training, funding

    Lagos X Paris: Ten Nigerian designers to receive training, funding

    The Lagos x Paris Accelerator Programme has selected 10 exceptional Nigerian designers for its 2024/2025 cohort, providing them with an unparalleled opportunity to expand their horizons in France. This groundbreaking initiative, a collaboration between the French Embassy in Nigeria and local partners, aims to equip Nigerian designers with the skills, networks, and exposure needed to penetrate international markets while highlighting Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and creativity.

    Following the success of last year’s edition, which also saw 10 designers take part, this year’s programme continues to position Nigeria at the forefront of Africa’s creative economy. By fostering global partnerships, the initiative not only spotlights Nigerian fashion on the world stage but also contributes to economic growth and job creation within the country.

    Speaking on the initiative, H.E. Marc Fonbaustier, Ambassador of France to Nigeria, emphasized the synergy between Nigeria’s vibrant creativity and France’s established reputation in the fashion industry. He stated, “This partnership matches perfectly. France is a well-known country for this sector, and Nigeria is full of talent and energy in fashion. It’s a crossroad of art, creation, and economy. Employment, the takeoff of industries, transfer of competencies, and reinforcement of capabilities are key aspects we have in mind for the Lagos x Paris programme.

    “This year again, 10 designers have been selected and accompanied intensively. We tailored the assistance of France for each participant through a comprehensive assessment process to meet their specific needs.”

    The programme is part of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ “Création Africa” initiative, which supports creative industries worldwide, including design, fashion, video games, audiovisuals, and performing arts. In Nigeria, this focus has yielded a strong platform for designers to gain global visibility while strengthening the local creative economy.

    For the 2024-2025 cohort, the selected brands include Babayo, Y’Wandelag, Pepper Row, PITH, NYA, HUE by Idera, Aminda, Shem Paronelli (shoes), AABOUX (bags), and Refine (jewelry). These designers were chosen from a pool of over 100 applicants by a professional jury. The brand Aminda, based in Abuja, will travel to Lagos monthly for in-person training sessions.

    Read Also: Lagos, Paris accelerator programme: 10 Nigerian designers to receive training, funding

    Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, expressed her enthusiasm for the programme’s impact on Nigeria’s fashion ecosystem. She noted, “We’re trying to aggregate all the people in the fashion industry—from clothing to accessories to jewelry—and put them on a global platform. It’s very important that we create a Fashion Council of Nigeria to ensure our designers gain worldwide recognition.”

    The Lagos x Paris Accelerator Programme includes a 360-degree audit and tailored training phases covering brand structuring, development, and operational strategies. The programme’s ultimate goal is to prepare Nigerian designers for global success, ensuring they not only compete but thrive in international markets.

  • Architects, designers, others to attend construction fair in Lagos

    Excitement is growing in Nigeria for the launch of the country’s largest construction event, The Big 5 Construct Nigeria. The Nigerian Institute of Architects, the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the Surveyors Council of Nigeria, the African Association of Interior Designers, the OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Association), and the African Sustainable Energy Association (AFSEA) are in fact among the many organisations that already announced their support to the event holding in Lagos.

    Part of The Big 5 portfolio of events, the largest in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, The Big 5 Construct Nigeria will run from 9 to 11 September 2019 at the Landmark Centre in Lagos.

    “The extremely positive feedback we are receiving from industry stakeholders proves just how important it is for Nigeria to host an international construction event like The Big 5 Construct Nigeria today,” says Muhammed Kazi, Portfolio Event Director at dmg events.

    “At a time when the country is pursuing an unprecedented infrastructure development, the event will finally bring together influential decision-makers, innovators and suppliers from around the globe for three days of business and networking opportunities in Lagos.

    “The Big 5 Construct Nigeria is going to be a turning point in the advancement of the West African construction sector,” he adds.

    Over 200 exhibiting companies and more than 5,000 industry professionals are expected to attend the launch edition of the show. Confirmed brands include regional and global leaders like KELM, ABB, Philips, Crane, Eurotray, Tata, Hilti, and Magna Tyres, organisers dmg events reveal.

    “We are extremely proud to announce that next to Nigerian exhibitors, renowned companies from France, Germany, Italy, South Africa, Turkey, and the UAE, among other countries, will take part in the event, making it a truly international show,” Kazi said.

    Beyond showcasing hundreds of solutions for the built environment, The Big 5 Construct Nigeria will also bring a wealth of free education to the Nigerian construction community.

    Across the three days of the show, visitors will receive complimentary CPD (Continuing Professional Development) certifications at 20 workshops to increase their technical expertise and advance their careers. Presented by renowned industry experts, the workshops will explore the latest construction trends and will offer crucial intelligence to advance the Nigerian building and infrastructure sectors.

     

     

     

  • Govt asked to assist fashion designers

    National Union of Textile Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN)  General Secretary, Mr Issa Aremu has called on the Federal Government to establish a national institute for tailors to boost their skills and education.

    Aremu said the institute would enable tailors to compete with their counterparts in other countries.

    He spoke at an event organised by the Nigeria Union of Tailors (NUT) in collaboration with NUTGTWUN to mark 50 years of tailoring in Lagos State.

    Aremu added that tailors should have the opportunity of acquiring higher academic qualifications in their profession and be professors or doctors of fashion.

    He urged that the Federal and state governments should empower tailors financially to expand their businesses and contribute more to economic growth.

    ” Where there are jobs, there is peace and development,” he said.

    The labour leader prayed that Nigeria would overcome kidnapping and other forms of insecurity to enable the citizens to concentrate on their jobs and contribute meaningfully to national development.

    Lagos State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Idowu Adelakun, attributed increase in kidnapping and other crimes to unemployment.

    He urged the state government to continue to support tailors to enable them to do their best.

    NUT National President, Wasiu Taiwo, said tailors needed more training.

    According to him, capacity building was necessary for national advancement.

    ”We need equipment to train our tailors; we do not have what it takes to showcase our skills.

    ”There is no tailor in the country that produces en masse,” Taiwo said.

    He said the union had planned to set up sewing hubs to develop the skills of tailors as well as create employment.

    NUTGTWUN President, Mr John Adaji, hailed Lagos State Government for providing a loan scheme to artisans and some other self-employed persons.

    He urged the government to help to revive industries and support the informal sector to enhance the mega city status of the state.

  • 2016:Year of opportunities for young talented designers

    2016:Year of opportunities for young talented designers

    THIS year, fashion was real fun both on and off the runways. It was not only about the runways, the big changes of this year’s fashion can be summed up to be stylishly crazy.

    Fashion is fast evolving all over the world, taking new and incredible turns. The talent shows and fashion designers’ weeks have already begun to change the ways designers work and do business for the better. They have also brought in positive media attention as well as feedback and interest from international fashion designers and buyers. They have given established designers strong focus and young talented designers’ new opportunities.

    Throughout 2016, a series of fashion and style events dominated the scene. Talented designers and winners emerged through highly competitive fashion shows and beauty queens emerged through pageants organised by different fashion and beauty companies.

    During the year, some indigenous cologne companies introduced their products to the esteemed public and these exceeded all estimates by international standards.

    Everyone’s ankara got much stylish and shimmery in 2016. It wasn’t due only to the ankara manufacturers’ upping sticks, but a general focus on the big business of fashion by our talented fashion designers who daily ditched out amazing designs.

    Ankara style in various fabrics and hues was a major trend from January till now, and it will continue to be a major fashion style in our time.

    The surge of fashion weeks in the year provided great opportunities for up-and-coming talents to show off their works to the industry and the general public. Ready-to-wear was all the rage and the trend will continue next year.

  • Brands most coveted by interior designers

    When home owners hire an interior designer, they’re not just seeking out someone with creative flair, or a professional who can take the headache out of a building project. Intimate knowledge of the best products – from picture frames to mattresses – is an important part of the package, too.

    “People definitely come to us for brand knowledge – we have the ability to pass on our favourites from years of experience,” says Staffan Tollgard, who straddles both worlds as an interior designer who also runs a furniture and lighting showroom.

    “Interior design is very much about passing on knowledge about what works and what doesn’t, and the older you get, the more experience you gain.” Here, Tollgard and other designers give us a glimpse into their address books, as well as revealing some of the brands that their clients repeatedly request.

     

    Beds and linen

    “I had a client who insisted that the beds were exactly the same spec as the Dorchester,” says Rupert Martineau of architecture and interior design firm SHH. German company Mühldorfer supplies the esteemed hotel’s pillows (sold via the Dorchester’s online shop), but Martineau even sourced the same Vispring mattress for his client, despite the fact that it was a special model made only for the hotel. Tollgard is also a big fan of Vispring, ever since he was invited to stay over at a client’s house and had “the best night’s sleep ever” on one of its mattresses. “You don’t always get feedback from clients after a project has finished, but I’ve had quite a few tell me how amazing their mattress is,” he says.

     

    TV tech

    Ever wondered where you can get one of those televisions that rise majestically from a cabinet at the foot of the bed? Fleur Liversidge of Studio Indigo has a recommendation. “Cornflake is our go-to supplier for motorised mechanisms for TVs,” she says. “No one is that keen to look at a black screen hanging on the wall, so most of our projects have a pop-up TV trunk. Alternatively there are mechanisms that allow the TV to hide underneath the bed, negating the need for cabinetry.”

     

    Furniture

    Designers’ furniture recommendations are as diverse as the projects they work on. At the cool and contemporary end of the spectrum, Tollgard loves Italian brand Flexform, especially its sofas. A personal favourite of Michael Phillips, from Phillips Tracey Architects, is Carl Hansen & Son, as well as British companies Benchmark and Pinch: all make beautifully crafted, modern timber furniture.

    At the top end, it’s bespoke all the way: Joe Burns of Oliver Burns uses decorative upholsterer Aiveen Daly to add wow-factor to dining chairs and headboards with intricate pleats, folds and embroidery.

    “Her work is really unusual and different, and she can work something simple like a chair into something amazing,” says Burns.

    Designer Brian Wade of Tim Flynn Architects loves Cox London’s furniture and lighting, made with a fine art sensibility. For a recent Knightsbridge project (total fixtures and fittings budget: £2 million), he installed a pair of Cox tables, with bronze legs in the shape of serpents.

     

    Antiques

    The decline in traditional antique shops continues, but your favourite high-street dealer may well have moved to Lorfords in the Cotswolds.

    Interior designers love multi-venued enterprise (it runs across two aircraft hangars in Babdown, near Tetbury) because of its one-stop-shop nature and high-quality stock.

    In London, interior designer Henriette von Stockhausen loves Guinevere, an antiques shop on the King’s Road.

    “I adore going there – it’s an Aladdin’s cave,” she says. “They very cleverly put room sets together, which helps when I take clients there, because they can image how things will work at home.”

    Von Stockhausen particularly covets the textiles, including antique bedspreads and lampshades made from vintage saris.

     

    Framing

    Designers are now expected to have an intimate yet global knowledge of the best dealers and fairs for sourcing artwork. When it comes to framing these important investment pieces, from classic black-and-white photography to a delicate watercolour, the experts turn to John Jones Framers. “Artwork determines the mood of a space, and choosing the right frame is very important,” says interior designer Maurizio Pellizzoni.  “John Jones helps you to choose the right frames for each style of interior and makes sure that each piece of art is framed properly and beautifully. It’s a boutique service from beginning to end.”

     

    • Culled from The Telegraph, UK
  • How Nigerian designers seized London fashion scene

    How Nigerian designers seized London fashion scene

    Ronke Ademiluyi is a lawyer, fashion collector and the initiator of the African fashion week, London. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde she talks about running the show for five years, achievements, challenges and more.

    YOU have put so much in the last five years, what is the event going to look like this year?

    This year, the African Fashion Show, London, is our fifth anniversary. This year marks half a decade and we would be showcasing African designers as always. What would be different this year is the country pavilion representing each year of the African Fashion Show. We would have different countries showcasing and exhibiting and also all their attributes within the country would be showcased. On board already, we have South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria and we are expecting two more, one from East Africa and one from North Africa as well.

    What are the preparations on ground?

    It is always hectic, hair pulling, shouting and screaming but we always get there at the end of the day.

    What has changed?

    Talking about when we started and where we are now, I would say that our production has improved. The models and designers have improved as well. There is also the team working with us. We have a stable and more reliable team now. A lot of things have improved. It’s just like a baby born then and now its five years old.

     What were the initial challenges?

    The main challenge was getting people to work with; getting a dedicated team that shares your dreams, shares your vision and a team that is in it for the long term. Not just coming in because it is so glamorous and there is a lot of money involved. Then, I would say it was very challenging and difficult. Now, I would say it was normalised. I know how to manage people very well now as opposed to when I just started. I scream less now.

    Did you at any point feel like quitting?

    Even up till last week, yes, I did. It can be very stressful. Sometimes, we have two days, sometimes we have three days. What you see on those days is the end product. A lot of planning, organising goes into it and it takes about six to eight months to get to where we get to.

    What inspires you to do all these?

    I like African fashion. I am always wearing African fabric. There is also the main thing, which is portraying Africa in a positive light. A lot of what people see in the western world is the negative side of Africa. They see them as hungry people, they see the kids dying but we are not all about that. For me, it is showing that Africa has a lot to offer, the vibrant colours, talented designers. You know the emerging talents that come out of Africa, especially Nigeria. When it comes to fashion, I think Nigeria sets the pace.

    A lot of people are of the view that the fashion and textile sector are collapsing. What is your view about this?

    The textile sector, I would say yes because I think decades ago, we had a lot of textile factories in Nigeria, which we do not have anymore. I won’t say that the fashion sector is collapsing because we have a new generation of Nigerian designers that produce apparels that can compete favourably. We only have few textile companies in Nigeria like Da Viva and they have supported African fashion week from inception in 2011. I think it is better to use a platform that is upcoming for new designers. That is what our platform is about. That is why we decided to do the fashion show in Nigeria as well. A lot of the designers use our platform as a springboard.

     They use it to launch themselves into the fashion industry. We have a lot of positive feedback where they come back to tell us that if it wasn’t for the African Fashion Week platform, nobody was going to support them. I think it is a gradual process. We also need the private sector and the government as well to invest in the designers. If they invest in them, it would help the economy grow. They can give them start up funds, have a hub or just empower them.

    If you look at the UK, the London Fashion Week receives a grant of over four million pounds every year to support the British designers and that is why the fashion industry in the UK grows. I think we need to incorporate that at some point in Nigeria as well. I think that in the whole of Africa, South Africa is the only country that supports and encourages their young designers and even the established ones as well. Already, we have 20 designers flying in from South Africa to do the Africa Fashion Week in London and they are being sponsored by the Department of Trade and Industry in South Africa. I think that other African countries should try to adapt that as well. They know the potential of the fashion industry. They know how it can help to build the economy, how it can help to reduce unemployment.

    Apart from the fashion week in London, what are some of the other projects that you have?

    We are the go-to in African Fashion Week in London, we are the voice now and we get invited to other fashion events. We did Africa on the Square last year at Trafalgar Square. We were asked to put a show together there. We also did the African Centre, the festival that they do every August and we were told to come and put the fashion show together as well. So, we are like the recognised platform when it comes to African fashion in the UK. We actually want to do more. We just finished a seminar in collaboration with Access Bank and Nigeria British Chamber of Commerce to educate young people who want to go into the fashion industry. That if they want to go into the industry, you do not necessarily have to be a designer; you can be a fashion promoter, you can be a fashion marketer, fashion photographer, fashion journalist or a fashion blogger. There are different arms of fashion, not just looking at the designer. It may not be your calling; you may not be creative enough to be a designer. You may just be a good fashion writer.

    Are there people that you mentor along the line?

    What we do is that we have people and we try to connect them with mentors. We have a lot of established designers like Adebayo Jones and we put the young designers in touch with the established designers who can mentor and help them.

    Let’s look at one or two memorable moments since you started

    The first one would be when I saw the crowd in 2011, the queue was almost reaching Liverpool Street. When we initially started, we didn’t expect it to be as big as this, we were expecting a crowd of less than 500 and we had over 4500 turn up. So, that was amazing. The other one would be in May this year when we had the African Fashion Week, Nigeria. We had it during the fuel scarcity and we had people turn up. Over the two days, we had over 3000 people. That was the first one in Nigeria and that was another good memorable moment.

    If you had to talk about the next five or ten years, what are you looking forward to?

    We would look forward to empowering designers so that they can make sustainable living, so that they can see it as a business and not just a thing of passion. That would be the number one thing that we would want to do. We would want it to be a preferred platform that designers use to launch themselves into the fashion industry. We are not an exclusive platform, we are an inclusive platform and we include everyone into what we do, form partnerships with other organisations that can help them add value to what they do.

    Talking about partnerships, what is it like getting sponsorship for your events?

    It is a bit challenging because a lot of corporate organisations do not see fashion as a viable thing. They still have a mindset of something just for tailors or something you do, if you do not have anything to do. We are trying to change that mindset. We have had sponsors like Globacom, they have seen the need to support the fashion industry in Nigeria and abroad as well.

    Has this also opened new opportunities and markets for the models that work with you?

    Our platform works with emerging talents like models, the youths. They use of platform to launch themselves into the modellsing industry as well. We use a lot of fresh faces in the modelling industry as well as opposed to the big names.

    Sometimes, they say that the pay is not right..

    We try our best, we are still young, we are growing as well. We do not have enormous support but we make sure that we pay models within our capacity. A lot of them get other opportunities because designers use them for their collections, sponsor and advertising.

    Would you say that you have achieved the aim of setting up the organisation?

    I wouldn’t say that I have achieved everything, we have achieved some. Initially when we started, it was a platform for emerging talents, emerging creativity and getting them into the fashion industry. That is what I and my team have been able to achieve. It is still a platform for emerging designers who want to launch themselves into the fashion industry. A lot of them use it as a springboard to launch themselves into the international fashion scene and we have some big names who have passed through us. People like Frank Osodi, House of Umocha, Ella and Gabby, Zizi Cardow, Adebayo Jones and Ade Bakare. So they see our platform as adding value to what they do.

    What are the challenges?

    Funding; getting corporate organisations to see the need to support the emerging designers. That has been the major thing. It’s difficult for you to ask a young designer who has just gone into fashion scene to pay for a platform, pay for accommodation and pay for ticket. It might be too much for them, but if you get sponsors, they would be able to take care of that. So that is the major challenge.

    What criteria do you use to do the selection?

    We have a panel, we have judges who go through their portfolios. We get the designers to actually send in images of their work.

    When you are not doing all this, what occupies your time?

    I enjoy sleeping (laughs). We had a reality show for designers as well, it is called Nigeria’s Top Designers and the winner got a prize from Jumia. She also won music made strong, rising icon as well. We discovered her and her brand name is Lines by Chaab, her real name is Akabogu Ogochukwu. She started with the African Fashion Week and this is going to be a regular thing provided we get the necessary support.

    Which is your favourite holiday spot?

    I went to Spain last year with my daughter. Monaco! I haven’t been to Monaco, I heard that life is really good there.

    What’s your typical day like?

    In the morning, I do my praise and worship for about half an hour. Then I get my jotter out and jot out the things that need to be done, call my PA and we go through it together. The passion had always been there. I started Rukkies and we had about five branches across Lagos but we have kind of diversified. African Fashion Week is an offshoot of Rukkies. Now we are promoting our own, if we don’t do it, nobody is going to do it.

    If you have to advise our designers, what would you tell them?

    I would tell them to stay focused, not to be in a hurry to make money. There is this thing called instant gratification, it doesn’t work. No free meal, you have to work, it is a lot of hard work. You can’t just wake up one day and think you would start to make money. It doesn’t work that way. It is a lot of dedication. You also need to go online, do research and see what your competitors are doing.

  • Fashion designers to watch in 2015

    WE can’t start the New Year without mentioning some of the fashion designers who will set the pace in 2015.

    The fact remains that the story of the fast-growing fashion industry is not complete without the contributions of these designers whose works are winning the respect and admiration of fashion stakeholders at home and abroad.

    Nigeria has its share of talent in the ever-changing fashion industry. Here are just a few designers that are helping keep Nigeria on the map in the world of fashion.

    Deola Ade-Ojo of Deola (Formerly DS)

    THERE is no denying the fact that Madam Deola is one of the highly talented fashion designers who churn out amazing styles all year round.

    The creative director of Deola, popularly referred to as the designer to the rich and famous, stepped on to the then very young fashion industry in Nigeria in twenty five years ago with pieces that instantly caught on with women because they were created to be visually stunning, distinctive with painstaking attention to detail.

    Her custom made designs for her clients and models are each one made to fit the wearer’s personality and body type.

    She is known for her limited and unique designs and creating fashion items of timeless style attitude.

    Folake Coker of  Tiffany Amber

    FOLAKE COKER of Tiffany Amber broke into the fashion scene and took the fashion community by pleasant storm. She sparked a new revolution in the fashion industry some years ago.

    She made a name by churning out fantastic designs. For years, Tiffany Amber has collaborated with both local and international designers.

    Folake has sculpted quite a personal style for herself since appearing on the fashion scene.

    Ohimai Atafo of  Mai Atafo inspired

    THIS award-winning Nigerian male designer, Mai Atafo, is a Nigerian bespoke fashion tailor. He caught the attention of the fashion industry for the creation of his brand, Mai Atafo Inspired.

    With over a decade experience in the fashion industry, Ohimai is arguably the number one clothing line for evening, bridal and runway outfits.

    With a vision to be ranked among the best in the world and the very best in Africa, Ohimai boasts a large number of celebrity figures in Nigeria.

    He has really come a long way. He has received much acclaim for his iconic evening designers which have been seen on notable fashionistas and Funke Akindele’s wedding gown.

    Kunbi Oyelese of  April by Kunbi

    IMAGINATIVE designer, Kunbi, knows the ABC of the fashion industry. The red carpet look designer has carved out a niche for herself. Kunbi worked mainly with high quality and exquisite fabrics, showcasing the beauty of chord, chiffon, satin, etc.

    She uses quality, vibrant and shimmery fabrics together with other mixture of fabrics and accessories to produce eccentric designs that are her signature.

    Almost all the ladies of style have two or more of her designs in their wardrobe.

    Kunbi is one lady who’s changing the way we look at the African fashion designer.  She is one of the most-sough-after designers in Nigeria.

    Lanre Dasilva-Ajayi  of LDA

    AS she is well known, Lanre is one of the Nigeria’s foremost fashion designers that have being rocking the fashion scene for some years now with glamorous regal outfits.

    Talented Lanre woke us from our slumber a few years ago to the world of classic, vintage and Victorian inspired outfits.

    She started the vintage style re-awakening. And a fashion expert says  her collections are distinguished by a diverse fusion of art and history.

    With many nostalgic elements reminiscent of the 50s and 60s, yet simultaneously modern and appealing to the contemporary woman.

    Ejiro Amos Tafiri

    EJIRO AMOS TAFIRI is one of the fastest growing brands in the Nigerian fashion industry, having stormed the fashion world after emerging the best student from the Arts and Garment Technology Department of Yaba College of Technology in 2009.

    She had the honour of designing for top fashion labels before setting up her own.

    That she draws inspiration from a myriad of sources is evident in her skilful blending of styles, textures and fabrics from around the globe.

    Her designs rocked on and off the fashion runway in 2014 both locally and internationally.

  • Native & Vogue: Top models, designers showcase at Port Harcourt Fashion Week

    Native & Vogue: Top models, designers showcase at Port Harcourt Fashion Week

    •Kate Henshaw, Uti Nwachukwu, Chidinma, 2face, others add splendor

    Pomp and ceremony rent the air in Port Harcourt last week, with world-acclaimed fashion houses and top models rocking the runway at the Presidential Hotel, Port Harcourt, venue of the Port Harcourt International Fashion Week.

    Tagged Native & Vogue, not only did the three-day show feature a medley of choice clothing, it reenacted Port Harcourt and Rivers State’s profile as a creative industry hub, reputed for a blend of local and international showcase.

    Every night, beginning from Friday, September 19 to Sunday September 21, an assortment of adorable wares are further made desirable by the crowd of fashionists, businessmen and women, captains of industry and government officials who watch models showcase them elegantly on the runway.

    Among the leading international and Nigeria-based designers on parade were Malcolm Kluk & Christian Gabriel Du Toit popularly known as KluK CGDT from South Africa, Ade Bakare from the United Kingdom, Agbani Darego, Frank Osodi, Zizi Cardow, Yemi Osunkoya (Kosibah), Yomi Casual and Amos Ejiro Tafiri among others.

    The event was also high on celebrity models, musicians, actors and television personalities.

    While delectable actress Kate Henshaw and Jara famed presenter and actor, Uti Nwachukwu were co anchors on the show, Uti also had a stint on the runway, modeling for Yomi Casual, as did former Mr. Nigeria, Bryan Okwara and model turned actor Alex Ekubo.

    With music artistes such as the Cohbams Asukwo, Chidinma Ekile, Kcee of the defunct Kcee Presh and Tuface Idibia, the event went a notch higher in entertaining guests.

    Other celebrities at the event are Tanzanian model Milen Magese; Nigeria’s Eku Edewor, Denrele Edun, Melvin Oduah, Isio Wanogho, Kosibah and Port Harcourt-based comedian Daniel De Humorous, who rendered rib cracking jokes at the show.

    Sponsored by the Rivers State Government and jointly organized by Neo Mantra, an intellectual property development company in partnership with Vanguard Allure and Bunor Creazioni, a renowned Nigeria indigenous fashion design, consultancy and model management firm headed by Frank Osodi, the event was a Private Public Partnership (PPP) initiative of the state government, which also featured top and upcoming Port Harcourt-based fashion designers showcasing their works.

    As the upcoming designers were also mentored by the professionals in attendance, the 3-day fashion event also staged a competition for the young designers, with Ibitein Thompson coming tops, and winning an all-expenses paid six months scholarship to an international fashion school.

    Native & Vogue Port Harcourt Fashion Week had its maiden edition in September last year, and according to its organisers, the success of the first edition is the reason the show became inevitable, despite the threat of Ebola Virus Desease (EVD). Incidentally, the presence of international models and designers at the show was a proof that Port Harcourt and indeed Nigeria, is EVD-clean.

    In just two years, Port Harcourt joins the Fashion Week tradition, which has New York, Paris, Milan and London leading the global event. Usually, the show happens at special times in the year when good-looking humans dress funny and somehow dictate to the rest of the world what it means to look good and fashionable.

  • Designers abroad can’t sew better than us; their only advantage over us is modern tools-Tailors & fashion designers association chief

    Designers abroad can’t sew better than us; their only advantage over us is modern tools-Tailors & fashion designers association chief

    In this interview with PAUL UKPABIO, Chief Tajudeen Ogundele, the First Vice-President of the Lagos State Tailors and Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria (LASTFADAN) speaks on his mission for the association and the fashion world.

    You are the incumbent first Vice-President of LASTFADAN, why do you seek to be President?

    Leadership is about selfless service. I have served the association in many capacities in the past, starting as a branch chairman, Governor General of Professional Tailors and Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria in Agege Local Government before I moved to the state level. PTFDAN merged with several fashion associations to form LASTFADAN in response to the Lagos State government’s directive. I am now the First Vice-President of LASTFADAN and by God’s grace hope to become the president at the forthcoming election. We are very happy with the success so far. I have worked with other executives of this association day and night to build this enduring union with over 50,000 members in Lagos.

    Being the only recognised fashion association by the government of Lagos State; we strive daily to better the lot of our members. It will be my happiness if the association assumes a national status. My desire is to lead our ever conscious members to make our association great by building on existing gains achieved through our collective efforts. I know together we can lead our association to the promised land that will be the envy of others God’s willing. This I believe will strengthen the hope and our collective aspiration for the future prosperity of the association.

    Your association is fast growing, how do you intend to ensure free flow of communication to members?

    First and foremost, if elected, I would establish an excellent rapport among the leaders of the Amalgamated Tailoring Association and the Trustee Elders with the Local Government executive. No man is an island. You need the knowledge and contribution of everybody in the day to day running of the association. One needs to carry everybody along. There is strong need to bridge the communication gap within the branches chairmen and their leaders, improve cooperation with the local governments and also to support them in their activities that will aid development and progress in LASTFADAN. We also have to generate funds towards our own secretariat and similarly to make a very good welfare package for our past leaders and elders. You cannot ignore the past contributions of leaders and elders. This is what will make those in power to strive towards efforts that will bring economic development to all members because they know their efforts will not be in vain after leaving the office.

    How do you think your association’s effort can add to the economic development of Lagos?

    Under my leadership, there will be conscious efforts to improve on the collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce and Industry, including all other relevant agencies of government. I commend the Lagos State government for its interest in the association. The government has provided us with a Vocational Education and Training Centre. With a population of not less than 50,000 members, the government has accepted us as stakeholders in the Lagos project. We are very grateful. Whatever progress that comes to our members will impact positively on the economy of the state. I believe if branding is introduced into our work, it will attract the young educated ones who can easily combine their level of education with skills acquired to promote the image of our country. I know there are so many agencies of government doing this but with the support of experienced practitioners, I believe our fashion world can change a great deal. There are so many designers abroad; they can’t sew better than us. The only advantage they have is that they have modern tools which improve their finishing. We have members who travel abroad and are exposed. So we know all these. What we require is institutional support and capacity; a continuous empowerment scheme to make our job neater and perfect. This ultimately will uplift the living standard of our members. And the Lagos State government has set the pace.

    With a population of not less than 50,000, your association is a big one. Won’t it be difficult to manage them?

    Our members are well exposed and mature. So they are not people you can push around. To lead them, you must have a clear vision and direction. You also need to enhance unity, transparency, accountability, prudence and sincerity among members. A good leader must promote cordial relationship among all members of the various organs of the association for general interests. To achieve this, he must maintain law and order by following laid down rules and regulations. The key to the success of a president as a true leader is to have a listening hear and always subject himself to corrections at all time. Marthin Luther King said: ‘He that lacks decision lacks true vision’. It is therefore incumbent on the president to take good decisions for the progress and development of the association.

    With the level of education of some of your members, how does it feel when people call you locals?

    It is ridiculous referring to fashion designers as local tailors when we have master’s degree holders in our folds appearing in runways all over the country. I can remember when the then Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, under the Unity Party of Nigeria, introduced free education in primary and secondary schools in the Second Republic. Our members then did not have enough apprentices as parents were sending their children to schools. I took it upon myself to educate several of our members on the importance of that education policy. I told them it would enhance the industry as people would learn faster and be more creative after graduation. We all can see the importance of education in the industry today. I advise our members to seek more education and training to ensure they can compete with their counterparts anywhere in the world. This is why we have always told those referring to our members as ‘local’ to leave their uninformed zone. Things have changed a great deal today. Many of our members are highly educated; this has translated to high quality designs. Our members design for high flyers in the society today.