Sunday 12 January 2014

13 Hottest Nigerian Designers in 2013

Nigeria has her own share of talents especially in the fashion industry where they keep taking giant strides every day. With showcases at different fashion shows all  over the world, international celebrities donning their pieces and generally putting Nigeria on the world fashion map, these designers have through sheer hard work broken into the international scene and their pieces have continued to be appreciated all over the world. 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. The international award winning designer has continued to churn out fabulous statement wedding dresses and remain at the top of the couture bridal wear industry. The designer's clientele base increased tremendously this year. 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. Her brand made it to Selfridges courtesy of Ndani TV last year. 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 her stunning Ankara embellishments. Lisa Folawiyo has attracted scores of international with her timeless pieces edgy and playful pieces. Her brand which retails on mytheresa.com has also been spotted on a lot of international celebrities including Angela Simmons, Lala Anthony, Kelis, Alicia Quarles of E-news and many more. 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. A sucker for perfect tailoring, he has a clientele base all over the world. His pieces are seen on celebrities all over the world. He currently runs a fashion workshop where he trains upcoming fashion entrepreneurs. He has shown his designs on major fashion shows. 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. He has designed evening dresses for most beauty queens in Nigeria and beyond. He continues to reign in the Nigerian fashion industry and beyond. 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. Bridget has showcased at major fashion weeks and her designs are constantly spotted on celebrities. 10) Toju Foyeh This upcoming fashion brand has comfortably nestled with the big brand names in Nigeria. She is known for the timeless and stunning pieces. Owned By Toju Foyeh; the brand within a short time has registered her name in the fashion industry. Toju Foyeh had an amazing 2013 as she notably dressed a lot of Nigerian celebrities. Her stunning designs were all over major weddings this year. 11) 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. 12) House Of Nwocha Owned by Ugonna Omeruo who doubles as the creative director. The brand recorded major red carpet appearances this year as celebrities rocked the pieces heavily. It is a brand to look out for in 2014. 13) Ejiro Amos Tafiri Ejiro Amos Tafiri rocked major red carpets this year as a lot of celebrities especially rocked her pieces. The brand named after the creative director continues to improve, with intricate/delicate designs that really worked infused into the line. The brand is one to look out for this year.

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