7 Most Popular Nigerian Fashion Designers

Fashion designing in Nigeria has taken on a life of its own and it is beautiful to see. The Nigerian fashion industry isn’t just taking over across Africa but it has extended its frontier across the world and it is gaining dominance one day at a time. 

With a lot of hard work, commitment and creativity, our very own fashion designers have taken on the responsibility of putting Nigeria on the map in the world of fashion. They have gotten both national and international recognition and they are not resting on their oars. 

Here are some of the most popular Nigerian fashion designers you need to look out for

Ruth Erikan James (Veekee James)

This iconic fashion designer, popularly known as Veekee James,  is everything she says she is. You might argue that she hasn’t spent a lot of time in the industry and is only enjoying beginner’s luck. I can tell you that she has successfully carved a niche for herself and she isn’t going away anytime soon.

Veekee James is one of the most popular Nigerian fashion designers. With her creative designs and unique fashion pieces, she has proven herself again and again. She is not only a fashion designer, she is also an entrepreneur and the CEO of Veekee James, Veekee James Man and Shoperikan (a ready-to-wear fashion line for women), amongst other things. 

From Ajegunle to Forbes, she is definitely flying the Nigerian flag so high in the world of fashion and she is a force that cannot be ignored. 

Ohimai Atafo (MAI Atafo)

Mai Atafo is another legend in the Nigerian fashion industry. He’s been there, done that and is not relenting even after so many years. He’s still one of the most popular Nigerian fashion designers. His bespoke suits and traditional wedding attires are to die for.  

A Mai Atafo piece would have you wondering if the clothes were made by Nigerians for Nigerians. The excellence that goes into each design, detailed finishing and attention to detail is next to none, you can’t help but notice it. I always tell people, you haven’t worn luxury if you haven’t worn a Mai Atafo outfit. 

Julyet Peters

When it comes to custom-made female suits that bang with an exquisite touch of uniqueness in each design, the first name that comes to mind in Nigeria is Julyet Peters. One of the most popular Nigerian fashion designers, Julyet Peters has become a household name. 

From very irregular blazers, to two-piece suits, to jumpsuits to blazer dresses to iconic red carpet pieces and uncommon bridal outfits, she takes the cake. She’s as good as they say she is, even better!

Toyin Lawani (Ceolumineeofficial)

Popularly known as the Jagaban of the Nigerian Fashion Industry, Toyin Lawani is not one to be described with a few words. She is not just a fashion designer, she is a celebrity, author and a serial entrepreneur, just to name a few. Her designs have an unusual artistic depth. 

Each outfit is a work of art that speaks volume of the level of creativity and excellence in the details. A ceolumineeofficial outfit will have you gushing, that’s the Toyin Lawani effect. 

She’s one of the most popular Nigerian fashion designers at this time and I daresay that she’ll remain one for a very long time. 

Samuel Udeji (Amdiddy)

Samuel is a fine young man who often refers to himself as a tailor but he’s definitely one of the most popular Nigerian fashion designers and has proved himself to be so much more than a tailor. His bespoke fashion design outfit, AmDiddy, aims to present a style for every story. 

The AmDiddy brand has revolutionized the regular Nigerian natives for men and given us so much more in return. From Agbada, to smart casual wear, to trendy outfits and modern signature clothing for people from all walks of life. 

His unique designs when it comes to traditional and casual attires are a refreshing sight. If you don’t like native attire, it is because you haven’t seen a piece from AmDiddy. Man makes it look so cool!

Lisa Folawiyo (Jewel By Lisa)

Lisa Folawiyo is not just one of the most popular Nigerian fashion designers but a fashion designer per excellence. 

Since she came on to the Nigerian fashion scene, with Jewel By Lisa (JBL), she has made her mark by incorporating native African fabric (ankara) with modern tailoring techniques, creating unique masterpieces that have made JBL a household name within and outside Nigeria. 

Any piece from JBL is nothing short of luxury. With almost two decades of experience, Lisa keeps blowing minds with luxurious handcrafted pieces. 

Sandrah Tubobereni (Tubobereni)

I like to call her the fashion designer for royals (queens). Sandrah Tubobereni makes looking and feeling like a queen effortless. 

Her brand, Tubobereni, gives off the classy, sophisticated and elegant look without compromising decency and that is rich and rare, even in this day and age. 

Tubobereni cuts across various bespoke pieces; from ready to wear, to traditional wedding attires, to show-stopping red carpet pieces,

Not only is she one of the most popular Nigerian fashion designers, she is one of Africa’s finest exports. 

We have a host of other amazing fashion designers in the Nigerian fashion industry and this list is only indicative of a fraction of the entire industry. 

Which of the fashion designers on this list is your absolute favorite? Join the Fusion community and send in your answers