Faces Behind Nigeria’s Thriving Fashion Scene: A Closer Look at the Industry’s Top Players
The Nigerian fashion industry has grown over the years, with its footprint expanding in the global landscape despite major challenges facing operators in the country.Some of the challenges hampering the growth of many fashion designers and entrepreneurs include poor distribution channels, power outages and lack of modern manufacturing techniques. These challenges have made the industry unattractive to many investors, making it difficult for small brands to scale and transit to fashion conglomerates, like those in France, Italy and the United States, among others.
Despite the challenging business environment, Nigeria has produced designers and entrepreneurs that are putting the country on a global map.Today , the country is not only known for its many homegrown textiles and garment pieces; it has also produced top fashion designers who have developed many techniques and businesses along the way through platforms that have amplified and help showcase their creative talents . Below are some of the key personalities that have distinguished themselves in the Nigerian fashion industry.
Nigeria’s revenue in the Fashion Market is projected to reach US$1,194.00m in 2024. This impressive growth is gaining global recognition, thanks to beacon events like Arise fashion week , Lagos Fashion Week, Africa fashion week Nigeria , Lagos Makeup Fair , Menswear fashion week , Fashion Finest , Lagos Leather Fair , Fashion Souk etc Which provide platforms for both local and internationally renowned Nigerian talents to showcase their creativity. Here are the Big 10 below
Arise Fashion Week
Born from the creative crucible of ThisDay Media Group, Arise Fashion Week has evolved from a vibrant music and fashion festival into a cornerstone of Africa’s cultural landscape. Over the years, the event has undergone several transformations, ultimately solidifying its identity as Arise Fashion Week. After a six-year hiatus, the show returned triumphantly to its Lagos roots in 2018.
READ MORE ABOUT THE FOUNDER OF ARISE FASHION WEEK HERE
Today, Arise Fashion Week is more than just a runway showcase. It’s a dynamic platform that encapsulates the continent’s artistic renaissance. As the 20th edition prepares to unfold at its iconic birthplace, the Eko Hotel, it promises to be a spectacular celebration of African fashion, music, and culture.
Lagos Fashion Week (LagosFW)- Omoyemi Akerele
Starting out from being a member of the Arise Fashion Week styling team , Omoyemi Akerele journeyed on her own to establish the Lagos Fashion Week (LFW) is an annual, multi-day fashion extravaganza held in Lagos, Nigeria. This premier event serves as a dynamic platform where Nigeria’s fashion luminaries converge with international designers, showcasing the unparalleled creativity and innovation of both worlds. Alongside her husband and business partner, Akerele is dedicated to celebrating Nigerian fashion entrepreneurs who are redefining style through bold, versatile designs and strong brands. LFW is more than a fashion show; it’s a catalyst for industry growth and a celebration of African fashion on the global stage.
Africa Fashion Week Nigeria – Olori Aderonke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi
Africa Fashion Week Nigeria is a platform that celebrates African fashion and promotes emerging designers from the continent.
The event features runway shows, exhibitions, and seminars, providing a unique opportunity for designers to showcase their talent to a global audience. The event is also held in London and Brazil with each event parading the exceptional talents of Emerging brands .
Lagos Leather Fair – Femi Olayebi
LLF is an initiative in celebration of the potentials being achieved in the African Leather Industry . Spearheaded by bag designer – Femi Olayebi of Femi Handbags . This yearly event attracts other big players in the leather industry in and around Africa . The Lagos Leather Fair is Africa’s third largest leather industry event, following South Africa and Ethiopia. It’s a key platform driving growth and innovation across the continent’s leather sector.
Mens Fashion Week – Satiago Roberts & Ovo Ogofure
The Mens Fashion week Nigeria platform is about the only platform that showcases Menswear brand and Gender fluid pieces . MFWN is a modern marketplace dedicated to cultivating and showcasing the work of both rising and renowned fashion designers and creative business owners. Currently in its 9th year , the Mens fashion week features not only local Nigerian designers but mainly acts as the ending celebration of some of the most creative and talented designers across Africa showing the high-end ready to wear collection and exclusive pieces for the local luxury market, defining a prêt-à-couture appreciated by the African elite.
Fashion Finest Africa- Sola Oyebade
Billed as “The Biggest Fashion Event for New and Emerging Fashion Entrepreneurs,” Fashions Finest Africa is being pedalled by Sola Oyebade aka Mr Mahoghany . He started his fashion week journey from the Africa Fashion Week Nigeria and London . The Fashion Finest Africa platforms aims to spotlight the continent’s top talents in fashion, including designers, photographers, makeup artists, hairstylists, fashion stylists, and models. Also known as the Epic Show , the Fashions Finest Africa also hosts a variety of activities, such as conferences, exhibitions, epic shows, awards, and the Fashion Rave.
GTBank Fashion Weekend
GTBank Fashion Weekend is a two-day event that brings together fashion enthusiasts, designers, and industry professionals to celebrate African fashion.
The event features runway shows, masterclasses, and fashion talks, creating a dynamic platform for creativity and collaboration. –
The Fashion Souk – Yewande Zaccheaus
The Fashion Souk is being run by Yewande Zaccheaus of he Eventful Ltd .The Fashion Souk is a niche fair for everything fashion and a veritable platform for emerging fashion entrepreneurs and industry icons.The Fashion Souk train has been on the move and it has been held in Uk , Dubai and next stop – Ghana . Taking along with it various Nigerian brands to the world .
