No one ought to tell you that talented designers to make fashion happen every day. In 2018, every inch of the Nigerian fashion industry revolved around the designers who knew how to design attention-grabbing pieces, market and create conversations with their creations.
The women who are owning the Nigerian fashion industry right now aren’t doing it silently. On the contrary, they have promoted their crafts by dressing the celebrities and socialites of the moment and promoting their art through the pools of social media.
Each designer in this selection has proven that they have what it takes to raise the bar even higher in 2019. Although they have different design visions, what’s evidently common among these women is their passion for helping other women, and in some cases, men too, elevate their personal brands through fashion.
Here’s a look at the 6 Nigerian fashion designers who owned 2018…
Toyin Lawani – Tiannah’s Empire Place
Dressing over 14 clients for the AMVCA Awards was no child’s play but Toyin Lawani of Elegante by Tiannah is an extraordinary fashion mogul who has mastered the art of breaking the internet. Her designs have been anything from over the top to demure and classic. This year, Toyin certainly proved that she’s still a boss at coming up with creative designs.
Lanre DaSilva Ajayi – LDA
When a big name celebrity like Rita Dominic stays loyal to a brand then you know from a commercial standpoint, that the brand has a great client relationship. Lanre DaSilva Ajayi has been in the industry for over 10 years and has established itself as a reliable fashion house. However, what is most intriguing is that the owner, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi, has been able to connect with her clients on levels that have even attracted new school fashion lovers like Lilian Afegbai.
OG Okonkwo – Style Temple
Style Temple is the brand that has become synonymous with glam and even though it is based in Abuja, its clientele live around the globe. This is because creative director, Og Okonkwo has been able to harness the power of social media in a way that has helped promote her outstanding work. It doesn’t hurt that she is such an amazing designer who totally gets the female form.
Lisa Folawiyo – Lisa Folawiyo Studio
It has always been important for this OG brand to create a synergy between their creation and clients and without fail they were able to make magic yet again this year. Most of the Lisa Folawiyo Studio designs that come to life are primarily made from custom fabrics designed by the creative team. This exclusivity is another reason why the brand keeps winning and brand owner and creative director, Lisa Folawiyo is always on hand to deliver the most creative, eccentric and edgy style inspo on Instagram.
Sandra Tubobereni – Tubo
When you think Tubo, think creativity at its peak! Sandra Tubobereni‘s penchant for recreating and redesigning traditional attires, especially for brides, has earned the brand a favourite spot on social media’s fashion club. Asides from redefining traditional designs, Tubo also comes up with the most glamorous custom-made pieces that leave clients ecstatic. It also helps that Sandra herself is a bad-ass when it comes to style.
Derin Fabikun – Fablane By Derin
When you have famous and stylish best friends then you know your platform is in great hands. Derin Fabikun’s popularity as a designer can be attributed to her hard work, great and relatable design as well as stylish celebrity friends like Ini Dima-Okojie and Mimi Onalaja. Derin herself is such a style star and it’s no wonder millennials can’t get enough of the brand.
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