In a recent update, Nigeria’s growing fashion industry has been appraised at approximately $4.7 billion, constituting 15% of the overall Sub-Saharan market value, estimated at $31 billion, according to data from Euromonitor.

In this review, Nairametrics introduces some of the leading fashion trailblazers who have become the quintessence of influence and success in the burgeoning landscape of Nigeria’s fashion industry.

Omoyemi Akerele- CEO Style House Files, Founder Lagos Fashion Week:
Omoyemi Akerele is the founder and artistic director of Style House Files, a creative development agency catering to Nigerian and African designers.

In partnership with the British Fashion Council, LFDW has significantly elevated the profile of the Nigerian fashion industry. The show has garnered international attention and accolades from prominent journalists such as Suzy Menkes and Cristina Manfredi, while also attracting a multitude of international buyers.

Deola Sagoe-CEO Founder Deola:
Deola has been at the cutting edge of high fashion since 1989 and became the first black woman to present a collection at AltaRoma, Rome’s celebrated fashion week, back in 2004.

Her globally appealing style has earned her an enviable clientèle that ranges from Africa’s first ladies to society girls like Lydia Hearst, top model Alek Wek, and famous personalities such as Oprah Winfrey and Will Smith.

Tara Durotoye-CEO/Founder House of Tara:
Tara Fela-Durotoye, a trailblazing beauty entrepreneur, revolutionized a transformative shift in Nigeria’s professional makeup industry in the late ’90s.

Under her leadership, House of Tara was named one of Jobberman’s best 100 companies to work for in Nigeria in 2017. House of Tara was established in 1998.

Ejiro Amos-Tafiri- CEO Ejiroamostafiri:
jiro Amos-Tafiri, CEO and founder of Ejiroamostafiri established her Nigerian women’s fashion brand as a seamless fusion of traditional African attire and contemporary garment construction methods.

Launched in 2010, the brand evolved from her roles at Out of Africa, Zizi Ethnic Clothing, and Tiffany Amber.

Banke Kuku-CEO Banke Kuku:
Established in 2011, Banke Kuku, guided by creative director and founder Banke Kuku, is renowned for seamlessly blending West African and Western eclectic influences, and crafting intricate and unique textile designs.

Renowned Hollywood actress Gabrielle Union joined forces with Banke Kuku in 2022 to unveil a fashion collection commemorating her 50th birthday. The collaboration resulted in the New York and Company x Banke Kuku collection, with Union modelling select looks.

Stella Ndekile-CEO /Founder NUBAN beauty:
At the helm of Nuban Beauty, Founder and CEO Stella Ndekile leads one of Nigeria’s premier beauty brands, providing cosmetic products to the African market. As a Serial Entrepreneur and Business Development Strategist, Ndekile brings over 12 years of expertise in management, digital marketing, public speaking, procurement, and process analysis to her diverse professional portfolio.

Ohimai Atafo-CEO ATAFO:
Renowned Nigerian fashion tailor and founder of the eponymous brand, Mai Atafo, honed his craft at the Savile Row Academy in Leeds, UK. In 2018, he partnered Nivea as the official designer of the skincare company’s ‘Black and White’ collection.

Folake Coker-CEO Tiffany Amber:
For nearly three decades, Folake Folarin-Coker, as the CEO of Tiffany Amber, has been a transformative force, redefining women’s self-perceptions and the fashion domain.

Renowned for dressing supermodel Naomi Campbell in 2019, Folarin-Coker has earned a spot, on Forbes Power Women in Africa, with celebrity admirers including Beyonce, Kelis, Tasha Smith, and Eve.

Nike Ogunlesi-CEO Ruff n Tumble:
Nike Ogunlesi, the Founder of Ruff ‘n’ Tumble, transformed a modest shop with her and her mother as the primary staff into a globally recognized children’s clothing brand in Nigeria. Founded in 1996, Ruff ‘n’ Tumble has evolved into a major player in Nigeria’s children’s clothing sector, boasting a warehouse, factory, and multiple retail outlets in key cities like Lagos, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kano, Ilorin, and Abuja.

Dumebi Iyamah-CEO Andrea Iyamah:
Andrea Iyamah, helmed by Nigerian-Canadian fashion designer Dumebi Iyamah, embodies a clothing line richly influenced by colour and ethnic cultures. Fueled by a fervour for fashion and the arts, Dumebi cultivated her tailoring skills and self-educated on fashion, establishing the A.I. brand at the youthful age of 17.

Oke Maduewesi –CEO/Founder Zaron Cosmetics:
Oke Maduewesi, founder of the indigenous beauty brand Zaron Cosmetics, leads a contemporary and innovative cosmetics enterprise.

Zaron Cosmetics, under Oke Maduewesi’s leadership, extends its impactful presence to countries including Ghana, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Mauritius, Botswana, Liberia, and Canada. Across these nations, Zaron’s business initiatives foster enterprise and growth.

Source: https://nairametrics.com/2023/11/19/meet-the-nigerian-fashion-moguls-championing-made-in-africa-worldwide/?amp=1

Amazing !

Jewel by Lisa was my favourite Nigerian designer back then (I'm not sure about now).
Used to love her pieces and how she creatively combined fabrics.

There's also another one that I've forgotten her brand name. Loved her works too.
I used to be obsessed with watching their shows as a girl.

I just so love creatives.
I'll go search for them on Instagram.

Edited: I found her! 😃
And yeah! Still love her work.

That’s beautiful more grace to all of them

Nice one guys

These lady guys.

Well done ladies

Of what use is this on front page thread ? Why not leave it in the fashion section?

Fashion to the world...

Commendable...I do see ruff n tumble arnd everywhere... Keep growing folks

Nothing concern me but E dey mind

Creative minds... thank you for supporting made in Nigeria products. Your role is significant to the growth of the economy.

Beautiful

I don't care!

So na made in Africa "ruff n tumble" de sell? 😀😀

Dis Yorubas self too much

Nice one

is this selection a list,

no igbos there in a whole 10 list. Is this not a rubbish list.

na play I dey o. I use style mean am sha.

Ok

Toosure70:
Dis Yorubas self too much

Actually Yorubas are very fashionable, no doubt about that.

Tribal post

How did Yomi Casual not make it to this list?

Op you left out Edibond by Eddy Eguaoje in Medway, England.

The word."mogul" now has different meaning. Not hating or belittling their achievements but if the OP call little known designers mogul, what is he going to call Versace, Coco, Lauren etc