Alterations by Olaide: Transforming Fashion in Lagos Through Circular Craftsmanship

Every day in Lagos, over 1,040 tonnes of textile waste are discarded, making up roughly 8% of the city’s total 13,000 tonnes of daily garbage. Clothes, fabric scraps, and out-of-fashion garments are often piled into landfills, burnt, or abandoned, rarely mended, refashioned, or considered beyond their subsequent use. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s apparel market is surging toward US$10 billion in revenue this year, growing at over 7% annually.

The truth is that Nigerian fashion encompasses more than just clothing waste. Alterations by Olaide stepped into that gap. More than a tailor, it is part of an urgent movement, offering a counter to the throwaway culture by mending, refashioning, and helping Lagosians treat what they already own with care.

 

A Brand Rooted in Craft and Care

Founded by Olaide Sanni, a professional with over two decades of experience, this Lagos-based studio has grown into one of the city’s most trusted names in sustainable tailoring. Olaide’s journey reflects the resilience of Nigerian fashion artisans, who balance tradition with innovation.

Her atelier emphasises precision and care, whether she’s working on a simple hem adjustment or transforming a bridal gown. By positioning alterations as both practical and aspirational, the tailoring house has redefined how many clients perceive garment care. It is no longer just a necessity but a pathway to sustainable style.

 

Services That Extend the Life of Clothing

Alterations by Olaide offers a wide range of services designed to meet the needs of Lagos’s diverse fashion community.

Clients bring in everyday wear, school uniforms, and professional attire for resizing or garment repairs in Nigeria. Delicate projects, such as wedding dresses or garments made of lace, velvet, or silk, receive the meticulous attention of specialists trained to handle delicate fabrics. Beyond repairs, the atelier is also known for bridal alterations in Lagos and for refashioning clothes: the art of turning outdated garments into stylish pieces that reflect current trends without the waste of fresh production.

The tailoring house’s versatility extends beyond luxury clients and fashion insiders. Lagosians from various backgrounds, including students and professionals, depend on the atelier to extend the longevity of their wardrobes and add a personal touch.

 

Circular Fashion in Practice

One of the defining elements of this sustainable tailoring team is its contribution to circular fashion in Nigeria. In cities like Lagos, where fashion is vibrant but textile waste is mounting, the idea of extending a garment’s lifespan carries both cultural and environmental weight.

By focusing on “repair, mend, recycle, upcycle”, the brand offers an accessible alternative to constant consumption. A dress with a tear becomes wearable again. A jacket that no longer fits is resized rather than replaced. Outdated pieces are redesigned into modern outfits. Each service reduces waste, saves money for clients, and reinforces the idea that fashion can be both stylish and sustainable.

 

Recognition Beyond Lagos

The influence of this Lagos-based fashion studio has not gone unnoticed outside Nigeria. A notable collaboration with Sustainable Fashion Week UK placed the atelier on the global stage, highlighting its role in pushing for eco-conscious practices in African fashion.

This recognition reinforces the idea that sustainability is not just a Western conversation; it is a global movement, and Lagos has an essential voice in it. By collaborating with international initiatives, the design house situates Nigerian tailoring within a broader dialogue about the future of fashion.

 

The Purpose Driving the Atelier

Every brand has a purpose, and for this refashioning hub, it is clear: to champion a fashion culture built on longevity, creativity, and responsibility. Instead of encouraging people to buy more, the tailoring house urges them to value what they already own.

This purpose is not expressed through buzzwords or fleeting campaigns but through daily practice. Each hemline adjusted, each zipper replaced, each upcycled outfit is a quiet act of resistance against wasteful consumption. In this way, the atelier not only serves clients but also contributes to reshaping cultural attitudes toward fashion in Nigeria.

Read also:

• Éki Kéré: Akwa Ibom Brand Making Everyday Wear from Raffia & Recycled Plastic
• Nigeria’s Creative Industries in 2025: Fashion, Footwear & Events 
• NKWO: How a Nigerian Brand is Turning Waste into Craft & Redefining Sustainable Fashion

 

A Lagos Brand with Global Relevance

Fashion in Nigeria is dynamic, expressive, and deeply rooted in tradition. But it is also evolving to meet modern challenges. Alterations by Olaide embody that evolution by blending craftsmanship with sustainability, offering a path forward that respects both style and the environment.

For those in Lagos, and increasingly, those watching from abroad, the studio represents more than alterations. It means a rethinking of what fashion should be: personal, responsible, and enduring.

In a world where clothes are often seen as disposable, this circular fashion pioneer in Nigeria stands as proof that fashion can be sustainable and that Lagos is poised to lead in shaping a more sustainable future.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

• Where is Alterations by Olaide located?

The studio is based in Lagos, Nigeria, where it serves a wide range of clients across the city.

• What kind of services do they provide?

They specialise in garment alterations, bridal adjustments, fabric repairs, and refashioning old clothes into new designs.

• How can I drop off my clothes at Alterations by Olaide?

Clients can bring their garments directly to the Lagos studio. The team offers consultations to discuss the type of alteration or refashioning required before beginning work.

• Do you only work with luxury garments?

No. While the team is trusted with delicate, high-end clothing, they also work on everyday garments, making their services accessible to all.

• Have they received international recognition?

Yes. Their collaboration with Sustainable Fashion Week UK highlights their growing global reputation for sustainability.