10 Nigerian World-Class Designers

 

Some famous Nigerian fashion designers have proven their worth in the fashion industry through their world-class designs, and they are making serious waves in the international market. KEHINDE AJOBIEWE writes on some of these designers.

Folake Folarin-Coker

She is the founder of the world famous brand, ‘Tiffany Amber’, which was founded 13 years ago. Since the launch of this power fashion house, it has been one leading step to another in creating timeless and exquisite pieces for the everyday woman. Apart from being a famous brand abroad, Tiffany Amber has also enjoyed international success due to her use of the finest fabric to create glam pieces.

Lisa Folawiyo

The Creative Director of ‘Jewel By Lisa’ is one of Nigeria’s hottest designers that have caught the attention of the international world. She is known for her use of African prints and the highest gradeAnkara fabrics to produce the perfect mixtures ofAnkara sequins, beads, taffeta and others. Among her celebrity fans are Beyonce, Thandie Newton, Tasha Smith, Kelis, Eve and many others.

Deola Sagoe

She is a fashion visionary with a unique approach to her craft that has endeared her to fans and followers all over the world. Deola Sagoe became well-known by designing her mum’s label, which was called “Odua” for 10 years. Her brand, ‘House of Deola Sagoe’, which designs fabulous dresses for women, also creates menswear, jeans and polo for men.

Lanre Da-Silva Ajayi

Lanre is a household name in the fashion industry, and since the existence of this fashion house, she has never failed her consumers. Her collections have been seen on many Nigerian celebrities’ homes and abroad. Her iconic signature designs are modern and fabulous.

Frank Oshodi

Frank became a household name when he was selected by Silverbird to be the make-up artist and designer that finally led Agbani Darego to her reign as Miss World 2001, even though he has been in the fashion industry as far back as 1989. With his make-up label, ‘House of Bunor and Fashion Designing’, he still remains a force to reckon with in the Nigerian fashion scene.

Ade bakare

This London-based Nigerian designer is one of the best in the fashion industry. He always sprung up new designs that are hard to resist. He has contributed a lot to the Nigerian fashion scene. Apart from his exquisite bridal and other wears, Ade also has his own fragrance called ‘Breeze’.

 Bridget Awosika

Bridget of ‘Namesake Label’ now attends the prestigious Parsons School of Design (New York) to get a degree in Fashion Design. Her collections are full of fitting gowns and dresses with simple, elegant designs.

 Soares Anthony

Soares is a young Lagosian that creates pieces that can make an ordinary Nigerian man look like a multi-million dollar businessman. His very suave men clothing line ‘Soares Anthony’ is dedicated to creating a picture of sophistication and opulence. He is inspired by Nigerian fabrics with the tailoring of Japanese excellence.

His pieces have been won by very affluent politicians and have been distributed in London, France and the USA. Apart from owning a fashion magazine called SG2 that celebrates Nigerian fashion, Soares has been giving back to the Nigerian fashion industry by running a programme that helps teach young Nigerian designers what they need to make their work of competent international standards.

 Yemi Osunkoya

Yemi of ‘Kosibah’ is not your regular designer, as he only focuses on bridal and evening dresses. Kosibah was founded in 1991, and he is also known for creativity in designing elegant classical dresses. Kosibah is still the ultimate, when it comes to bridal wears.

 Duro Olowu

Duro is one of the major players in the fashion industry in the world right now, with his collections being seen on celebrities and socialites like United States’ First Lady Michelle Obama and so many more. His signature style is reflected in colourful accessories, jewelry and so much more, and his label’s vibrant signature prints splash across fluid contemporary designs.