23 of the best Nigerian fashion brands from 2023

Last year, we introduced you to 22 remarkable Nigerian fashion brands that caught our eye. As this year is rapidly coming to a close, we couldn’t resist doing it again. The Nigerian fashion scene has proven its resilience, constantly evolving with new prints, silhouettes, and ever-changing dynamics. From exploring emerging trends to embracing sustainable fashion, it’s been an exciting journey.

This year we bring an updated list of 23 of the Best Nigerian Fashion Brands from 2023

Since its New York Fashion Week Debut in 2020, the eponymous women’s fashion brand has evolved into a platform for female self-expression and empowerment.

This year, they achieved several milestones, including celebrities wearing their clothing, and collaboration with Beyonce’s Renaissance team for styling Blue Ivy. They celebrated the launching of their SS24 Collection, known for its youthful, vibrant, and ruffled designs.

Nkwo Onwuka, the founder, places a strong emphasis on environmental preservation. The fashion brand is on a mission to lead the way in sustainable fashion. The latest SS24 collection, “Transformables,” focuses on upcycling and revamping old denim, jeans, and cotton clothing as part of a unique reverse retail approach.

Peter Oshobor, is lending his voice to redefine masculinity. Employing his contemporary designs that challenge the conventional male silhouette, while simultaneously intersecting traditional inspirations, personal experiences, and the beauty of the father-son dynamism and legacy.

The indigenous Fashion brand from Benin, Nigeria, is renowned for its distinctive and bold designs often incorporating knitted wools for extra flair. Catering to big personalities, for those who are not afraid to stand out or make a difference. They launched their SS24 collection. “A Graduation of Love,” is a collection that vividly portrays the journey of love, symbolizing its evolution from ignorance to a radiant, ethereal beauty through the use of bright colors.

Having been selected for the Green Access Fashion Programme showcase during the previous Lagos Fashion Week. Peter Acha has integrated the lessons learned into his own fashion concept. In each collection, he embraces tie-dye, repurposes supposed waste fabrics, and transforms materials into unconventional silhouettes, resulting in comfortable and stylish pieces.

Pettre Taylor specializes in artisanal creations that feature intricate hand embroidery. This year, they unveiled their transformative Trans-seasonal collection for AW23/SS24. Titled “Let Our Difference Bloom,” the collection emphasizes the importance of unique pieces that showcase and celebrate each individual’s distinct personality and true self, allowing them to dress in a way that reflects their unique identity.

Knitwear has transcended its traditional role of providing warmth, moving beyond monotonous colors and basic patterns. Edwin Okolo and Imabong Emoh have redefined the concept, elevating knitwear to haute couture status through their Nigerian brand.

At Lagos Fashion Week 23, DwinstheStoic’s runway performance set the mood for their showcase. Showcasing knit and crochet as more than just everyday wear. Studio Imo has become a trusted choice for sophisticated knit and crochet outfits, ensuring you look the part for any occasion.

Searching for a versatile brand that caters to diverse styles and occasions? Nyosi is your go-to choice.

Founded by Vanessa Ilo, this Nigerian Womenswear brand offers a broad range of aesthetics. From sheer blouses to colorful utility sets, maxi sets, batik prints, shorts, button-down blouses, and lounge dresses. Whether you’re heading to brunch or hanging out with friends.

Nyosi has the perfect dress, t-shirt, and printed scarf to match your mood and style, seamlessly blending comfort with chic and trendy designs.

Step into the lively and vibrant universe of Oama, a rapidly ascending fashion brand. Celebrating a range of body types and incorporating dynamic cutouts, their designs exude brightness, color, and sophistication.

Introducing their Summer line, “A Summer Story,” from the SS23 Collection. The collection features standout pieces like the Azah One-piece swimsuit, the Razi Flower-patterned multicolored Sarong, the Soma Bikini in Jigsaw print with High-waisted bottoms, the Ivie Bikini with flared high-waisted bottoms, and the eye-catching Riva Lounge set from the Holiday collection.

Among the must-haves is the Femme Forme collection – a detailed and captivating addition to your wardrobe.

Abasiekeme Eki Ukanireh, in her journey through creative design, has been a proponent of ethical and sustainable fashion. Infusing elements like Rafia fringe, batik material, kaftans, and comfortable African textiles. The innovative unisex brand unveiled the “Memory Jean” collection this year. Securing a spot at the esteemed Lagos x Paris fashion and design accelerator program further highlights their recognition.

The Eki Kere brand seamlessly combines materials you wouldn’t expect, such as popular fabrics and raffia embellishments. The resulting composition is bound to impress anyone in any Eki Keere piece. Picture Raffia bucket hats, Adire two-piece loungewear adorned with raffia flairs at the cuffs, both top and bottom. Envision making an entrance into a room adorned in these creations – what a remarkable sight.

Wuzzy Omiyale, hails from a lineage of seamstresses and fabric weavers. She received a notable accolade earlier this year by being chosen for the Topshop x BY Wuzzy Collaboration, recognizing her talent in patchwork denim. Subsequently, she pursued studies at the London School of Fashion. Post-graduation and amid the challenges of the Covid pandemic, the brand “By Wuzzy” emerged, embodying optimism and resilience.

This women’s fashion label seamlessly combines style and sustainability. Making a striking debut on the Lagos Fashion Week Runway and securing a spot as a Green Access 2023 finalist. By Wuzzy showcased reimagined and sustainable denim pieces. Widely known for her exceptional patchwork jeans, Wuzzy has expanded her repertoire to include a diverse range of fashion items, featuring contemporary and trendy silhouettes like corsets, mini skirts, and maxi dresses.

Founded by Tunde Shoremekun in 2017. The brand initially emerged as a women’s wear line tailored for those who view the world as their canvas. Offering a diverse range from dresses to trousers and more, this powerhouse fashion house caters to all.

Eso by Liman is a distinctive men’s and women’s wear brand that skillfully blends contemporary styles with sustainable fabrics. Their recent SS24 Rebirth Collection was unveiled this year. The collection showcases the creative use of pre-owned garments meticulously sourced from the renowned Katangua thrift market.

Amidst the whistling success of the Nigerian leather industry, recognized as a major exporter of high-end global brands. There’s a surprising dearth of substantial representation in the leather business gravitating toward Nigeria.

Nisho adeptly harnesses natural reserves, crafting clothing that fulfills every desire. From corsets sculpting the figure to comfy leather shorts, and dresses tailored for various occasions.

With skillful craftsmanship, Nisho stands out as a women’s wear brand celebrated for creating stylish and modern leather pieces. Their diverse range encompasses a vibrant collection, highlighting their mastery in crafting contemporary pieces from leather.

Established by Victor Anate. VicNate has your back for work dinners and awards shows with their extensive range of evening dresses. Exuding elegance and sophistication, this year VicNate introduces the breathtaking “V for Vicnate” capsule collection. The collection showcases an array of structured, sexy draped pieces, and bold, audacious silhouettes.

Immerse yourself in a realm of refined, chic, and stylish fashion with their latest creations.

Elyone Adede’s creative vision fully came to life in 2018. Elexiay is a meticulous brand specializing in resort and loungewear, knitwear, and crochet. Paired with purposeful detailing and artisanal accessories, their pieces embody a dedication to crafting timeless and exceptional fashion. From feminine contemporary silhouettes in tops to dresses, and a palette of colors that redefines sustainable fashion through knitwear across generations,

Elexiay stands at the intersection of the new face of knitwear while retaining cultural influence and impact. Beyond being a profit-driven business, Elyone Adede’s unwavering commitment to job creation and empowering women shines through, providing opportunities for handmade female crocheters.

Affectionately known as the “Orient of Africa,” the founder, Julie Olanipekun, draws inspiration from personal notes to create extraordinary ideas. Each piece is meticulously constructed and stitched with deep love and appreciation for every purchaser. Delicate yet extraordinary, striking, and sure to garner compliments, Juez fearlessly embraces uniqueness, unconventional styles, and distinctive silhouettes.

They unveiled their SS22 collection, the “Under the Sea” collection, inspired by Jellyfish to Stingrays. The brand elevated bold colors and innovative designs, featuring the star power of Mercy Eke on the runway. With a creative styling approach and the use of pleats, organza, and colorful, bold designs, wearing a Juez dress means stepping forward and letting the world appreciate the beauty you possess.

Established by Samantha Adebayo in 2018, in her quest to challenge the difficulty of finding clothes that are comfortable, chic, and her appropriate body measure without making alterations. She takes on this journey impacted by the idea that fashion should be both enjoyable and inclusive. The pieces traverse a journey through time, spanning various eras – from hip-hop in the 2000s to casual printed tees.

The versatile “I Love Home” collection showcases a range of clothing styles that seamlessly transition from laid-back streetwear to sophisticated and elevated fashion.

Created by Miftau Femi Ajose, celebrated as genderless. Cute Saint exists at the crossroads of luxury and affordability, narrating the untold glory of Africa through vibrant colors, unique silhouettes, and unconventional designs.

They recently launched the Igboya 2024 trans-seasonal collection, encompassing a diverse range from knitwear to utility trousers, jackets, and corsets. The showcase of their trans-seasonal collection took center stage on the runway at Lagos Fashion Week 2023.

Established in 2021, Orire’s commendable dominance in a short span has made it a recognizable piece wherever it is worn. This year, their “Brick by Brick” collection captured the hearts of fashion enthusiasts, eager to acquire pieces from this standout collection.

Following the success of the “Brick by Brick” collection, they introduced their Spring/Summer collection, “Welcome Home.”

A dedication to the high-spirited and energetic women of the metropolitan city, of Lagos. Bursting with colors, ruffles, exciting asymmetry, textures, dynamic shapes, and captivating volumes, it’s a visual feast and a true treat for fashion enthusiasts.

The brand known for its cover photo preferences, featuring Ayra Star on fourteen Vogue covers and showcasing Davido in an iconic, multicolored shirt, which stands out with remarkable designs and distinctive silhouettes. KIadiju began the year on the Arise Fashion Week runway, unveiling Collection 005. The designer’s success in the Afro-Euro runway fashion show earned a scholarship for Madrid Fashion Week in September. Their SS24 Collection 006 dazzled the audience at Lagos Fashion Week ’23, marking a fantastic year for the brand.

Established in August 2021 by Founder Oyindamola Aleshinloye, KIadiju aims to contribute her vision, expertise, and skills to the dynamic African fashion environment.

The editor unanimously endorsed the creative director’s vision of Lulla House transcending mere fashion, evolving into a powerhouse that meticulously projects details. Having secured the 2022 Green Aces grant, this year the designer graces Lagos Fashion Week with a collection titled “Threads of Continuity,” exploring the intersection of cultural heritage from the past and the contemporary present.

Lu Adesola, the founder and creator, subscribes to the notion of clothing as more than a mere covering, deeming it a sacred role that should be handled with utmost regard. This perspective extends to every step of the process. Starting from founding a fashion and clothing brand specifically for petite individuals to meticulously designing and retaining originality through the rich composition of African culture embedded in modern silhouettes.

Obida Obioha’s self-titled brand, “Obida,” and O’Da Art Gallery in Lagos, Nigeria, showcase his passion for infusing a modern, contemporary twist into classic adire prints. His love extends through generations, as adire encapsulates more than attire for the older generation. The collection features distinctive prints and effortlessly stylish attire, including jumpsuits, two-piece sets, shirts, shorts, and more, providing both comfort and fashion-forward choices.

What’s a Nigerian women’s fashion review without making mention of Desire Iyamah, a favorite among “it” girls? This brand stands at the forefront of Nigerian fashion and women’s clothing, maintaining its position as a driving force in the African fashion ecosystem by seamlessly blending traditional roots with contemporary silhouettes. The ball-inspired chic dresses from their Botanical Garden collection, paired with Morenikeji’s handmade, dramatic, and exquisite earrings, exemplify a timeless style. With simple yet attention-grabbing designs, the brand consistently dominates the fashion scene year after year.

After the brand’s relaunch, Desire Iyamah shows no signs of slowing down. Each collection, aiming to compensate for the two-year break, strives to outdo the previous, creating timeless pieces that enhance aesthetically pleasing and feel-good wardrobes even long after their release.

Debuting in 2022 with its inaugural collection, Aso by Aanuoluwa Ajide Daniels proudly unveils “The Emergence,” a unique portrayal of embracing one’s identity. This collection radiates excitement through distinctive silhouettes, colors, and cuts. Following the success of the debut Emergence collection, Aso continues to expand its repertoire, introducing additional pieces to its ever-growing collection. This includes the denim-embellished shirt dress, illusion pants, and a summer collection featuring the Fleur Crochet dress, themed “A Ray of Sunshine,” a Blue set, and a Crochet Robe – perfect for summertime lounging or resort wear.

Aanuoluwa’s brand centers around the awareness of one’s identity and the importance of firmly grounding oneself in it.

Toluwani Wabara, the founder and co-director of Wani Fuga, is renowned for the iconic Bubus and Rich Madam Luxury pieces that revolutionize traditional wear. These creations appeal to diverse age groups, transforming them into fashionable choices for various events. The collection effortlessly fuses African traditional elements with modern aesthetics.

As a maximalist fashion brand, Wani Fuga shuns any notion of boredom. Subtle colors are absent from their vocabulary, replaced by shades that exude a bold personality across silhouettes, designs, patterns, and the contemporary opulence of the bubu structure.