Best Fashion Designers In Nigeria
The fashion industry is one of the biggest industry in Nigeria. It has enjoyed massive steady growth over the decades. The fashion industry is currently said to be worth $4.7 billion. Making it one of the biggest in Africa. But with this growth come fashion designers who have contributed their skills and craft to the industry. Fashion Designers are mostly behind the positive growth of the Nigerian fashion industry. It therefore only wise we talk about who some of these designers are. In this post, we will be taking a look at the best fashion designers in Nigeria. These designers have carved a niche and name for themselves in the Nigeria fashion industry. Their craft is recognised both in Nigeria, Africa and the world at large. Without any further ado, let take a look at who they are. If your ready, please continue reading!
Fashion Designers In Nigeria
Ade Bakare
Ade Bakare is one of the best fashion designers in Nigeria. Ade’s fashion designs have stirred worldwide recognition to his name. Ade has been in the fashion industry for two decades now and his works over the decades have been widely admired as one of the best in Africa. His work is a perfect example of female sophistication. He founded Ade Bakare Couture and began selling his own collections to various boutiques in England, Scotland, and the Channel Islands. Ade work ranges from exclusive evening gowns to stylish wedding gowns, hats and fragrances. He deals with high-end clients in both Nigeria and London, and his work has been showcased around the world in places such as New York, Vienna, Mozambique, Morocco, Paris, and Cape Town. Bakare has received a lot of awards and recognition in his successful career, making him appear on our list as one of the best fashion designers in Nigeria.
Mai Atafo
Mai Atafo is a widely known Nigerian fashion designer. Atafo gained wide recognition after he launched his brand, Mai Atafo, which has been successful both on the local scene, as well as the global fashion scene. His aim throughout his career has been to uniquely showcase the personality of a confident and elegant Nigerian gentleman. Atafo’s clothing label has gained popularity while attracting top clientele, and He has dressed personalities such as Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria in 2005, Omowunmi Akinnifesi, and I.K. Osakioduwa. Atafo believes fashion is an all-round aspect. “Fashion goes beyond clothes. It is also hair and all those elements put together,” notes Atafo. Today Atafo has had a successful fashion designing career making him get recognized as one of the best fashion designers in Nigeria.
Zizi Cardow
Zizi Cardow has been recognized over the years to be one of the biggest fashion designers from Nigeria who has greatly contributed to how the world sees Africa fashion. Cardow 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. 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 countries. Zizi global revolution for the African fabric to be appreciated
internationally has earned numerous awards, with the list being long and continuing to grow. Zizi has over the years given back to society through different programs which she has initiated. Zizi successful career earned her the right to be called one of the best fashion designers in Nigeria.
Frank Oshodi
Frank Oshodi has been recognized to be a leading powerhouse of diverse Africa fashion designs and one of the biggest fashion designer in Nigeria. With vast 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. Oshodi broke into limelight 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. Easy beauty and elegance is the foundation of Oshodi’s career and is reflected in the years he has been in the industry. 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. Hence he has been featured on our list of best fashion designers in Nigeria.
Lola Faturoti
Lola Faturoti is easily one of the best fashion designers who was born in Nigeria but is now based in the US, New York, where he is widely known for his African designs. Lola has once revealed that her inspiration is mainly drawn from her roots, and she subsequently 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 also revealed that her mother played a major role in defining her personal style. Lola also revealed that while in New York, she was employed in the Charivari Boutique were president of the company, Barbara Weiser, noticed her potential and passion for unique fashion and helped her launch her first fashion collection. 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. Today Lola is celebrated as one of the best fashion designers in Nigeria.
Soares Anthony
Soares Anthony is one of the youngest and talented fashion designers in Nigeria who has become an authority in men clothing line niche. Anthony 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. 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. Anthony works 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. Tho still young, but over the years, Anthony has shown that age is not a barrier to being successful at what one does.
Lisa Folawiyo @deolasagoeofficial
Firstly Lisa Folawiyo makes our list of best fashion designers in Nigeria because of her fused designs. Lisa is known for her label, Jewel by Lisa, which she launched in 2005, and has since grown to become a global fashion brand with showrooms in New York and Nigeria. Folawiyo uses Ankara, a traditional West African fabric, to create captivating and luxurious custom prints. She has her own fabric line that also produces accessories such as jewellery and purses. Line J Label, her diffusion line, showcases the best of Nigerian culture by incorporating Afropop with tasteful urban designs. Some of her celebrity fans include Beyonce, Kelis,Tasha Smith, and Eve. Aside from Nigeria, her collections have been showcased in the UK, US, and South Africa. She admits her style is simplistic but innovative, and she also loves to play around with colours and mix prints. Her flourishing career has earned her wide recognition and awards therefore the right to called one of the best fashion designers in Nigeria.
Deola Sagoe
Deola Sagoe is a renowned Nigerian fashion designer, entrepreneur and founder of The House of Deola Sagoe. Her unique approach of designing lively and colorful prints has earned her global following including notable personalities such as Oprah Winfrey and Will Smith, who have recognized her for her celebration of African prints. She is a woman with many layers and this is reflected in her multilayered designs. Her reputation spans beyond the African continent, earning her fame and respect. Sagoe believes the African fashion industry has come a long way and there’s still plenty of room for growth “Just in Africa, there is a huge market, without even going to Europe… and the US, there is a huge market there,” Sagoe states.
Wrapping Up: Best Fashion designers in Nigeria
Above is a list of few renowned fashion designers in Nigeria who has over the years contributed immensely to the Nigerian fashion industry. Their works have been recognized and awarded both in Africa and the world at large. These individuals have also contributed positively to the image of Nigeria and Africa through their craft. There are quite other notable individuals out there who have also contributed to the fashion industry. Do let us know who you think deserves yo he on the list. Lastly, we hope this article gives you an insight into the best fashion designers we have in Nigeria.
