These Nigerian designers had an amazing 2013; they recorded an increase in clientele all over the world, dressed celebrities home and abroad, created outstanding designs with some of them expanding their brands and many more. Notable amongst them are:
1) Yemi Osunkoya
Yemi Osunkoya is a UK based Nigerian designer and CEO/ creative director of Kosibah. A (couture) bridal brand based in the United Kingdom. Yemi, known for his use of corsetry and boned bodices produces elegant and classy dresses that give a hourglass figure; the king of curvaceous bridal pieces, Yemi is known for his stunning bridal wears and has a clientele list that spans the UK, USA and Nigeria.
2) Folake Folarin Coker
Folake Folarin Coker is the creative director of Tiffany Amber Nigeria, a luxury Nigeria brand known for her classic statement pieces. Folake Folarin Coker was amongst 2013 Forbes power women in Africa. A feat she achieved through a stint of hard work and dedication to her craft.
Her Tiffany Amber brand has shown across all major fashion shows the world over and takes top place amongst the best African designer. Her brand is retailed by fashion retail giants Yoox.com, La Rinascente and was one of the fashion brands selected by Ndani TV at Selfridges last year. Her designs have been featured in vogue, on CNN and on other major international press.
3) Lanre Da silva Ajayi
Lanre Da Silva Ajayi owns the LDA brand. A luxury Nigerian clothing brand; She is especially known for her use of intricate lace fabrics to create her unique Victorian designs. She takes her place as a brilliant and fashionable designer, having shown across major fashion shows.
4) Deola Sagoe
Nigerian designer Deola Sagoe is known for her haute couture designs she owns the brand Deola Sagoe. This talented designer has carved her niche for herself in the industry with fans as Will Smith, Opray Winfrey and Andre Leon Talley who once nominated her for MNET/ Anglo Gold African designs where she won. She has showcased her brand on various runways, internationally and locally.
5) Lisa Folawiyo
Lisa Folawiyo is the creative director of Jewel By Lisa; a brand known for its stunning Ankara embellishments. Lisa Folawiyo has attracted scores of internationals with her timeless pieces edgy and playful pieces.
6) Emmy Collins
Emmy Collins is a UK based Nigerian designer. The menswear designer who owns the Emmy Collins brand is known for his sharp, clean and modern pieces.
7) Frank Osodi
The self-acclaimed king of bustier, Frank Osodi has been in the fashion industry for a while and has continued to soar. The founder and creative director of House of Bunor is known for his well-structured bustier and boned bodices.
8) Mai Atafo
Mai Atafo is one of the hottest designers around. The CEO and creative director of the brand, Mai Atafo Inspired has carved a niche in menswear and bridal fashion. The extremely talented and fashion forward designer has made a name for himself in the short time he entered the fashion industry. His bridal line is going strong. He has designed for a host of Nigerian celebrities and has showcased across major fashion weeks.
9) Bridget Awosika
Bridget Awosika has become a fashion force to be reckoned with. She owns the Bridget Awosika brand. She is known as a fashion forward designer, her pieces push fashion boundaries and she’s known to take fashion risks that have continually put her at the fore.
10) Vonne Couture
Vonne Couture, owned by Yvonne Nwosu has made a name for herself in the fashion industry. The brand has showcased around major fashion shows. She is known for her fusion of rich colours and bold statement making pieces.
The preferred brand for celebrities has continued to grow, increasing her clientele base on a regular basis.
