One of the inventions of man that can never go into extinction is fashion. It has practically become who and what we are. New fashion styles that beat human imagination keep emerging every day. Nigeria in particular is a global fashion powerhouse, not only in the African continent, but the world at large. Lots of Nigerian styles are being incorporated into the western culture due to its uniqueness.
In fact, the Nigerian culture and diversity has been showcased to the global audience so much so that it has been incorporated into their culture All these is due to the works and contributions of Nigerian fashion designers.
Although there are many fashion designers in Nigeria, few have managed to build brands and eventually get the Nigerian culture recognized abroad through their skills. All thanks to them, the face of the Nigerian fashion industry has changed.
Top 10 Fashion Designers In Nigeria
As said earlier, the Nigerian fashion has been promoted to the international community. Here are some of the top ten fashion designers who are responsible for this feat.
1. Zizi Cardow
Zizi Cardow is an award-winning Nigerian fashion designer recognized globally. Her full name is Ngozi Cardow and she became popular in 2001 after receiving a fashion award. She is said to be the forerunner of contemporary African fashion. She also has a fashion label named Zizi, which was founded in 2000. Her fashion brand has been responsible for bringing African fabrics to a global view. Her designs have been showcased on runways in countries like; South Africa, Italy, France, United Kingdom and the United States. For over two decades, she has remained one of the most powerful fashion designers in Nigeria.
2. Lisa Folawiyo
Lisa Folawiyo is another big name in the Nigerian fashion world. Although she studied law in school, Lisa Folawiyo is a renowned fashion designer. One of the remarkable things about her is that she never learned fashion design. She also started her label, Jewel by Lisa in 2005 with 20,000 naira which she used to purchase 12 yards of fabric which she made with her mother. She has a unique style of design which combines African prints with modern tailoring techniques. Lisa Folawiyo currently has showrooms in Nigeria and New York.
3. Frank Oshodi
Frank Oshodi is another Nigerian fashion designer with unique fashion styles. His designs incorporate the Nigerian diverse culture with innovative modern designs. He started his career as a fashion designer for top fashion brands like; Dakova and Nikki Africana, before setting up his own fashion design brand, House of Bunor. He became popular in 2001 after he was hired to design for Agbani Darego who later became the then Miss World.
4. Duro Olowu
Duro Olowu is a British Nigerian fashion designer. He was born in Lagos to a Jamaican mother and Nigerian father. He grew up in Lagos but later moved to the United Kingdom where he launched his women’s wear label. He started the label with spring/summer collection before an empire-waist multi print silk dress from the collection was discovered and became an international hit. Due to his innovative and unique designs, he became a designer for the former first lady of America, Michelle Obama.
5. Yomi Makun
Also known as Yomi Casual, Yomi Makun is a prominent Nigerian fashion designer and the younger brother of famous comedian, AY. His designs are known to be beautiful and charming. His creativity is not only recognized in Nigeria, but fashion circles around the world. Yomi Casual is the brain behind the unique styles worn by his brother, AY to his shows. Among his other clients are; Desmond Elliot, Alex Ekubo, Zack Orji, Jay Jay Okocha, Alibaba, among other notable Nigerian celebrities.
6. Soares Anthony
Soares Anthony is a young and talented Nigerian fashion designer. His clothing line, Soares Anthony men’s clothing line is a big brand recognized both locally and internationally. He combines Nigerian textiles with Japanese tailoring styles, thereby providing refined, unique and elegant styles. His designs are sold in fashion houses in the United States, United Kingdom and France. He also helps new and aspiring fashion designers succeed through his mentoring program.
7. Folake Folarin-Coker
Folake Folarin-Coker is one of Nigerians foremost and finest fashion designers/tailor. She was born in Lagos, but studied in the United Kingdom and Europe. This exposed her to a variety of cultures which has helped her out in her innovations. Like every other renowned fashion designer, Folake Folarin-Coker has her own clothing label, Tiffany Amber. Her clothing label is known for featuring unusual and beautiful designs. She has also made a name by being the only African fashion designer to have been invited to the Mercedes Fashion Week in London.
8. Ade Bakare
Ade Bakare is a Nigerian fashion designer based in London. The Nigerian subsidiary of his brand, Ade Bakare Couture specializes in the production of elegant bridal gowns. He also produces, evening gowns, headwear, jerseys and fragrances. His designs have been showcased in various places like Paris, New York, Morocco, Capetown, Vienna, to mention but a few. Among his clients are First ladies, senators, ministers and foreign celebrities.
9. Deola Sagoe
Deola Sagoe is another award winning and top Nigerian fashion designer. Her fashion line, Odua creates clothes for both men and women. She started designing in 1989 and has gained international recognition for her colourful and unique designs. She often showcases her designs at the Cape Town fashion week. She has also previously featured in the New York Fashion Week. Among her star clients are Will Smith and Oprah Winfrey.
10. Ohimai Atafo
Ohimai Atafo is a top Nigerian fashion designer known for his fashion brand Mai Atafo. His unique designs are renowned in Nigeria and Africa. He trained as a tailor at Savile Row Academy, Leeds. He started his career as a worker in different business positions and worked in various organizations before deciding to set up his clothing label. He also owns “weddings by Mai”, a clothing line specifically for weddings. He is a designer for celebrities like Omowunmi Akinnifesi, former most beautiful girl in Nigeria, Mercy Johnson, Banky W, I.K. Osakioduwa, Stephanie Okereke, among many others.