From Lagos Fashion Week to Paris Haute Couture, Nigerian fashion designers are reimagining identity, telling cultural stories, and inspiring the next generation of style leaders.

In 2025, Nigerian fashion is no longer a rising wave, it’s a global tidal force.

Nigeria’s $4.7 billion fashion industry is now an engine of soft power, and these designers are driving that engine, one collection at a time.

Here’s our list of 20 Nigerian fashion designers making their mark around the world this year.

1. Lisa Folawiyo

Top 20 Nigerian Fashion Designers to Watch in 2025

The queen of print mixing. Lisa pioneered handcrafted Ankara couture, putting Nigerian prints on international red carpets.

2. Kenneth Ize

Top 20 Nigerian Fashion Designers to Watch in 2025

Celebrated for reviving Aso-Oke weaving with a modern twist, Kenneth collaborates with brands like Karl Lagerfeldand champions sustainable practices.

3. Orange Culture (Adebayo Oke-Lawal)

Top 20 Nigerian Fashion Designers to Watch in 2025

This gender-fluid label blends streetwear and storytelling, making statements about identity and culture.

4. Andrea Iyamah

Top 20 Nigerian Fashion Designers to Watch in 2025

Known for bold swimwear and resort wear, Andrea’s brand is worn by global icons and celebrities, redefining African luxury.

5. Mai Atafo

Top 20 Nigerian Fashion Designers to Watch in 2025

A master of bespoke tailoring, Mai Atafo’s suits are synonymous with elegance, often seen on Nollywood stars and business moguls.

6. Tokyo James

Top 20 Nigerian Fashion Designers to Watch in 2025

This Afro-futuristic designer blends British tailoring with Nigerian aesthetics, creating collections for fashion-forward global citizens.

7. Lanre DaSilva Ajayi (LDA)

Top 20 Nigerian Fashion Designers to Watch in 2025

A pioneer in Nigerian couture, Lanre’s intricate designs celebrate vintage and high-fashion glamour.

8. Veekee James

A bridal and couture phenomenon, Veekee is known for opulent gowns, red-carpet-worthy creations, and designs that blend flawless structure with Nigerian glamour, making her one of the most sought-after designers today.

9. House of Deola (Deola Sagoe)

Deola Sagoe is a legend, revolutionizing traditional Nigerian bridal and formal wear with unmatched craftsmanship.

10. Prudent Gabriel

Top 20 Nigerian Fashion Designers to Watch in 2025

A rising star creating sustainable, chic ready-to-wear pieces that balance affordability with cultural authenticity, making Nigerian fashion accessible to a new generation.

11. Banke Kuku

Her luxury loungewear and vibrant prints merge comfort and cultural pride, winning fans across continents.

12. Emmy Kasbit (Emmanuel Okoro)

Known for handwoven Nigerian fabrics, Emmy Kasbit brings heritage into contemporary menswear and womenswear.

13. Ejiro Amos Tafiri

Famed for flowing, elegant designs, Ejiro’s brand highlights the beauty of Nigerian women and cultural narratives.

14. Tsemaye Binitie

Blending London design training with African influences, Tsemaye creates modern luxury collections.

15. Alara Lagos (Concept Store by Reni Folawiyo)

More than a designer, Alara is a cultural hub, showcasing Nigerian luxury and lifestyle.

16. Ituen Basi

Celebrated for innovative Ankara designs, Ituen’s work turns everyday fabrics into fashion-forward statements.

17. Tubobereni

Top 20 Nigerian Fashion Designers to Watch in 2025

Known for innovative bridal couture and high-end ready-to-wear, Tubobereni’s designs celebrate femininity, elegance, and the richness of Nigerian tradition while commanding global attention.

18. Meena (Uju Offiah)

Meena’s architectural designs blend bold structures with wearable art, cementing her place in African fashion.

19. Wurafadaka

Celebrated for luxury craftsmanship and culturally-inspired contemporary pieces, WuraFadaka bridges tradition and innovation, gaining international acclaim.

20. DZYN (Lady E and Lady V)

This Abuja-based duo is redefining power dressing, creating versatile pieces for modern women.

Why Nigerian Fashion Matters Globally

Cultural storytelling: Designers fuse traditional fabrics like Ankara and Aso-Oke with futuristic silhouettes.
Soft power: Nigerian fashion has become a cultural export, opening doors for tourism and trade.
Economic impact: According to the African Development Bank, fashion contributes significantly to Nigeria’s growing creative economy.
Representation: Nigerian designers are shaping conversations around diversity, sustainability, and identity.

Nigerian Fashion Week & Global Recognition

Events like Lagos Fashion Week, GTCO Fashion Weekend, and Arise Fashion Week have become magnets for global media, buyers, and influencers.

Nigerian fashion is not just influencing runways, it’s reshaping wardrobes worldwide.

Each of these designers carries Nigeria’s cultural heritage into the future, creating fashion that speaks of pride, power, and possibility.

Ready to explore more? Explore the world of Nigerian fashion on our Fashion page, and discover how our designers are shaping the future of global style.

Top 20 Nigerian Fashion Designers to Watch in 2025