8 Nigerian Fashion Designers We Admire

You can never mention the best fashion designers in the world without a Nigerian on the list. These Nigerian designers make dresses that are theatrical, imaginative, and glamorous, and they’re still performing wonders. Their work is phenomenal, and we admire them for that. Here are the 8 Nigerian designers we admire:

Folake Coker of Tiffany Amber

The House of Deola Sagoe was established in 1989 and is currently headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. Her prime objective is to advance glamour in the world. It explores an authentic African flavor, redefining cultural splendor, and artistry, employs a palette of sun, earth, and in-between, and fuses the elements together with the finest international standards. With over two decades of industry-defining maturity, from Prêt a Porter to Bespoke, the House of Deola Sagoe commits to a simplicity that underlies its very essence – evolving into an International and unassailably African powerhouse.

The House of Deola Sagoe consistently launches inspiring collections, season after season, only identified by their signature complex patterns, textures, and layers; finished with a high level of painstaking detail. The company brings a fresh and innovative approach to clothing and accessory design. It continues to surpass the expectations of its customers and clients by spearheading future trends, providing cutting-edge designs, and offering outstanding after-sales service.

Deola Sagoe has worked with Supermodels, not less the caliber of Liya Kebede, Alek Wek, Oluchi, and more. She was unassuming, yet the deserving winner of the MNET/Anglo Gold African Designs 2000 award, following her nomination by the world-famous fashion guru, and Vogue Editor-at-large, Andre Leon Talley.

Her lines have been modeled in major International Beauty Pageants, including Miss Universe, and she has fans in the likes of Will Smith, Samuel Jackson, and talk show maven Oprah Winfrey. Deola’s other awards and recognitions include participation in Cape Town Fashion Week, in 2003, the Alta Roma Moda Show in Rome in 2004, award winner of the Platinum Quality Award at the 10th International Star Awards in Paris, in 2006, and her appointment as the UN Designer, for the launch of the UN World For Food Program’s global campaign, Catwalk the World – Fashion for Food.

By the end of 2010, the Premiere Designer and Clothier on everybody’s lips, should the dialogue concern a Premiere African Fashion Designer, must be Deola Sagoe.

 

Lisa Folawiyo

Lisa Folawiyo, in 2005 launched Jewel by Lisa, one of the first lines to popularize the art of embellishing Ankara fabric using Swarovski crystals, sequins and beads. It wasn’t long before Lisa became one of the most popular Nigerian fashion designers and Jewel by Lisa was featured worldwide in magazines, blogs, and celebrities. Now Lisa and her team have struck gold yet again with J-Label, a chic and affordable line of staple pieces for every woman.

 

Bridget Awosika

Since 2005, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi’s brand (also known as Lanre Da Silva Ajayi) has become well-known at an international level. The creativity of LDA combines patterns, optical effect prints and luxurious fabrics. It’s a tribute to the Nigerian tradition, creating sophisticated womenswear that’s inspired by a woman who prefers the dictates of couture and touches of vitamin colors.

 

Ituen Bassey

Her love for the arts and fashion took her to London to further her studies at the American College in London and the London College of Fashion where she majored in Tailoring and Clothing Technology. She went on to excel in sample-making for established designers.

Her unique use of Ankara produces exceptional but wearable art pieces, which are contemporary expressions of enduring sophistication. This has made her pieces a roaring success in Nigeria. Her fresh design interpretation and fabric treatment have since begun a new era of unique Ankara designs. Her ‘Ankara and Beads’ collection earned her “The Most Innovative Designer” award in 2009 whilst her ‘Independence’ collection earned her “Emerging Designer of the Year, Africa” in 2010 at the Africa Fashion Week, Johannesburg. In 2011, at the first-ever Arise Magazine Fashion Week, her ‘Love Series’ collection earned her the “Most Creative Designer”.

 

Okunoren Twins

Okunoren Twins was founded with inspiration from the art of British tailoring and is largely known for its signature style of traditional bespoke tailoring for men. The Twins made references to Savile Row suits owned by their father whilst establishing their label and those details and perfect tailoring are still apparent in their designs and creations.