Over the years, I’ve been following Nigerian fashion and I’ve seen many brands come and go. But some have stood the test of time and become household names. In this article, I’ll share my top 10 picks for the most popular Nigerian fashion brands. These brands have made a big impact not just in Nigeria, but across Africa and even globally.
10 Most Popular Nigerian Fashion Brands
1. Lisa Folawiyo
I remember when Lisa Folawiyo first started her brand back in 2005. At that time, it was called Jewel by Lisa. What I find really inspiring about Lisa’s story is that she started her business from her home with just a small amount of money. Now, her brand is known all over the world!
What I love most about Lisa Folawiyo’s designs is how she uses traditional West African fabrics like Ankara in new and exciting ways. She doesn’t just use the fabric as it is. Instead, she adds beautiful decorations and cuts the fabric in modern styles. This mix of old and new is what makes her clothes stand out.
I’ve seen Lisa’s clothes on some really famous people. Actors like Lupita Nyong’o and musicians like Solange Knowles have worn her designs. This shows just how popular her brand has become.
Lisa doesn’t just sell her clothes in Nigeria. She has showrooms in Nigeria and even in New York City! If you want to see more of her designs, you can check out her Instagram account @lisafolawiyo_studio or visit her website at lisafolawiyo.com. I often look at her Instagram to see what new styles she’s creating.
2. Orange Culture
Next on my list is Orange Culture. This brand was started by Adebayo Oke-Lawal, and I think it’s one of the most exciting brands in Nigeria right now. What I find really interesting about Orange Culture is that it’s not just about making clothes that look good. The brand also tries to send a message.
Orange Culture makes clothes that can be worn by anyone, regardless of whether they’re a man or a woman. This is called gender-fluid fashion, and it’s becoming more popular around the world. I like how the brand is helping to change old ideas about who can wear what.
The clothes from Orange Culture are always bright and fun. They use a lot of color, which I think really captures the spirit of Nigeria. But at the same time, the designs are very modern. It’s this mix of Nigerian culture and modern style that makes Orange Culture so popular, especially with young people.
I’ve seen Orange Culture featured in many international fashion magazines. This shows that the brand is getting noticed not just in Nigeria, but all over the world. If you’re ever in Lagos, you can visit their store to see the clothes for yourself, visit their website Orangeculture.com.ng Or, you can check out their Instagram account @orangecultureng to see their latest designs.
3. Ashluxe
Ashluxe is a contemporary Nigerian fashion brand founded by designer Yinka Ash. The brand is known for its luxurious streetwear that combines modern aesthetics with high-quality craftsmanship. Ashluxe has gained recognition for its unique designs that often feature bold colors, innovative cuts, and a blend of traditional and contemporary styles.
What I find really interesting about Ashluxe is their design philosophy. The brand’s philosophy revolves around redefining luxury in streetwear. Ashluxe aims to create pieces that are not only stylish but also comfortable and versatile, appealing to a broad audience. The designs reflect a modern interpretation of African culture, often incorporating elements that resonate with the urban lifestyle.
Ashluxe offers a range of collections that include ready-to-wear pieces, tailored outfits, and statement accessories. The collections often feature intricate details and high-quality fabrics, ensuring that each piece stands out. This attention to detail and quality is what I think sets Ashluxe apart in the Nigerian fashion scene.
I’ve noticed that Ashluxe has garnered attention from various celebrities and influencers, further establishing its presence in the fashion industry. The brand’s unique style has made it a favorite among fashion-forward individuals. This celebrity endorsement has really helped to boost the brand’s profile both in Nigeria and internationally.
If you’re interested in checking out Ashluxe’s designs, you can visit their website at ash-luxe.com. If you also want to stay updated with their latest collections and news, you can follow their Instagram account @ashluxe. I often find myself browsing their Instagram to see what new and exciting designs they’re coming up with.
4. Atafo Official
Atafo Official, which used to be called Mai Atafo, is a brand that I think is really special. It was started by a designer named Mai Atafo. What I admire most about this brand is how well-made the clothes are. When you look at an Atafo Official suit or dress, you can see that a lot of care has gone into making it.
This brand doesn’t just make one type of clothing. They make clothes for men, clothes for women, and even wedding dresses. What I find impressive is that no matter what type of clothing they’re making, it always looks very fancy and well-made.
Mai Atafo, the designer, uses expensive fabrics and adds little details that make the clothes look extra special. I’ve seen many Nigerian celebrities wearing Atafo Official clothes at big events. This shows how popular and respected the brand is.
Atafo Official has even shown their clothes at fashion events in other countries. This tells me that people around the world are starting to notice Nigerian fashion. If you want to see Atafo Official’s latest designs, you can look at their Instagram account @atafo__. They also have a store in Lagos where you can see the clothes in person.
5. Style Goes To Church (SGTC)
Style Goes To Church, or SGTC for short is a brand that I think is really fun and exciting. It was started by a designer named Adetoke Oluwo. What I like most about SGTC is how they use traditional African fabrics and patterns in modern ways.
When I look at SGTC’s clothes, I always see bright colors and bold patterns. I think this really captures the spirit of Nigeria – we’re not afraid to stand out and be bold! But even though the clothes are bright and eye-catching, they’re still wearable. You could easily wear an SGTC outfit to work or to a party.
SGTC makes what we call “ready-to-wear” clothes. This means you can buy them and wear them right away, without needing to have them specially made for you. I think this is one reason why the brand is so popular. It’s easier for people to buy and wear their designs.
I’ve seen SGTC clothes at many fashion shows in Nigeria. Each time, their designs get a lot of attention. If you want to see their clothes for yourself, they have a store in Lagos. You can also check out their Instagram account @sgtcclothing to see their latest designs. I often look at their page when I want to see something bright and cheerful.
6. Deola Sagoe
Deola Sagoe is a name that I think everyone in Nigerian fashion knows and respects. She’s been designing clothes for a long time, and she’s really helped put Nigerian fashion on the world map. What I admire most about Deola Sagoe is how she takes traditional Nigerian styles and makes them look modern and high-fashion.
Deola Sagoe is known for making very fancy, custom-made clothes. This means that each piece is specially made for the person who’s going to wear it. She’s especially famous for her wedding dresses and other special occasion outfits.
One thing that Deola Sagoe is really well-known for is her “komole” design. This is a special way of combining two traditional Nigerian fabrics: aso-oke and lace. The result is something that looks both traditional and modern at the same time.
Deola Sagoe has achieved something that no other Nigerian designer had done before: she was the first to have her own show at New York Fashion Week. This is a really big deal in the fashion world, and it shows how respected her designs are internationally.
If you want to see Deola Sagoe’s latest creations, you can look at her Instagram account @deolasagoeofficial. She also has a store in Lagos where you can see her clothes up close. Whenever I look at her designs, I’m always amazed by how she can make traditional styles look so modern and elegant.
7. Banke Kuku
Banke Kuku is a designer who I think is doing something really interesting in Nigerian fashion. Her brand focuses on making loungewear, which are comfortable clothes you might wear at home. But what makes Banke Kuku’s designs special is how she uses bright, colorful African prints in these comfortable clothes.
What I really like about Banke Kuku’s designs is that each piece tells a story. When you wear one of her outfits, you’re not just wearing something comfortable – you’re also wearing a piece of African culture. I think this is why her brand has become popular not just in Nigeria, but around the world too.
Banke Kuku’s designs have been shown at some really important fashion events. For example, her clothes were part of Lagos Fashion Week, which is a big deal in African fashion. Her designs were even shown at the Dubai Expo 2020, which means people from all over the world got to see her work.
If you want to see Banke Kuku’s designs for yourself, you can visit her store in Lagos. You can also check out her Instagram account @bankekuku. I often look at her page when I want to see how traditional African prints can be used in new and exciting ways.
8. Abiola Olusola
Abiola Olusola is a designer who I think is bringing something fresh and new to Nigerian fashion. She started her brand in 2017, which makes it one of the newer brands on this list. But in a short time, she’s made a big impact on the fashion scene.
What I really like about Abiola Olusola’s designs is how simple and elegant they are. In a world where a lot of fashion is very bright and busy, her clothes stand out because they’re so clean and simple. She often uses soft, pastel colors, which I think gives her clothes a very modern and sophisticated look.
Another thing that I admire about Abiola Olusola’s brand is how she works with local artisans. This means she’s not just making beautiful clothes – she’s also supporting traditional crafts and helping to keep these skills alive. I think this is really important for the future of Nigerian fashion.
Abiola Olusola also cares about making her clothes in a way that’s good for the environment. This is called sustainability, and it’s becoming more and more important in the fashion world. By focusing on this, I think Abiola Olusola is helping to push Nigerian fashion in a positive direction.
If you want to see Abiola Olusola’s designs, you can visit her store in Lagos. You can also look at her Instagram account @abiolaolusolaofficial. I often check her page when I want to see examples of modern, minimal African fashion.
9. Ace Kouture
Ace Kouture is a brand that I think is really exciting because it’s making traditional African fabrics cool and modern. The brand was started in 2016, so it’s relatively new, but it’s already made a big impact on Nigerian fashion.
What I love about Ace Kouture is how they use African wax prints. These are fabrics with bold, colorful patterns that are very traditional in many parts of Africa. But instead of using these fabrics in traditional ways, Ace Kouture turns them into modern, stylish outfits that anyone could wear.
Another thing that I think is great about Ace Kouture is that they make clothes in a wide range of sizes. This means that more people can wear and enjoy their designs. I think this is really important because fashion should be for everyone, not just for people who fit into small sizes.
Ace Kouture has become really popular with people who love fashion in Nigeria. I think this is because their clothes are both stylish and wearable. You could wear an Ace Kouture outfit to work, to a party, or just out running errands, and you’d look great.
If you want to see Ace Kouture’s designs for yourself, they have a store in Lagos. You can also check out their Instagram account @acekouture. I often look at their page when I want to see how traditional African fabrics can be used in modern, everyday outfits.
10. Meji Meji
Last but definitely not least on my list is Meji Meji. This brand was started by a designer named Tolu Oye, and I think it’s one of the most exciting new brands in Nigerian fashion right now.
What I love about Meji Meji is how they make streetwear that really celebrates African culture. Streetwear is the kind of casual, cool clothing that a lot of young people like to wear. But Meji Meji doesn’t just copy the streetwear styles from America or Europe. Instead, they create their own unique style that’s inspired by Africa.
Meji Meji’s clothes are always bright and bold. They use a lot of vibrant colors and eye-catching designs. I think this really appeals to young people who want to stand out and express themselves through their clothes.
Even though Meji Meji is a relatively new brand, it’s already gained a lot of attention in the Nigerian fashion scene. I think this is because their designs feel fresh and exciting. They’re doing something different, and people are really responding to it.
If you want to see Meji Meji’s designs, they have a store in Lagos where you can check out their clothes in person. You can also look at their Instagram account @mejimeji.co. I often look at their page when I want to see what’s new and exciting in Nigerian streetwear.
Conclusion
What I find really exciting is how diverse these brands are. Some, like Lisa Folawiyo and Deola Sagoe, are making high-end, luxury clothing. Others, like Orange Culture and Meji Meji, are creating cool streetwear. Then there are brands like Banke Kuku, who are reinventing everyday clothing like loungewear. This diversity shows just how rich and varied Nigerian fashion is.
I’m also impressed by how many of these brands are thinking about important issues. Orange Culture is challenging traditional ideas about gender. Abiola Olusola is focusing on sustainability. Ace Kouture is making sure their clothes are available in a wide range of sizes. This shows that Nigerian fashion isn’t just about looking good – it’s also about making positive changes in the world.
Another thing that stands out to me is how these brands are gaining international recognition. Many of them have shown their designs at major fashion events around the world. Some, like Lisa Folawiyo and Deola Sagoe, even have fans among international celebrities. This tells me that Nigerian fashion is becoming more and more respected on the global stage.
I believe that in the coming years, we’ll see Nigerian fashion become even more influential globally. Our unique blend of traditional African aesthetics with modern design is something that people all over the world are starting to appreciate.
If you’re interested in fashion, I highly recommend checking out these brands. Whether you’re looking for high-end luxury, cool streetwear, or anything in between, there’s a Nigerian brand that’s creating something you’ll love. And by supporting these brands, you’re not just getting great clothes – you’re also supporting the growth and development of the Nigerian fashion industry.
