After celebrating Trailblazers and Icons — the pioneers and visionaries who carved paths and shaped narratives — The Tribe and Elan Awards 2026 turns its focus to those who are defining excellence today.

The Standard Bearers honors Nigerian fashion, beauty, and lifestyle leaders who define the industry through consistency and cultural authority. Rather than just innovating, these individuals and brands set benchmarks and shape national trends through disciplined work and high-quality standards.

Key attributes of a Standard Bearer include:

• Sustained Relevance: Maintaining influence and trust over time.

• Leadership: Moving beyond creativity to provide structure and professional excellence.

• Cultural Identity: Balancing self-expression with a deep sense of responsibility and intentionality.

• This theme celebrates leaders who prioritize substance over hype, maintaining excellence through every season. They bridge the gap between heritage and modern culture, building enduring brands that favor longevity over fleeting trends.

In an era of fast fashion, fleeting virality, and instant recognition, The Standard Bearers recognises longevity, integrity, and impact. It is a salute to those who have become reference points — the designers, beauty founders, creatives, curators, and lifestyle brands others look to for direction.

This year’s digital honours spotlight the present architects of Nigeria’s fashion , beauty , lifestyle , Media & Industry , Lifestyle & Culture  as well as the future — those carrying the torch forward, setting standards others aspire to meet.

                                                 Aligned Award Categories

Fashion

• Lifetime Achievement as a Standard Bearer in Fashion

  Honoured for decades of excellence in the fashion industry, consistently setting standards, inspiring generations, and leaving an indelible mark on Nigeria’s fashion landscape –Odio Oseni

• Heritage & Craft Excellence Award

• Honoured for preserving Nigeria’s textile heritage through exceptional craftsmanship and dedication to traditional fabric production practices that continue to inspire contemporary fashion. Rini da Zane
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• Luxury Fashion Authority Award

  Honouring fashion houses that embody refinement, structure, and longevity. Alara

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• Designer to Watch as a Standard Bearer (Individual)

• Honouring a designer whose body of work consistently reflects excellence in craftsmanship, cultural depth, and contemporary relevance-Ifedayo Nupo (Moye AFrica )
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• Heritage & Craft Excellence Award (Brand / Individual)

• Awarded to a brand or designer committed to preserving African craftsmanship while translating tradition through a modern, globally relevant lens. Ifebuche Madu -Afrikristabel
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• Ready-to-Wear Excellence Award (Brand)

• For a ready-to-wear label setting benchmarks in fit, scalability, wearability, and commercial success without compromising identity. Grey velvet
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• Luxury Fashion Authority (Brand or Individual)

• Honouring a fashion house or creative director whose work embodies refinement, structure, longevity, and a clearly defined luxury language. Lisa Folawiyo

Beauty

• Beauty Industry Catalyst Award

  For individuals accelerating growth, collaboration, and visibility within the beauty industry.– Ezinne Alfa (Beauty In Lagos) ,

• Product Excellence Award

  For beauty brands whose formulations, packaging, and consumer trust stand out. Arami Essentials 

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• Cultural Beauty Space Award

Honoured for preserving Traditional Nigerian beauty practices while creating immersive experiences that connect culture, heritage, and modern beauty consumers. Henna Place

• Beauty Media Authority Award (Media / Platform)

  Recognising a media platform, publication, or digital voice that has consistently elevated beauty narratives, educated audiences, and influenced industry conversations.- Beaute Rack

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• Legacy in Beauty Award (Special Honour)

• Recognising individuals whose long-standing contribution has shaped Nigeria’s beauty industry across generations.-Banke Meshida Lawal

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Lifestyle & Culture

• Lifestyle Experience Innovator Award

• Recognised for curating and enhancing lifestyle experiences in Nigeria through insightful guides and innovative digital tools, shaping how residents and visitors explore and engage with Nigeria’s urban culture-Lost In Lagos
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Media & Industry

• Cultural Storyteller Award
  Recognised for consistently documenting and elevating Nigeria’s fashion, beauty, and lifestyle industries while shaping narratives and inspiring audiences through quality storytelling..- Media Room Hub
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• Fashion PR & Communications Authority Award

  Recognising strategic voices amplifying African fashion globally.- Moriam Musa ( Morsi Pr)

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• Impact Storytelling Award

  Recognised for documenting, celebrating, and amplifying the achievements of high-impact individuals, organisations, and establishments, setting a benchmark for storytelling and cultural influence in Nigeria.– kemi Akinyemi (The Elites.Ng )

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• Industry Influence Award

• Recognised for championing inclusivity, diversity, and excellence in Nigerian media while shaping entertainment narratives and setting new standards for thoughtful, impactful journalism. – Latasha Ngwube
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Special Honours

• The Tribe and Elan Editor’s Choice Award – societal/community impact

• Recognised for her quiet yet profound leadership in promoting cultural, social, and community development initiatives in Kwara State, setting an example of impact and excellence.
• Her Excellency, Ambassador Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq.

• The Enduring Standard Award

  For individuals or brands with sustained impact over a decade or more.- Bellanaija

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• The Tribe and Elan Editor’s Choice Award – cultural influence

• A discretionary honour recognising quiet excellence and cultural leadership– Olori Ronke Ademiluyi Ogunwusi

• Lifestyle Brand of Influence (Lifestyle / Brand)

  Recognised for shaping lifestyle experiences, influencing consumer culture, and establishing a strong presence in Nigeria’s social and entertainment landscape. – Orijin

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• Nightlife  & Experience Award (Brand / Individual)

  Recognised for creating unforgettable nightlife experiences, shaping musical trends, and elevating urban culture through innovative events and entertainment..- 2.45 Lagos

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• Consumer Culture Impact Award

• ,Recognised for shaping lifestyle experiences and social culture in Nigeria through innovative beverages that connect consumers, culture, and leisure. Bature Brewery
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