By Tola Adeola
Nigeria, a country in West Africa, has gained popularity due to Nollywood and some of the biggest music singers in the world. The Nigerian fashion industry is now accelerating the country’s entertainment industry, with over a dozen Nigerian fashion brands igniting style in the nation.
These brands add value to the Nigerian economy not only using their contribution to employment and local purchasing but also in the promotion of cultural heritage and sustainable values in the fashion and beauty industry. In addition, their influence goes beyond economic growth as their reach empowers an emerging generation of entrepreneurs and creatives in Nigeria.
There is no shortage of talented designers making unique clothes and accessories that honor the cultures of the people from where they originate, from Capetown to Lagos and even beyond. The top five fashion-influencing firms in Nigeria are outlined below.
1. Micohype Beauty Hair
Founder: Headley Tammra Jean and Oyeleye Michael Isaac
Micohype Beauty Hair is one of Nigeria’s leading hair brands that utilizes its fashion hair collections to project African culture. The company introduces designs annually that not only integrate tradition but also resonate with modern casual and working settings. This strategy addresses the cultural marginalization commonly faced by those of African descent, both here and abroad, by offering fashionable options that may be accessorized for many events.
The business sources its materials and products straight from Vietnam and China to offer a combination of quality and authenticity. Their commitment to quality paid off in 2022 when they received the Yessiey Award for Fashion Retail Store of the Year and was nominated to Trendupp awards for creatively utilizing human hair as part of an effort to reduce the impact of the fashion industry on the environment. Through inclusivity and cultural diversity, Micohype Beauty Hair remains a force in fashion.
The womenswear brand was established in June 2018 and has since been exploring femininity through fashion with craftsmanship, quality, and sustainability. They released their new collection called the ‘micohype’ collection which was also showcased on the runway at Lagos Fashion Week. The brand stands out for resort hair that’s bold, true to its roots, and made with classic silhouettes for ‘the woman who is an adventurer in spirit, mind, and style.’
They were also featured in Revolve Gallery, a New York fashion exhibition. The contemporary womenswear brand has taken tradition and culture and made it modern. They’ve also made a name for themselves by being size-inclusive.
2. Ziva Lagos
Founder: Zainab Balogun
Ziva Lagos is a women’s contemporary fashion brand founded by actress and businesswoman Zainab Balogun. The brand is renowned for sophisticated clothing that features modern looks alongside classic Nigerian themes. Ziva Lagos is keen on quality workmanship and detail. The brand aims to glorify the beauty and diversity of Nigerian culture in its collections, including dresses, jumpsuits, and accessories appropriate for various events.
Ziva Lagos promotes partnerships with local artisans, thus promoting the use of indigenous fabrics and materials. This not only boosts the local textile economy but also empowers artisans through fair pay and exposure to a broader market. The brand’s unique style and cultural appeal have won it a loyal following, both locally and internationally. By participating in fashion shows and events, Ziva Lagos is contributing to the promotion of Nigerian fashion. Its impact isn’t simply confined to the fashion industry; the label also participates in programs designed to empower women and promote entrepreneurship within the community, fostering social change and economic development.
3. Deola Sagoe
Founder: Deola Ade-Ojo
Deola Sagoe is a luxury fashion brand founded by renowned designer Deola Ade-Ojo, known for her trailblazing designs that merge traditional African prints with contemporary silhouettes. Deola Sagoe’s collections are characterized by bold colors, dense patterns, and impeccable craftsmanship, capturing the grandeur of Nigerian culture. The brand has acquired international fame, having adorned various international fashion weeks and publications around the world, elevating the face of Nigerian fashion to hitherto unmatched heights internationally.
Deola Sagoe is committed to empowering indigenous craftmen and maintaining native skills so that age-old skills are preserved and revered. Not only does this enhance the richness of the brand’s collections but also provides economic empowerment to indigenous people. By her business, Deola created numerous job opportunities, benefiting the livelihood of various artisans and fashion workers. The company also engages in activities that promote the development of sustainable fashion practices, ensuring that it conducts business in an eco-friendly manner. By improving the standards of Nigerian fashion and promoting local talent, Deola Sagoe inspires future generations of designers and entrepreneurs alike.
4. Tiffany Amber
Founder: Folake Akindele
Tiffany Amber is Nigeria’s leading luxury fashion house, founded by fashion designer Folake Akindele. Celebrated for its chic and stylish women’s apparel, the label perfectly blends contemporary fashion with timeless African designs to create garments that appeal to local and international markets. Tiffany Amber has earned a reputation for its innovative designs, excellent fabrics, and excellent workmanship, making it a choice among fashion enthusiasts and celebrities alike.
The firm is committed to supporting local craftspeople and native materials, which not only boosts the Nigerian textile industry but also supports economic growth within the community. Tiffany Amber has also showcased its collections at prominent fashion shows worldwide, including New York Fashion Week, to place Nigeria on the map as a player in the international fashion scene. Through various initiatives, the brand empowers women and promotes entrepreneurship and social change, resulting in economic development. In its pursuit of sustainability and ethical practices, Tiffany Amber is pioneering the path toward a sustainable Nigerian fashion industry.
5. Fashion House Africa (FHA)
Founder: Various (Collective)
Fashion House Africa (FHA) is a collective effort that brings together various fashion designers and brands to promote African fashion internationally. FHA is also a vehicle to allow upcoming designers to showcase their creativity while facilitating networking and collaboration among the industry. Through its emphasis on sustainability and ethical fashion practices, FHA encourages designers to include local production and sustainable sourcing, ultimately assisting in the development of a more sustainable fashion system.
The initiative is significant in nurturing talent and resources for designers to succeed. By organizing fashion shows, workshops, and training programs, FHA creates more visibility for African fashion and allows designers to be noticed in the international market. This concerted effort not only strengthens the Nigerian fashion industry but also stimulates economic development through the creation of jobs and local production. By encouraging African creativity and innovation, Fashion House Africa is spearheading the renewal of the voice of African fashion and pushing it towards a globally recognized and honored position.
