A few weeks ago, we looked at some of the best fashion designers who have put Nigeria on the map. Here are more of such individuals:
Duro Olowu
Based in London, Duro Olowu’s brand thrives on his unique and colourful African prints which are greatly influenced by the seventies style and have won him numerous awards in the course of his career. He was enamoured with the world of fashion from a young age and carried this interest with him into adulthood. Today, Duro has earned global recognition and has top clients to his name such as Michelle Obama, Solange Knowles, Uma Thurman, and Linda Evangelista, among others.
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In 2005, he made history when he became the first designer to be named the New Designer of the Year at London Fashion Week without staging a catwalk show. He was also named the Best International Designer and was one of the six nominees for the Swiss Textile Federation’s top prize of 100,000 Euros at the African Fashion Awards in 2000.
Soares Anthony
Soares Anthony is a young talented fashion designer who is known for creating beautiful designs that are inspired by Nigerian local fabrics alongside Japanese tailoring designs. He is the founder of Soares Anthony, a clothing line for men that produces sophisticated designs that make men look confident and suave.
Anthony is a fast-rising fashion designer to watch out for. He has garnered both a local and international audience over the years and his pieces are sold around the world.
Ohimai Atafo
Ohimai Atafo popularly known as Mai Atafo is currently one of the most sought-after and relevant fashion designers in Nigeria. He had his big break when he styled top celebrities and performers at the dance reality show “Celebrity Takes Two”.
He went on to start a bespoke clothing brand, ATAFO (formerly known as Mai Atafo) that gained critical acclaim due to its phenomenal work with celebrities such as Omowunmi Akinnifesi, Banky W, IK Osakioduwa and more.
Mai is known for his perfectly fitting wedding dresses and bespoke suits which have gained a lot of attention around the world. He was notably the designer for The Wedding Party which has been the highest-grossing to date.
Lola Faturoti
Lola Faturoti is a Nigerian-born, New York-based fashion designer who came into the limelight after she designed a dress to celebrate Barack Obama’s election win as president. She takes after her grandmother who was also a fashion designer.
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In her words:
“I got interested in fashion because my grandmother was a designer. She designed Nigerian traditional clothes. That was my first introduction to fashion, which I hated because I wanted to be out playing instead of picking out seams!”
– Faturoti
Faturoti draws inspiration from her African roots and she does not shy away from infusing elements of the African culture into her unique designs.
Amaka Oskawe
Amaka Osakwe is the founder of Maki Oh, a reputable brand that has been featured on various fashion magazines and has earned her an international clientele including the likes of Beyonce, Lupita Nyong’o, Alek Wek, Kerry Washington, Solange, and Michelle Obama. Her brand Maki Oh is a story-driven one that depicts bold and confident women.
She attended the Arts University College in Bournemouth, England, where she obtained a BA in fashion studies. This decision helped shape her career and led to the broadening of her knowledge in fashion. As a result, she is a firm believer that every Nigerian interested in fashion should attend fashion school.
In 2012, she showcased her artistically crafted traditional motifs made mostly from Adire at the Lagos Fashion Week.
Featured Image Source: Olorisupergal
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