Top Fashion Designers in Nigeria for 2025 and Their Signature Styles

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The title of the top fashion designer in Nigeria has grown exponentially over the years, becoming one of Africa’s most dynamic and contentious topics. Nigerian designers have indeed made a global impact, creating clothing that reflects the country’s rich cultural diversity and creativity. 

With so many talented designers contributing to the fashion landscape, it’s hard to pick just a few. Still, in this article, we’ll highlight some of the best fashion designers in Nigeria and explore the signature styles that set them apart. As a fashion enthusiast looking for inspiration or simply curious about Nigerian fashion, this guide will give you insights into the industry’s leading names and how they shape Nigeria’s fashion identity.

 

Top Fashion Designers in Nigeria for 2025

1. Deola Sagoe
2. Lisa Folawiyo
3. Lanre Da Silva Ajayi
4. Mai Atafo
5. Tiffany Amber
6. Ituen Basi

 

1. Deola Sagoe: The Queen of African Fashion

Deola Sagoe is one of Nigeria’s most iconic and well-respected fashion designers. Known for her luxury designs, Deola has been a significant force in both Nigerian and African fashion for decades. 

Her unique style fuses traditional African fabrics like Ankara, Aso Oke, and Adire with contemporary Western designs, creating a blend that speaks to global and local audiences alike.

Deola Sagoe Signature Style:

Deola’s designs often feature intricate beadwork, hand-dyed textiles, and attention to fine tailoring.  She is known for her bold, elegant, and sophisticated pieces celebrating African heritage while embracing global trends.  Her pieces are perfect for the modern Nigerian woman who desires high fashion with a cultural twist.

Deola Sagoe Notable Achievements: 

Deola Sagoe has showcased her collections at prestigious fashion shows like the Arise Fashion Week and London Fashion Week, where her works have received widespread acclaim.

 

2. Lisa Folawiyo: The Master of Beaded Couture

Lisa Folawiyo is one of the best fashion designers in Nigeria who has earned a spot among the best in the industry. 

Known for her couture designs that feature intricate beading and embellishments, Lisa has brought the traditional African fabric into the spotlight on a global scale. 

Her signature style combines a contemporary, glamorous approach to Nigerian fabrics, creating pieces that are both unique and timeless.

Lisa Folawiyo’s Signature Style:

Lisa’s signature style incorporates beads and embellishments into African fabrics, transforming everyday materials into high-fashion couture. 

She’s famous for her Ankara designs, which are carefully embroidered and beaded, creating luxurious and detailed garments that are perfect for red carpet and weddings.

Lisa Folawiyo’s Notable Achievements: 

Lisa Folawiyo has been recognised internationally, showcasing her designs in global fashion magazines such as Vogue. 

Her brand, Jewel by Lisa, has become synonymous with modern African couture.

 

3. Lanre Da Silva Ajayi: Bold, Feminine, and Elegant

Lanre Da Silva Ajayi is a renowned Nigerian fashion designer who has built a legacy with her bold, feminine, and elegant designs.  Lanre’s designs have graced numerous fashion events, and she is known for creating timeless pieces that flatter the female form. 

Her designs are often characterized by striking colours, flattering silhouettes, and innovative fabric choices.

Lanre Da Silva Ajayi’s Signature Style:

Lanre’s signature style includes vibrant hues, luxurious fabrics, and elegant, flattering cuts. She is mainly known for using lace, satin, and chiffon to create pieces that evoke a sense of luxury and sophistication. 

As a red carpet dress or a bridal gown, Lanre’s designs are always bold, feminine, and designed to make a statement.

Lanre Da Silva Ajayi Notable Achievements:

Lanre has showcased her collections at several international fashion weeks, including London Fashion Week, and has designed for many Nigerian celebrities and socialites.

 

4. Mai Atafo: The Tailoring Genius

Mai Atafo is a Nigerian fashion designer known for his impeccable tailoring skills, particularly in creating bespoke suits and wedding gowns. 

His designs are synonymous with sharp, clean lines and perfectly fitted garments that give his clients a sleek and polished look. 

Mai’s creations are perfect for individuals who want luxury, elegance, and timeless sophistication.

Mai Atafo Signature Style:

Mai Atafo’s signature style is defined by his excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail. His bespoke suits, blazers, and wedding dresses are designed to highlight the best features of the wearer’s body while maintaining a refined and classy aesthetic. 

His garments often combine traditional fabrics with modern tailoring techniques for a balanced, fashionable look.

Mai Atafo Notable Achievements: 

Mai Atafo has gained recognition for his work in the wedding and bridal industry. He creates gowns for high-profile clients and celebrities in Nigeria and beyond.  He has also showcased his collections on international platforms, including the ARISE Fashion Week.

 

5. Tiffany Amber: Pioneering Modern African Elegance

Tiffany Amber, founded by the visionary designer Folake Folarin-Coker, is a groundbreaking fashion house that embodies grace, luxury, and timeless elegance. 

As one of the first contemporary African designers to achieve global recognition, Tiffany Amber has set a benchmark for high-end fashion in Nigeria and across the world.

Folake’s journey began with her love for art and textiles, which she transformed into a brand that celebrates Africa’s cultural richness while appealing to modern aesthetics. Tiffany Amber continues to be a symbol of innovation, consistently creating collections that reflect sophistication and cultural pride.

Tiffany Amber Signature Style:

Flowing, feminine gowns, kaftans, and separates adorned with intricate embroidery, beadwork, and prints. A fusion of traditional African textiles with luxurious modern silhouettes that exude elegance and comfort. Bold, earthy colours and patterns tell African stories in a contemporary language.

Tiffany Amber Notable Achievements:

Trailblazer in New York Fashion Week: Tiffany Amber was the first African-based brand to present collections twice at this prestigious event, cementing her place in global fashion history.

Multiple awards, including:

• Designer of the Year at the African Fashion International.
• Recognised in Forbes Power Women for her influence in reshaping African fashion.
• Expanded her brand internationally, launching Ready-to-Wear collections in Europe and North America, making African fashion accessible globally.

Impact on Fashion:

• Pioneered the concept of luxury ready-to-wear collections in Nigeria.
• Inspired a new generation of African designers to embrace their heritage while innovating for a global market.
• Launched mentorship programs and workshops to empower emerging Nigerian designers.

 

6. Ituen Basi: The Print Innovator

Ituen Basi has revolutionized the use of Ankara fabric in high fashion, transforming it from everyday wear into a statement of artistic expression. 

Her designs are a celebration of African cultural heritage and creativity, blending bold patterns with contemporary aesthetics to create pieces that are both stylish and culturally significant.

Ituen Basi’s journey started with her deep understanding of traditional Nigerian tailoring, which she combined with modern design principles to redefine what Ankara could be. 

Today, her brand is a favourite among fashion enthusiasts who appreciate innovation, vibrancy, and cultural storytelling.

Ituen Basi Signature Style:

• Dramatic Ankara accents paired with asymmetrical cuts and contemporary silhouettes.
• Creative use of layering, patchwork, and embellishments to add depth and character to her designs.
• Bold, eye-catching colours that embody the lively spirit of African fashion.

Ituen Basi Notable Achievements:

• Winner of Emerging Designer of the Year at Arise Fashion Week, solidifying her position as a creative force in African fashion.
• Featured in international publications like Vogue Italia, Elle, and Marie Claire, bringing African prints to a global audience.
• Collaborated with global brands to create exclusive collections that blend African and Western aesthetics.

Impact on Fashion:

• Introduced a unique approach to sustainable fashion by promoting the reuse and reinterpretation of traditional fabrics.
• Advocated for the global recognition of Ankara prints as a high-fashion material, challenging stereotypes about African textiles.
• She established herself as a role model for young African designers, inspiring them to embrace their roots while pushing creative boundaries.

Memorable Collections:

• “Ankara & Beads” Collection: A groundbreaking series that combined bold prints with intricate beading, showcasing a fresh take on African fabrics.
• “Fragmented” Collection: A tribute to Nigeria’s cultural diversity, featuring designs that symbolise unity through the fusion of patterns and textures.

Cultural Influence:

Ituen Basi’s work has elevated African prints to a new level of respect and admiration in fashion. It proves that tradition and innovation can coexist beautifully.

READ ALSO:

• Who are the Youngest Fashion Designers in Nigeria?
• Top 10 Nigerian Fashion Designers to Follow in 2024
• 2024 Top 10 Nigerian Designers Redefining Global Fashion with African

 

The Evolution of Nigerian Fashion Designers in 2025

The best fashion designers in Nigeria each bring their unique touch to the industry. From Deola Sagoe’s luxurious couture to Lisa Folawiyo’s beadwork, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi’s bold feminine designs, and Mai Atafo’s expert tailoring, these designers have proven that Nigerian fashion is diverse and innovative. Their signature styles celebrate Nigerian culture and elevate it to the global stage.

As the industry grows, these designers, along with emerging talents, will continue to shape the future of fashion in Nigeria and beyond.

 

FAQs About Nigerian Fashion Designers

1. Who is the best fashion designer in Nigeria?

Deola Sagoe, Lisa Folawiyo, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi, Mai Atafo, and Shola Adewumi are some of the top fashion designers in Nigeria, each with their signature styles.

2. What is Deola Sagoe known for?

Deola Sagoe is known for her luxury designs that fuse traditional African fabrics with modern Western designs, creating elegant and bold couture.

3. What makes Mai Atafo’s designs special?

Mai Atafo is known for his exceptional tailoring skills, particularly in creating bespoke suits and wedding gowns that fit perfectly and exude sophistication.

4. What is Lisa Folawiyo’s signature style?

Lisa Folawiyo is famous for her beadwork and embellishments on African fabrics, creating high-fashion couture with a focus on detail and elegance.

5. How do Nigerian fashion designers incorporate African culture into their designs?

Many Nigerian designers use traditional fabrics like Ankara, Aso Oke, and Adire, combining them with modern cuts and styles to celebrate African heritage while embracing global trends.