Five Leading Nigerian Female Fashion Entrepreneurs.

Written by Treasure Okure.

Fashion is very intrinsic to who we are as Nigerians. Our desire to look good is expressed in every facet of our lives, however dynamic they may be. From our childhood, we understand the concept of dressing as a way to express ourselves, project an image, or belong to a community. On Sundays we dress well for church, on weekdays we make ourselves presentable for work and school, and during holidays or events, we wear Asoebi to celebrate with our families and friends.

The Nigerian Fashion industry has grown to accommodate our needs as a people. From corporate wear to elaborate couture, there is something for everyone. Women stand at the epicenter of some of these brands, and their work is revolutionizing the Fashion industry on a national and international scale, whether as owners, designers, or operators.

This article highlights Five Nigerian Female Fashion Entrepreneurs.

Fisayo Longe | Kai Collective

Fisayo Longe is a fashion blogger, entrepreneur and the owner of Kai Collective, a London-based brand that sells luxury at an attainable price. She is the creator of the coveted Gaia print, which made waves during 2020/2021 after massive online attention following an Instagram post she made.

This print has been patented in the US and the UK, and is a signature for her brand. Fisayo was mentioned on Beyonce’s directory of Black Owned Everything, and has made the Forbes 30 under 30 list. Her success as a Nigerian woman living in the diaspora is an inspiration to many.

Andrea Dumebi Iyamah | Andrea Iyamah

Dumebi Andrea Iyamah is a Nigerian-Canadian fashion designer. She is the founder of Andrea Iyamah, a brand that sells swimwear, dresses, bridal wear and accessories. Her designs are very unique for their interesting cuts, tropical-African aesthetic, and their earthy, luxurious hues.

Andrea Iyamah has gained repeated recognition for her work in fashion and has been featured in Vogue, Forbes, InStyle, HuffPost and more, and her designs have been worn by many leading ladies including Michelle Obama, the former First Lady of the United States, Gabrielle Union, Ciara, Issa Rae and many more.

Deola Ade Ojo | Deola Sagoe

Deola Ade-Ojo is a veteran Nigerian Fashion designer who is famous for her work in fashion. She is the central figure of the Deola Sagoe brand. She is known for her haute couture, bridal pieces that make her a coveted part of Nigerian weddings. Deola engineered outfits crafted with combinations of laser-cut lace and her perfected komole fabric, an innovative weave of aso-oke “shot-through” silk. She’s a beloved part of our fashion heritage.

Lisa Folawiyo | Lisa Folawiyo

Lisa Folawiyo is a Nigerian fashion designer who is celebrated for her colourful and bold pieces that incorporate a mixture of African textiles and embellishments with Western styles. Formerly trained as a lawyer, she is a product of hard work and tenacity, and in an interview shares that she started her fashion business with 2o,000 naira and bought cloth she used to sew for her mother. She has worked with several illustrious brands like Vogue Italia, L’Oreal,and has been featured in publications such as international editions of Vogue, The New York Times, Harper’s Bazaar and Elle.

Kanyinsola Onalaja | Onalaja.

Kanyisola Onalaja is the founder and creative director of Onalaja. Growing up in Nigeria, she was inspired by traditional art and all the different ways in which it could be expressed through fabric, and her work tells these stories. However, fashion was only a hobby until studying in England made her see it as a business. She also studied 3D printing in Rome.

In her interview with Folklore, she revealed so much about her work. For her, since Africa is a major source of inspiration, it makes sense to come back here. Onalaja’s work is also inspired by other cultures, influences from her Italian and British schooling show in her art. Her pieces also display influences from the Disco era, and and heavy, metallic embellishments. Most recently, Asa wore a custom sequined outfit from Onalaja for the cover of her V album.

Treasure Okure is a writer, model and creative based in Lagos, Nigeria. She loves art, life, learning and self-development. In her free time, she likes to read books, hangout with her friends and listen to music. She is very passionate about Amala. Connect with Treasure on Instagram.

Edited by Aminat Lawal

Aminat is a law graduate, feminist, writer and editor passionate about telling and reading stories about women. When she is not volunteering for a women’s rights cause, she works as a programs officer at a diversity, equity and inclusion consulting firm.

Published by Akinsipe Temitope

Temitope is a young storyteller who thinks all stories are worth telling. She loves to inspire people to do what they love and follow their passions, tell their stories, and live in the present moment. Connect with Temitope on Instagram, and Twitter.