The year 2024 has been nothing short of monumental for the fashion industry, marked by groundbreaking innovation, cultural renaissance, and the unwavering influence of Nigerian fashion on the global stage. From redefining sustainability to celebrating inclusivity, the year saw fashion making bold statements and reshaping narratives.
Innovation Meets Tradition
Nigerian fashion designers continued to strike a balance between honoring tradition and embracing modernity. Brands like Nkwo, known for their “Dakara” fabric innovation, used upcycled denim to craft designs that narrate African stories through sustainable practices. Lisa Folawiyo, a pioneer in Ankara fashion, redefined contemporary African prints with intricate beading and modern silhouettes. Globally, the incorporation of AI into the design process revolutionized the industry, enabling designers to predict trends and create hyper-personalized collections.
The Global Ascension of African Aesthetics
The influence of African aesthetics expanded exponentially this year. Nigerian designers dominated international runways at Paris, Milan, and New York Fashion Weeks, with collections inspired by rich cultural narratives. Kenneth Ize’s use of handwoven aso-oke fabrics received acclaim for blending heritage with high fashion, while Orange Culture’s androgynous designs resonated with audiences seeking gender-fluid expression. Across the diaspora, African motifs like bold prints, cowrie shells, and raffia embroidery became staples in global collections, signaling a profound appreciation for African artistry.
Inclusivity and Representation: The New Norm
In 2024, inclusivity was not just a buzzword but a core principle. Nigerian brands, alongside international counterparts, championed diversity in all its forms. Adaptive clothing lines catered to persons with disabilities, while brands like Andrea Iyamah and Cynthia Abila showcased designs celebrating body diversity, ensuring representation on runways and in campaigns. Gender-neutral collections gained prominence, dismantling traditional fashion norms and redefining identity.
The Digital Fashion Revolution
Technology played a pivotal role in reshaping the fashion landscape. Virtual try-ons, NFT fashion drops, and augmented reality (AR) runway shows bridged the gap between consumers and high fashion. Influencers like Swanky Jerry, Sharon Ojong, and the Mbadiwe twins used social media platforms to amplify African fashion globally, setting trends and shaping conversations around style. Digital platforms became critical in democratizing fashion, bringing luxury closer to everyday consumers.
Sustainability as a Cornerstone
Amid global climate concerns, sustainability emerged as a cornerstone of fashion in 2024. Nigerian brands led by example, leveraging local materials like adire and raffia while reducing their carbon footprints. Collaborations within the African continent grew stronger, fostering a sense of Pan-African unity. Initiatives like “Made in Africa” campaigns encouraged consumers to invest in locally crafted designs, boosting the domestic economy and reducing reliance on imports.
Challenges and Resilience
The year was not without its challenges. Rising production costs due to global economic shifts tested the resilience of many designers. However, the Nigerian fashion industry adapted, with smaller, artisanal brands gaining prominence for their bespoke offerings. Pop-up markets and trunk shows became popular avenues for designers to connect directly with their clientele, bypassing traditional retail structures.
The Role of Events and Festivals
Fashion events remained critical in spotlighting talent. Lagos Fashion Week expanded its reach with hybrid shows, combining physical runways with virtual experiences to cater to a global audience. The Heineken Lagos Fashion & Design Week featured an impressive lineup of emerging designers alongside established names, solidifying Lagos as a fashion capital.
The Future of Nigerian Fashion
As 2024 draws to a close, the outlook for Nigerian fashion is brighter than ever. With its designers setting trends, its influencers shaping global conversations, and its commitment to sustainability and inclusivity, Nigeria continues to prove its status as a powerhouse in the fashion world. Beyond borders, the ripple effects of Nigeria’s creativity and resilience are felt, ensuring that African fashion is not just part of the conversation but leading it.
Top 50 Nigerians in Fashion (2024)
These individuals, through their creativity and influence, shaped Nigerian and global fashion in 2024:
Designers and Creative Directors
- Lisa Folawiyo
- Kenneth Ize
- Orange Culture (Adebayo Oke-Lawal)
- Andrea Iyamah
- Ejiro Amos Tafiri
- Nkwo Onwuka
- Tsemaye Binitie
- Mai Atafo
- Tiffany Amber
- Ituen Basi
Stylists and Influencers
11. Swanky Jerry
12. Sharon Ojong
13. The Mbadiwe Twins
14. Noble Igwe
15. Temi Otedola
16. Denola Grey
17. Nonye Mpho Omotola
18. Ronke Enoabasi Adefalujo (RhonkeFella)
19. Latasha Ngwube
20. Elohor Aisien
Models
21. Mayowa Nicholas
22. Davidson Obennebo
23. Victor Ndigwe
24. Elizabeth Ayodele
25. Adesuwa Aighewi
Content Creators and Media Personalities
26. Fisayo Longe
27. Toke Makinwa
28. Priscilla Ojo
29. Sophia Momodu
30. Kelechi Amadi-Obi
Fashion Entrepreneurs and Executives
31. Omoyemi Akerele (Founder, Lagos Fashion Week)
32. Reni Folawiyo (Founder, Alara)
33. Efe Tommy Adabamu
34. Ade Samuel (Celebrity Stylist and Designer)
35. Adebayo Oke-Lawal
Photographers and Art Directors
36. Stephen Tayo
37. Daniel Obasi
38. Obi Somto
39. William Ukoh
Emerging Talent
40. VicNage
41. Cynthia Abila
42. Xtrabrides Lagos
43. Enyinnaya Nwigwe
44. Winton Leather
45. King David Shoes
Cultural and Global Influencers
46. Tiwa Savage (Fashion Icon)
47. Burna Boy (Global Ambassador for African Style)
48. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Cultural Style Icon)
49. Wizkid (Trendsetter in Streetwear)
50. Tems (Breaking Boundaries with Unique Style)