Fashion has always been deeply integrated into Nigerian culture and has evolved. Even though style is now influenced by western culture, Nigerians are determined to keep our rich and colourful tradition in their designs. Nigerian fashion designers are now getting the international recognition they deserve and are showing the world the richness of Nigerian culture.
The fashion industry is one of the most profitable businesses to dive into, as people want to look stylish and still represent their country. Eelive presents five fashion designers that are talented and are getting recognition for their work.
1. Ugochukwu Monye
Top designer and owner of male fashion brand ‘Ugo Monye,’ Ugochukwu remains a force to reckon with in the Nigerian fashion industry. With over ten years of experience in this field, his designs are highly sought after in the international and local market.
His designs are known for their colorful and uniqueness that are both modernized and richly infiltrated by the African culture.
Ugo’s early interest in arts set a solid foundation for his interest in fashion. Although his parents wanted him to study Fine and Applied Arts, which he ended up dropping for business administration, Ugo used his artistic skills to draw up his designs.
His collection ‘REALE’ gained popularity when popular TV host and Celebrity Ebuka Uchendu graced Adesua and Banky W’s wedding with an agbada from this collection. Many people fell in love with it, and his designs filled blogs and magazine pages.
2. Folake Folarin-Coker
If the name Folake Coker sounds familiar, you must know of her award-winning fashion brand, ‘Tifanny Amber.’
Founded in 1998, Tifanny Amber branched out to different states in Nigeria and has continued to flourish both internationally and locally.
Folake Coker has put Nigeria at the frontline of the fashion industry due to her dedication and talent. Ms. Coker became the first African-based fashion designer to stage a show twice at the New York Fashion Week. She has won numerous awards and has been featured in many magazines.
Her designs are popular for their flowy and classy looks that can serve both casually and formally.
3. Yomi Casual
You cannot be a fashionista and not have heard of Yomi Casual. A prodigy when it comes to Nigerian fashion for men, Yomi has stayed at the top of his game with his exciting and resilient styles.
He is one of the forces to reckon with in the Nigerian fashion industry and has designed outfits for top celebrities. You may also know him as the younger brother to award-winning actor and comedian Ayo Makun (AY).
It must have sounded strange to many people when Yomi decided to study fashion designing at Auchi Polytechnic, but it is paying off now. His ready-to-wear designs specially blend modern style with African clothing.
Yomi has won awards for his flawless work and has remained a favorite in the fashion world.
4. Kenneth Ize
This list will not be complete without the presence of fresh and new talent. The Arise Fashion Week has been a fantastic platform for discovering budding fashion designers that can take on the world with their exquisite styles and designs.
This new kid on the block has proven himself to be a potential top fashion designer in the 30 under 30 competition. The fashion show was highly competitive as Ize had to compete with KikoRomeo, Bloke, Mazelle Studio; and 26 other known fashion brands.
Ever since its launch, the Arise show has attracted a global audience; giving the competitors their shot at the spotlight. The 2020 edition attracted a lot of attention; especially when celebrity model and fashion guru Naomi Campbell graced the event with her presence.
After a fierce competition of style and talents, Kenneth Eze emerged as the winner of the 30 Under 30 competition.
What set Kenneth apart was his unique design of hand-woven West African clothes and tailored suits.
With the $100,000 cash prize and countless opportunities opened to him, Mr. Eze will indeed be taking the world by storm with his rich and elegant designs.
5. Lanre Da Silva
Nigeria will always be the forerunner of the fashion and beauty industry in Africa. Determined to keep our culture and tradition alive, many fashion designers blend modern and traditional fashion into one beautiful design.
An excellent example of a person who effortlessly makes this blend is Lanre Da Silva.
She has received acclaim and recognition for redesigning and modernizing traditional motifs and making them a significant part of her style.
Having worked with celebrities such as Da Silva has become such a force to reckon with in the fashion world. Her designs have graced Vogue magazine and Arise magazine, two top globally acclaimed fashion magazines. This creative woman combines various patterns, prints, and traditional materials to produce casual and formal wear.
Written by Eniola Olaniyi
