The Nigerian fashion industry has been growing steadily over the years with more people engaging in the business of fashion. There are now numerous designers, stylists, models and fashion influencers across the country. Fashion shows like Lagos fashion week and Guaranty Trust bank (GTB) fashion week have paved the way for Nigerians to be recognised internationally in fashion. The top four collections seen for SS21 are:
1. Clan
This is a ready to wear fashion brand owned by Deola Sagoe limited. The collection named “the revival" represents black excellence in a time of political insurgence, following the #EndSars campaign that sparked worldwide recognition. The pieces are named after popular places in Lagos state such as Mende, Maryland, Surulere and so on.
2. Lisa Folawiyo
The collection “COLL 1” is a complex amalgamation of details, transforming the old to amplify a new era. African fabrics like adire and ankara were used with bold colours. A good number of pieces were embellished by hand. Pieces from this brand have been worn by popular Nigerian musician, Tiwa Savage, for the cover of Billboard magazine and Issa Rae of the TV series Insecure. It has featured in several magazines including Vogue Japan.
3. Sisiano
The Sisiano brand has always had a trademark of fluidity and free flow in every collection, while simultaneously bringing a new flavour to the table. This collection known as “to the places we’ve never been" serves as a reminder to people to live in the present, laugh, cry and experience emotions as they should.
4. Emmy Kasbit
This young designer made a name for himself after making the finals of the fashion focus program at Lagos fashion week. The former British prime minister, Theresa May, wore one of his jackets made from a popular Nigerian fabric “Aso Oke" in 2018. He has since made waves in the fashion industry. His latest collection “Unity redefined” embraces the spirit of unity and perseverance amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.
Edited by Maddy Burgess