It’s Women’s month, and we are taking the time to appreciate women for being hardworking and passionate about their interests, talents, and jobs. Nigeria is one of the world’s significant fashion industries, and designer brands have proven that their works can set Nigeria on the international map.
Here are five women who are, no doubt, holding up the fashion industry with their unique works.
1. Deola Sagoe
This is a highly notable name in the fashion industry. Deola Sagoe is a well-known Nigerian fashion designer, entrepreneur, and founder of The House of Deola Sagoe. Her styles mainly consist of colourful and bright prints, and this has made her a favourite of many international celebrities, including Winfrey and Will Smith.
Deola Sagoe launched her brand in 1989 and hasn’t looked back ever since. Her recent works are mainly ‘Adire’, hand-dyed clothes usually made by Yoruba women.
She has three daughters who have followed their mother’s footsteps and are owners of the famous CLAN fashion label.
2. Lisa Folawiyo
Lisa Folawiyo is popular for using Ankara to create both clothes and accessories. She also has another fashion line, Line J Label, which incorporates Afropop with urban designs. Some of the international celebrities who have made her a favourite are Beyonce, Kelis, and Tasha Smith.
Lisa launched her brand in 2005 as Jewel by Lisa and has since grown to become a global fashion brand with showrooms in and out of the country.
3. Folake Folarin-Coker
Ever heard the name, Tiffany Amber? Yes, that is Folake Folarin-Coker’s fashion brand. She launched her brand in 1998 in Lagos, but her schooling in Europe gave her the chance to learn more about other cultures.
Her unique creations earned the spot as the first African fashion designer to showcase her talent at the New York Mercedes Fashion Week two years in a row.
She has also been on CNN, received awards, and made it onto the Forbes Power Women in Africa list.
4. Lola Faturoti
Born in Nigeria, Lola Faturoti is a New York-based fashion designer who has gone beyond local shores.
She began showing interest as a child when she helped her grandmother, who was also a fashion designer.
She rose to fame 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.”
Living and working in New York has played a significant part in her international recognition.
5. Zizi Cardow
Zizi Cardow has been instrumental in successfully showcasing Ankara on a global level. She launched her label, Zizi, and her profile has grown so big, giving the Nigerian fabric and culture international recognition.
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 worldwide.
Zizi Cardow is one woman with amazing recognition. Her client base is vast, consisting of famous political figures and celebrities who have shown love for her outfits. She has also been featured by top international media houses such as CNN, SABC, Channel O, and FTV.
Written by Eniola Olaniyi