Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Biggest Fashion Brands In Nigeria And The People Behind Their Success

Deola Sagoe 
Fashion Brand~ Deola Sagoe


She is one the pioneers of contemporary Nigerian fashion, she made a name for herself by designing her mum’s label Odua for ten years. And launched her eponymous brand in 2008, which is now a household name in Nigeria. She was one of the first designers to make Nigerian fashion modern, she started off with couture and has since branched into menswear, jeans and polo. She is known for her glamorous couture pieces, the name Deola Sagoe is synonymous to fashion in Nigeria.






Folake Cooker
Fashion Brand ~ Tiffany Amber


Tiffany Amber was founded by Folake Coker who is still the head designer of the brand. Tiffany Amber redefined the modern Nigerian woman through its feminine pieces. Folake Coker and Deola Sagoe belong to the same era in Nigeria’s fashion history and have both enjoyed international success. Tiffany Amber is the ultimate luxury chic, using the finest fabric to create glam pieces for the creme de la creme. The first Tiffany Amber collection was shown in 1998 and the brand is still a contender in Nigerian fashion.





Ade Bakare
Fashion Brand ~ Ade Bakare



Worthy fashion frontier, Ade Bakare has always been one to look to for the perfect classiclook . Classic with a modern twist is one of the best ways to describe every one of his pieces. The London based designer who is passionate about fashion has also been a part of promoting laudable fashion labels in Nigeria by establishing projects such as the Young Designers Creative Competition. Ade Bakare has been in the business since 1991.






Harvey Aggrey-Orleans
Fashion Brand ~ Eki Orleans

Every designer has their strong points, special talents which always serve as some form of trade mark and visual as well as mental symbol of a brand. For Eki Orleans, it is in the way creative director Harvey Aggrey Orleans implements her knowledge of colours, textile and fashion design. Her designs have graced the pages of top global magazines, newspapers, journals and media houses such as The Guardian, CNN Harper’s Bazaar, The Financial Times, Drapers and Arise Magazine. Harvey gets are inspiration from her surroundings, everything is some form of inspiration even butterflies. The Eki Orleans designs are gotten from memories of Harvey’s growing up years in Nigerian, a part from her German ancestry and also her African origin .The Eki Orleans brand has been presented on several runways around the world in places like London, Paris, Cannes and Johannesburg.




Lisa Folawiyo
Fashion Brand ~ Jewel by Lisa



Jewel by Lisa is at the helm of the Ankara( African prints) craze. Creative director Lisa Folawiyo re- invented the Ankara fabric and made it modern , African print has never been the same since then. JBL is one of the most popular Nigerian designer at the moment, you cannot mention Nigerian/ African fashion without throwing JBL in the mix. The brand’s signature aesthetics is the craftsmanship involved in manipulating prints into luxurious pieces.





Fioye Akinsola, Oyeyemi Wemi-Akinsola and Nike Ajanaku.
Fashion Brand ~Virgos Lounge

Founded in 2008, this vintage inspired brand is one to always make a wearer stand out. Targeted at spoiling fashion lovers and trendy folks with exceptional pieces, their love for embellishments always give distinct characteristics to everyone of their outfits which cannot be mistaken for any other. One thing I have observed about Virgos Lounge pieces is that they are never boring.





Isoken Ogiemwonyi
Fashion Brand~ Obsidan



The Obsidian label was launched in 2009 by Isoken Ogiemwonyi who is also the co-founder of multi brand store, L’Espace and Le Petit Marche, Nigeria. The Obsidian brand appeals to every woman who likes to express herself in a variety of ways without restrictions. The label is definitely one to watch out for when shopping for the perfect outfit.






Frank Oshodin
Fashion Brand ~ Frank Oshodin



This is one of the top Nigerian fashion brands, he is also an industry veteran. Having being in the fashion industrysince 1989, starting out first as a model, then as model manger to being a make-up artist, his ability to mesh vintage with modern plus retro is like no other. Specialised in bridal and bridesmaids garments, Frank Oshodi is one of those few whose work speaks for them. A benchmark designer for upcoming fashion labels, he is a favourite among the elegant creme de la creme. One of his popular pieces is the deep v neck green dress Agbani Darego wore when she was crowned Miss World in 2001.





Duro Olowu
Fashion Brand ~ Duro Olowu



He is one of the few Nigerian designers who have successfully been able to put Nigerian fashion on the world’s map. making his in the London fashion scene in 2004, Duro Olowu has been able to establish a strong niche for himself in the Nigerian fashion sphere and the world over. His genius works have earned well deserving awards such as the designer of the year British fashion awards. His works have also attracted prominent clients like Michele Obama, Linda Evangelista and Uma Thurman to his label. with well defined cuts and brilliant use of prints and colours, he is able to present irresistible collections that make the fashion mind to marvel.





Ohimai Atafo
Fashion Brand ~ Mai Atafo



Coupled with his good looks, Ohimai is a very talented menswear and bridal designer who has changed the way Nigerian men look in suit. Although he is widely known for his well cut suits and bridal gowns, he also dabbles in women’s wear. The brand Mai Atafo inspired is known for its sartorial classical approach to menswear, from tuxedos to just T-shirts. Mai Atafo designs for the dapper men with trust funds or good jobs.



Tsemaye Binitie
Fashion Brand ~ Tsemaye Binitie

The contemporary brand made its debut in the Arise Magazine Fashion Weekin Lagosin 2012 and since then, we have had nothing but genius crafts from the designer . It is almost impossible to stream line what type of woman the label is best suited for because it appeals to every style and fashion preference; there is a piece for every woman. Plus, it is very rare to see a Nigerian designer brilliantly combine fabrics and textures together making an entire ensemble appear effortlessly done.




Tiwa Sagoe, Teni Sagoe & Aba Sagoe
Fashion Brand ~Clan



Clan is the hobbyhorse of 3 sisters all daughters of notable fashion designer, Deola Sagoe.

A look at works from the brand and it is clear that the label is for the fresh, young and confident fashionistas. Their love for fashion and the whole business of fashion cannot be far fetched as these trio are daughters of notable fashion designer Deola Sagoe. The cheerful and vibrant feel in each creation cannot be mistaken for any other. The brand appeals to my major personal sense of style.




Davida Okpara
Fashion Brand ~Davida


Davida Okpara is a veteran fashion designer designer who loves the LBD and is skilled in tailoring them. Hardly would you come across a collection without those Little Black Dresses. The designer is less into the up-to-date-keeping-up-with-trends type of fashion. She knows and understands the female body so well, it is like every piece is made for every female.





Ejiro Amos Tafari
Fashion Brand ~ Ejiro Amos Tafari 



You cannot successfully compile a list of top influential Nigerian designers without including Ejiro Amos Tafiri. The designer extraordinaire has had her internship at high up fashion houses like Tiffany Amber,Out of Africa and Zizi Ethnic, all of which have given her the right boost and expertise to be able to launch her label and she has not failed at bringing out what can be considered together with the best of clothing.






Emmy Collins 
Fashion Brand ~ Emmy Collins



This is one of the not so many fashion rebels who have been able to deliberately ignore fashion status quo. It the prints, fabric, pattern and colors, all mixed together in very unusual designs to produce remarkable works. The London based designer exudes all forms of cool.

MODEL IN EMMY COLLINS






Fatima Aliyu Garba
Fashion Brand~ House of Farrah



This is a luxury brand that appeared in the Nigerian fashion scene in 2004, although under another label (ABFAB) and since then it has gone through brand restructuring (Zain) until finally settling for House of Farah. The label is owned by Fatima Aliyu Garba. In my opinion, the label does better as an accessories brand more than a clothing brand. Also producers of male clothing, however the accessories are the real deal.







Kiki Kamanu
Fashion Brand~ Kiki Kamanu




Kiki Kamanu isn’t your everyday designer, think Vivienne Westwood. The Kiki Kamanu brand is very individualistic and not as stuck up as most brands. It’s fun, quirky and youthful. It is also one of the few ethical fashion brands we have in Nigeria and stands for fair trade. Kiki Kamanu is the go to brand if your style is hippy chic and you don't really care.



Buki Akib

Fashion Brand ~ Buki Akib

It is rather rare to see a female men’s wear designer produce highly commendable masculine pieces, but Buki Akib sure knows how to do her job well and she knows how to always put on a show with her designs. Her ‘fela collection’ which she showed at the L’oreal Paris show in London is one of my favourite collection yet. Traditional, Modern African, edgy and stylish are a few words I presume would describe Buki’s style as she infuses all these qualities in every one of her designs. She just recently introduced a bag line which goes to show that there are no limits to what this designer can take on.







Lolade Majekodunmi
Fashion Brand ~House Of Dorcas


It is always a feminine affair when it comes to pieces from HOD. The brand is definitely for women of style who know how they want to be perceived by society. Spotted many times on the red carpet, HOD stores are go to places for red carpet events.

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