KEY POINTS
- Discover Nigeria’s top designers shaping global fashion in 2025.
- Innovative designs merging tradition with modern trends spotlight Nigerian creativity.
- Bold aesthetics and sustainability are key themes for these designers.
For Nigeria, fashion is always on the move in its amazing representation, creativity, and fashion sustainability.
In the new year 2025, the industry will rise with more talented young designers who are not only changing the face of style but also breaking the conventionalities and designing new horizons.
Today, these innovators are breaking barriers through elegant design and sustainability strategies recognized in domestic and global arenas.
Below is a list of the ten Nigerian fashion designers who are expected to transform fashion in 2025 with these innovations.
1. Mai Atafo
Mai Atafo was born Ohimai Atafo on the fifteenth of November, the year 1977 in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, and has remained a rare jewel in the world of fashion design.
He embarked on a Master of Science degree in Information Systems and Technology in the United Kingdom and returned to Nigeria in 2002, where he has been practicing in the corporate world.
In the year 2010, because of his passion for fashion, Atafo left Guinness Nigeria and began his business under the name Mai Atafo Inspired Brand, which has changed into fashion and stylish wear in Africa Fashion Industry.
Atafo has developed a reputation for delivering sharp quality-made suits and bridal gowns.
Achievements and contributions
In 2011, he extended his brand for weddings including the collection “Weddings by Mai” which focused on bridal gowns and groom’s wear suits and received high appreciation.
He has dressed many celebrities and his outfits have been used during official and glamour pageants such as Lagos Fashion Week.
Most importantly, he presented his Spring/Summer 2025 collection, which was designed with The Macallan and for this, he has received many praises for the creativity and sophistication of his work.
Over the years, Atafo has been honored severally for the numerous efforts and achievements he has made in fashion.
Some of these are; the City People Fashion and Style Award for the Hottest New Male Designer in 2009, Mode Mens Fashion Designer of the year 2010, and Heineken Lagos Fashion and Design Week Menswear Designer of the year 2015.
Design is not the only area he has touched; he has served as a mentor and judge at different fashion competitions, thus helping young talents in the fashion trade.
Mai Atafo popularly known as Atafo is well-connected in the social media realm with over 110k followers on Instagram (@maiatafo) and a range on Twitter.
His YouTube channel under the name Mai Atafo, gives glimpses into his work process as well as the concept behind his fashion.
2025 outlook for Mai Atafo
Expectedly, the Mai Atafo brand is set to receive increased prominence in the international market as it moves into the year 2025.
From the new Spring/Summer 2025 collection of clothes, he has set great expectations for the African fashion industry to be innovative and unique.
Furthermore, the details discovered from Atafo’s performances raise confidence that he will remain a trendsetter in fashion, not only in Africa, but the rest of the world.
His plans for further expansion of retail operations and association with brands will tell a lot about the growth of his designer appeal in the coming year.
2. Tolu Coker
The British-Nigerian designer, Tolu Coker is a multidisciplinary designer based in London.
A Central Saint Martins graduate, she launched her brand in 2021 after working for a number of well-known names such as J.W. Anderson, Celine, and Maison Margiela
Cultural politics and social currents remain hugely present throughout Coker’s art, with a reflection of her Nigerian Yoruba origins and the black diaspora particularly impactful.
She is well-known for using vibrant print and innovatively weaving textiles. Coker’s products may contain upcycled material for sustainable fashion sometimes included in the collections.
Her collection, called Olapeju, inspired by her British-Nigerian heritage reflected a more personal view on family, migration, and community for the Spring/Summer 2025.
Coker’s prowess in the Fashion Scout Merit Award 2019 earned her a debut at London Fashion Week. She has been honored with several awards with recognition.
A recipient of the NewGen award by the British Fashion Council, she is one of the most outstanding new designers in Britain.
Tolu Coker has social media platforms where she interacts with a growing community concerned with her creations and analysis of the fashion sector.
She has over 35,000 followers on her Instagram (@tolucoker), where she presents the latest collection, inspiration, and photos backstage.
2025 outlook for Tolu Coker
Tolu Coker’s shift is predicted to make an exceeding impact in the fashion industry in 2025 and further.
She is best prepared for the role because of her passion for sustainability and social justice in the fashion industry.
Coco’s design approach is modern yet traditional; consequently, it captures the appeals of people across the globe.
With the international Fashion Weeks in which she takes part, and her collaboration with different artists and brands, her profile is bound to get thicker.
Besides, with a shift in taste towards all kinds of diversity, her collection is bound to be as impactful as it is relevant for next year’s fashion as well.
3. Veekee James
Veekee James, born Ruth Erikan James on June 9, 1995, in Nsit Atai, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, is a distinguished fashion designer, gospel singer, and entrepreneur.
Raised in Lagos Nigeria, she was influenced to fashion design by her mother who was a seamstress. Originally, she was studying Biochemistry at the University of Uyo, but her fashion passion made her create her brand Veekee James in 2019.
Veekee James specializes in bridal and red carpet wear, accentuating beautiful beadwork and sculpted shapes that give the couture the feel of the female form.
Most of her outstanding creations have been worn by movie stars and other wealthy clients and this has placed her firmly in the Nigerian fashion sky-map. Apart from design, she has done gospel singles “Nothing Less,” and “Olugbeja” in 2023, demonstrating her musical talent as a singer.
She has been featured many times winning most of the awards including, the Best Designer Award at the 2022 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award (AMVCA) and the Herconomy Fashion Designer of the Year Award in 2022. In subsequent years, more acknowledgment came her way; in 2023, the icon was honored once again by The Future Awards Africa as a result of her impact in and on the fashion business.
As of December 2024, Veekee James maintains a robust online presence, with over 1.9 million followers on Instagram (@veekee_james), where she shares her latest designs and lifestyle updates.
She also interacts with her followers on other platforms such as on YouTube by the channel name Veekee James, she posted some videos that include her fashion and lifestyle journey and one that explains her engagement to her fiancé, Femi, in June 2023.
2025 Outlook for Veekee James
Thus for the year 2025, Veekee James wants to further consolidate her brand’s control over the regional as well as the global market.
Another aspect of her as a creative stylist and fashion designer is her commitment to finding and supporting innovative and distantly styled garments across the continents.
Expectations are roused regarding the several forecasts on the new collections that are likely to incorporate the architectural forms of Africa and modern trends, in that way, catering to many different people.
Also, she is involved in cultivating the youth talents in fashion through offering her expertise in fashion mentoring as well as conducting fashion masterpieces.
Veekee James shows the expected pattern of a year of intense progress and design development and therefore makes her among the designers to look forward to in 2025.
4. Orange Culture (Adebayo Oke-Lawal)
Adebayo Oke-Lawal, born in Lagos Nigeria, is the creative director of Orange Culture, a company founded in 2011 that creates apparel also integrating modern styles with the firm African root looks.
He wanted to be involved in fashion from an early age, and over the years he has grown in the field working for different internships to become a self-made menswear designer.
Orange Culture is renowned for its androgynous designs that challenge conventional gender norms, promoting a more fluid and inclusive approach to fashion.
The brand’s collections often feature vibrant prints, innovative textiles, and a fusion of universal silhouettes with an African touch. Notably, Orange Culture was among the first African brands to be selected as a semi-finalist for the esteemed LVMH Prize in 2014, an award established to honor and support young designers worldwide.
Oke-Lawal’s work has garnered significant recognition within the fashion industry. In 2022, he was included in the Business of Fashion’s BOF 500 list, a prestigious acknowledgment of individuals shaping the global fashion landscape.
His designs have been showcased at international platforms, including New York Fashion Week, where he presented his unique vision of Nigerian fashion to a global audience.
Beyond his design achievements, Oke-Lawal is committed to social advocacy, using his platform to address issues such as gender equality, mental health awareness, and LGBTQ+ rights.
He launched a CSR project called “Painting Your Dreams,” aimed at inspiring young people to pursue their passions and challenge societal norms.
As of December 2024, Adebayo Oke-Lawal maintains an active presence on social media, engaging with a substantial following.
His Instagram handle, @theorangenerd, serves as a platform where he shares his latest designs, inspirations, and insights into his creative process.
Additionally, Orange Culture’s official Instagram account, @orangecultureng, showcases the brand’s collections and behind-the-scenes content.
2025 outlook for Adebayo Oke-Lawal
By 2025, Adebayo Oke-Lawal is on course to amp up his impact globally throughout the fashion sphere.
In his Spring/Summer 2025 collection which was presented at Lagos Fashion Week, he used themes of migration as a result of his movement between Lagos and London, and nostalgia and fusion as obvious themes.
This collection has been appreciated based on the new concept and effectiveness to the society and it will reach out to many users from different parts of the world.
Oke-Lawal’s commitment to challenging traditional norms and promoting inclusivity positions him as a leading figure in the evolving fashion landscape.
His plans to open more stores for Orange Culture and to collaborate with other designers and artists point to plans that would help target even bigger markets.
Moreover, he supports some social causes, which is relevant to the growing trend of consumers increasing support for brands that care about society.
5. Ejiro Amos Tafiri
Ejiro Amos Tafiri, born in Lagos, Nigeria, is a distinguished fashion designer celebrated for her innovative designs that seamlessly blend indigenous fabrics with contemporary aesthetics.
Her fashion journey began during her formative years, influenced by her grandmother, a seamstress, which sparked her passion for garment making.
Despite initial expectations to pursue a career in medicine, Ejiro’s dedication to the arts led her to establish her eponymous brand in 2010.
The Ejiro Amos Tafiri brand is renowned for its sophisticated women’s wear that celebrates femininity and elegance.
Her designs often feature intricate drapery, layering, and a fusion of multi-textured fabrics, reflecting a deep appreciation for African royalty and heritage.
A notable collection is the 2015 Luxury Resort Collection, “The Madame,” inspired by opulence and grandeur, which was showcased at various international fashion weeks, including Dakar and Kenya Fashion Weeks.
Ejiro’s contributions to the fashion industry have been recognized with several accolades.
In 2013, she received the Fashion Film of the Year award at the City People Fashion and Beauty Awards. Her brand has also been acknowledged for its role in promoting African fashion, earning her a place among the top designers in Nigeria.
Beyond her design work, Ejiro is committed to education and capacity development within the fashion ecosystem. In 2015, she founded the Ejiro Amos Tafiri School of Design (EATSDN) to educate and empower industry stakeholders, fostering shared experiences and accelerating growth in Africa’s fashion industry.
As of December 2024, Ejiro maintains an active presence on social media, engaging with a substantial following.
Her Instagram handle, @ejiroamostafiri, showcases her latest designs, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and insights into her creative process. The brand’s official website, ejiroamostafiri.com, offers a comprehensive view of her collections and brand ethos.
2025 outlook for Ejiro Amos Tafiri
The Ejiro Amos Tafiri brand is however ready to further advance the visibility of its brand both in the domestic and international marketplace. Her 2025 collection which is called “Symphony of Convergence” was launched at Paris Fashion Week and was also presented in Lagos.
The motifs of this collection are based on many cultures across the globe and pay tribute to the beauty of culture, fabric, and workmanship integrated into contemporary style.
Ejiro’s dedication to sustainability and using fashion to preserve Nigerian culture makes her an industry giant.
Her journey from starting with limited resources to becoming a prominent designer reflects her resilience and dedication.
Amid evolving her designs and company, Ejiro Amos Tafiri is a designer to look out for in 2025.
6. Fruché (Frank Aghuno)
Frank Aghuno, the creative force behind the Nigerian fashion brand Fruché, has been making significant strides in the fashion industry since establishing his label in 2014.
A self-taught designer, Aghuno began his journey at the age of 11 by repurposing his mother’s Ankara fabrics into hand-sewn garments, demonstrating an early passion for fashion.
Fruché is celebrated for its innovative designs that blend traditional Nigerian aesthetics with contemporary fashion, challenging conventional norms and promoting self-expression.
Aghuno’s collections often feature vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and avant-garde silhouettes, reflecting his commitment to pushing the boundaries of fashion.
Throughout his career, Aghuno has received recognition for his contributions to the fashion industry. His work has been showcased at prestigious events such as Lagos Fashion Week, where he debuted collections that garnered critical acclaim.
In interviews, Aghuno has emphasized the importance of authenticity and self-expression in his designs, aiming to create pieces that resonate with a diverse audience.
As of December 2024, Aghuno maintains an active presence on social media, engaging with a growing audience interested in his work. His Instagram handle, @fruche.official, showcases his latest designs and provides insights into his creative process.
2025 outlook for Frank Aghuno
As the future of fashion approaches 2025, Frank Aghuno will take his role to the next level by increasing his sphere of influence.
Given the ongoing shifts toward sustainable fashion and ethical production, an innovative approach to design puts Aghuno in good stead to respond to these shifts.
Future collections are eagerly awaited from Fruché, as it has been an elegant blending of Nigerian clothing with modern trends that attract international buyers.
Aghuno’s commitment to designing and providing items that are as genuine as possible provides evidence that he will comfortably appeal to the target market that looks for purposeful fashion expressions.
Frank Aghuno of course, will not shy away from providing consumers with fashion collections they would be enthralled by in 2025 and beyond.
7. Elizabeth Ehi Jones
Elizabeth Ehi Jones, born on August 25, 1998, in Cross River State, Nigeria, is a distinguished model, entrepreneur, and fashion enthusiast.
She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology from Benue State University. Her journey into the limelight began in the pageantry scene, where she emerged as the first runner-up at the Sarauniya beauty pageant.
Following the dethronement of the initial winner, Elizabeth was crowned the head queen in 2021. Her prominence further escalated when she won the Face of Idoma International pageant in 2022, a prestigious event held in Otukpo, Benue State.
During her reign, she actively advocated for the girl child and women, organizing medical outreaches, donating shoes to school children, and hosting love feasts with disabled children.
Transitioning from pageantry to entrepreneurship, Elizabeth founded Eljones Limited, a luxury fashion brand specializing in designer shoes and handbags.
Her brand is renowned for its high-quality fashion products and exceptional craftsmanship, catering to a global clientele seeking exclusivity and style.
Under her leadership, Eljones Limited has gained recognition for its commitment to sustainability, blending eco-friendly practices with high-end design.
The brand emphasizes the use of sustainable materials, ensuring that luxury does not compromise environmental responsibility.
Elizabeth’s contributions to the fashion industry have been acknowledged through various accolades.
In December 2024, she was honored with the Regal Award as the Fast Rising Entrepreneur of the Year, a testament to her visionary leadership and dedication to excellence.
This prestigious recognition was presented at the Regal Awards Nigeria ceremony held at Merit House, Maitama, Abuja.
2025 Outlook for Elizabeth Ehi Jones
Looking at the future of the luxurious fashion market in 2025, Elizabeth Ehi Jones is prepared to revolutionize the fashion industry.
Currently, more luxury fashion shoes and luxury fashion bags are expected on the market come January 2025, when she will unveil the luxury fashion collection.
This new line is focused on sustainability, quality, and individuality, which is in line with the current global moves towards responsible fashion.
Elizabeth’s determination to integrate sustainability with luxury keenly makes her position her brand to lure selective and value-conscious consumers.
Still focusing her energy on diversification and growth, Elizabeth Ehi Jones is a fashion entrepreneur to look out for in 2025.
8. Banke Kuku
Banke Kuku, often referred to as the “Queen of Colour,” is a distinguished Nigerian textile designer and fashion entrepreneur renowned for her vibrant prints and luxurious loungewear.
Born in Nigeria, she relocated to the United Kingdom at the age of eight, where she later pursued her passion for textiles, earning a degree in Textile Design from Chelsea College of Art and Design.
This bicultural experience profoundly influences her work, seamlessly blending Nigerian and Western aesthetics.
In 2011, Banke established her eponymous brand, Banke Kuku, which has since gained international acclaim for its unique fusion of traditional African patterns with contemporary design elements.
Her collections are celebrated for their bold colors, intricate patterns, and luxurious fabrics, often drawing inspiration from nature and Nigerian cultural narratives.
Achievements and recognition
A notable example is her Spring/Summer 2025 collection, “Oceans Front Row,” which highlights the beauty of marine ecosystems and underscores the importance of sustainability in fashion.
Banke’s innovative designs have garnered significant recognition within the fashion industry. She has collaborated with international celebrities, including a dynamic partnership with actress Gabrielle Union, further elevating her brand’s global presence.
Her work has been featured in prestigious publications such as Vogue UK, Stylist UK, and ThisDay Style, solidifying her status as a leading figure in contemporary fashion.
Beyond her design achievements, Banke is a regular fixture on international platforms, including appearances on Africa Day and as a judge on “The Great British Sewing Bee.”
Moreover, she has also been recognized among the Eko 100 Women in both 2022 and 2023, celebrating her contributions to the creative industry.
As of December 2024, Banke maintains an active presence on social media, engaging with a substantial following.
Her Instagram handle, @bankekuku, showcases her latest designs, behind-the-scenes insights, and personal reflections. The brand’s official website, bankekuku.com, offers a comprehensive view of her collections and brand ethos.
2025 Outlook for Banke Kuku
Prospects of Banke Kuku for 2025 and beyond show that there are even bigger opportunities for her to dominate the world fashion market.
It is seen in her latest collection tagged “Oceans,” which has focused on using sustainable items throughout the process and incorporating sustainable consciousness in fashion.
With her down-to-earth creative approach and commitment to making sustainable fashion the new norm, Banke has paved her way into the changing fashion world.
9. Mowalola Ogunlesi
Mowalola Ogunlesi, born on March 25, 1995, in Lagos, Nigeria, is a prominent Nigerian-British fashion designer celebrated for her avant-garde designs that challenge traditional fashion norms.
Raised in a creative environment, both her parents are fashion designers, Mowalola’s passion for fashion was nurtured from a young age.
She honed her skills at Central Saint Martins in London, graduating with a degree in Fashion Design and Print.
In 2017, Mowalola launched her eponymous brand, debuting with the “Psychedelic” collection at the Central Saint Martins Press Show.
Her designs are renowned for their bold use of materials like PVC and leather, vibrant colors, and gender-fluid silhouettes, drawing inspiration from Nigerian psychedelic rock and London youth culture.
This distinctive aesthetic has attracted a high-profile clientele, including celebrities such as Naomi Campbell, Solange Knowles, and Skepta.
A significant milestone in her career was her appointment as Design Director for Kanye West’s Yeezy Gap collaboration in 2020, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the collection’s creative direction.
Additionally, Mowalola has collaborated with brands like New Balance and Bratz, further expanding her influence in the fashion industry.
Mowalola’s work has been featured in esteemed publications such as Vogue, Dazed, and Essence, highlighting her impact on contemporary fashion.
Moreover, her designs have been showcased at major fashion events, including London Fashion Week, where she continues to captivate audiences with her innovative approach.
As of December 2024, Mowalola maintains an active online presence, engaging with a substantial following on social media.
Her Instagram handle, @mowalola, boasts over 350,000 followers, where she shares her latest designs and creative insights.
Her YouTube channel, Mowalola, features behind-the-scenes content and has garnered over 8,000 subscribers, with her most-watched video, “MOWALOLA – DIRTY POP – SEASON 7,” amassing over 75,000 views.
2025 Outlook for Mowalola Ogunlesi
While the fashion industry anticipates the year 2025, Mowalola is on the verge of creating that new paradigm.
Her show in the Spring/Summer 2025 Season at London Fashion Week was applauded for the different provocative themes and post-show message.
People are waiting for her new ideas, works, and projects since more and more professionals anticipate her leadership and further creativity.
Moreover, the attitude and commitment shown by Mowalola coupled with her love for Fashion should inspire anyone to keenly watch her production in the year 2025.
10. Chuks Collins
Chuks Collins is a fashion designer and Visual artist currently practicing in New York, born in Nigeria, best known for his inventive aesthetic and responsible fashion principles.
However, this early exposure to craftsmanship ignited his passion for fashion, leading him to pursue a career that seamlessly blends African and Western aesthetics
In 2014, Collins started his label, Chuks Collins, which has been trending due to its unconventional style with eco-friendly philosophies.
His collections are loud in silhouette, rich in detail, and in complete compliance with sustainably produced fabrics. TASOU means ‘The Athletic Side Of Us’ and was established in 2021 as a lifestyle athleisure brand mainly created based on the commitment to sustainability and unique design.
Achievements and recognition
Collins has had numerous of his clothing designs for the ramp including New York Fashion Week, he has produced collections that are thoroughly enjoyable to both the viewers and the critics.
This collection entitled “Nné,” Spring/Summer 2025 navigated through Chelsea Factory in New York and intended to pay respect to mother figures. Moreover, the collection was constructed as traditional Nigerian fabrics blended with modern aesthetics with a view of reflecting on Nigerian culture and paying tribute to the strength of women.
Moreover, he has clothed popular celebrities like Kerry Washington, The Jonas Brothers, and Trevor Jackson, which placed him well in the fashion world.
Also, his art has been published in several magazines and he has worked with companies such as Guinness, Vice, and Ralph Lauren to name but a few.
As of December 2024, Collins maintains an active presence on social media, engaging with a growing audience interested in his work. His Instagram handle, @chukscollins, showcases his latest designs and provides insights into his creative process.
2025 outlook for Chuks Collins
As we approach 2025, Chuks Collins should ideally be able to give more input, especially in the fashion industry.
His passion for sustainability and ethical practices in fashion is evidence of the culture that is being adopted globally making him have a seat well positioned for further growth.
Furthermore, people await his new collections of which he plans to incorporate conventional African customs and modern fashion for export.
Taking into account that Collins values creativity, and aims to give people a tool for expressing themselves through his designs, it can be assumed that people will still find something that would spark their interest.
