BY OYINDAMOLA LAWAL
SINCE 2005, they have hit the limelight through here. Deola Sagoe, Dakova, Adabayo Jones, Ade Bakare, Fred Eboka, Wale Adeyemi, Gureje, Yemi Osunkoya and Duro Olowu, among others. Over the years, they have proven that LIFE is all about creativity in their wearable and comforting pieces.
LDA
Lanre Da Silva-Ajayi is the pretty face behind LDA. She stormed the scene with her Victorian style. Since she arrived, she has shown that she is one of the most creative designers around. Only recently, she won the City People Fashion and Style Award.
TIFFANY AMBER
Drawing mostly from the European feminine physique and vibrancy of the Africa woman, Tiffany Amber has been able to redefine royalty fashion. Folake Coker-Folarin, the brain behind Tiffany Amber, has over the years, brought elegance to her style.
Recently, her designs were showcased at the Vlisco Fashion Show, Thisday Fashion Show, Arise Africa and others. She will also be showcasing Spring 2010 collections on Friday, September 11, 2009 at New York Fashion show (The Arise African Fashion Collection Show).
MOMO
A graduate of Richmond American International University, UK, Fati Asibelua, the lady behind Momo, is another person that is making Nigeria proud in the fashion world.
Momo has been seen on some of the world’s most renowned models including Alek Wek, Liya Kebede and Oluchi and has built a reputation as one of Africa’s most sought after brands.
Armed with a Master’s degree in fashion from the Institue Marangoni, London, specialising in Fashion Styling, Momo creates enduring designs with African fabrics.
She was one of the designers featured at This Day Africa Rising Music Festival held at the Kennedy Centre, Washington DC, late last year.
TAE
Bisola Edun, the brain behind Tae, is not resting on her oars. Since the label was launched a few years ago, she has showcased her designs at Saint Moritz Style Selection; and the Red, Bold and Jazzy show, among others.
L-SHANDI
L-Shandi has been carved out from a Nigerian street slang ‘Lepa Shandi’; a term used to describe women of slim frame. Lara Akinsanya, the proprietor, is one of the promoters of African fabrics such as lace and aso-oke. L-Shandi designs mixes western designs with traditional African fabrics in a way that gives you the freedom to personalise your look.
JEZREEL
Abiola Egbeyemi is one of the few designers, who have made great strides in the international scene through steadfastness and determination.
Jezreel infuses contemporary designs into the traditional African fabrics thereby making a statement that lifts her above the crowd.
She showcased her collection at City People Ankara Fashion Show 09, and Young African Fashion Weekend 09 among others.
EMMY COLLINS
Emmy Collins is an avant-garde designer, who is rapidly gaining a reputation for making garments that cut a real dash in the fashion industry.
With clothes characterized by sharp, funky tailoring and a fresh, startling approach to colour; Emmy is beginning to establish himself as one of London’s most flamboyant designers in recent times.
He has been slated to showcase his Spring Summer collection during the New York Fashion week.
emmy collins' design
emmy collins' designs
emmy collins' designs
HOUSE OF J’OLA
House of J'ola is one of the fastest growing designer labels in West Africa. It offers a range of ready-to-wear clothes outside eveningwears for men and women.
Okorodudu, the honcho, also owes a model agency by the same name in Nigeria and as well runs Isis Models in Johannesburg with models from South Africa, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Congo and several other African countries.
