With the fast-paced nature of fashion in Nigeria it has become extremely difficult to forecast what to expect next. Various emerging fashion brands keep springing up from different parts of the country each season with Lagos been the centre of focus.
The visions of these brands are modern and borderless—unburdened by ties to tradition, or the urge to reject it. Some are fresh out of design school, others have been honing their vision for a few seasons now. All of them offer compelling reasons to reconsider, or at least add something to, your personal style.
In 2017, we saw the rise of a number of labels that have made their way into the spotlight, and we are expecting them to continue to build upon their success this year. Without further ado, BlackNBold Fashion House presents its 10 emerging fashion brands to lookout for in 2018:
1. DNA BY ICONIC INVANITY
DNA BY ICONIC INVANITY, a womenswear brand owned by 19-year-old Destiny Nwadire was one of the exciting stories of the Lagos Fashion and Design Week 2017 where the label had a stunning runway showcase for its SS18 collection featuring Afro Neo-Plasticism fringe gorgeousness which was opened by Nollywood actress Osas Ighodaro. Dna by iconic invanity’s collections display a penchant for simplicity, existing somewhere between high-end clothing and contemporary workwear. DNA by Iconic Invanity is on an ascent to excellence.
2. ROKSANA
The ROKSANA brand which represents freshness and class was founded by Miedor eporwei who started fashion professionally in Febuaury 2017. Her style is influenced by comfort, elegance and sophistication. To her credit are the spring/summer 17 collection “Classics” and the Spring/Summer 18 collection “Visual Engagement”.
As a lifestyle brand, ROKSANA’s focus is more than clothes; it looks to build a community out of the interests that have inspired the label.
3. IDENTITY BY FIFI
Abuja-based fashion brand IDENTITY BY FIFI was founded in 2016 by Ifeyinwa Okakwu. The brand has quickly grown through the internet and social media community. With collections deeply rooted in styles made up of romantic, soft and delicate pieces with a dash of drama and volume. Additionally, the brand hopes to help people express their identity through clothes. In 2018, its major focus is to create retail outlets both online and offline.
4. CARL ANDREWS
Long before designer Carl Eze the creative director of the CARL ANDREWS brand came to limelight through the Nigerian Student Fashion & Design Week, his outstanding designs were already being spotted and worn by trendsetters such as Tuface Idibia, Ycee, Maleek Berry and Falz. The urban fashion brand was founded in 2016. Carl’s style of fashion is unconventional, deviating from the norm with collections deeply rooted in the subcultures of today’s youth. His debut collection “Sanguine Path” represented positivity and a very strong optimism for the future of his fashion brand which was a collaborative effort. His most recent yet to be released collection “Black Excellence” creates interesting textures and cuts in ode to the caliginous mood of the city that schooled him.
5. COZ DESIGNS
Oreoluwa Osoba founded COZ DESIGNS in the year 2015 and the brand’s utilitarian bags have been in production since then, but recently, Coz’s selection of unisex handbags have been spotted on some famous celebrities in Nigeria such as Peter Okoye, Patoranking, Reekado Banks, Korede Bello, Dj Jimmy Jatt, Annie Idibia, Adesua Etomi, to mention a few. The brand which stands for luxury, style and class is quickly gaining popularity on social media, thanks to its offhand and strategic approach to design and strategic marketing. Its first collection “Timeless” was a representation of fashion that will not be affected by the passage of time or changes in fashion while the second “New Religion” was a major breakthrough for the brand.
6. HYM SIGNAGE
HYM SIGNAGE was launched into the Nigerian fashion industry in 2010. The brand represents the future of the industry with its major focus on menswear. Aimed at producing quality and exclusive wears at a decent prize, Hym Signage creates staple cut-and-sew pieces that maintains minimalism, subtle tone and a comfortable fit. With four collections to its credit and the most recent “DEN-HYM” which got the brand the most creative menswear brand award at the Nigerian Student Fashion & Design week 2017, we can categorically say that this is one fashion line to lookout for in 2018.
7. FLOYCARDIGAN COLLTN
FLOYCARDIGAN COLLTN might be a new name in the fashion industry in Nigeria but with only two years under its belt, the brand has had an impressive growth. Specializing in understated, sophisticated pieces with a contemporary twist, the unisex knitwear brand comes in a wide range of patterns, textures and cuts that you won’t find anywhere else. Founded by Veronica Omoniyi, its most recent collection “Will Power” was released in 2017, and was showcased at the South Africa Fashion Week and at the Lagos at 50 event. The brand, gearing towards more cohesive and expressive designs in 2018 is definitely one to lookout for.
8. GREEN KREATIONS
GREEN KREATIONS is for all of the dreamers and visionaries of the never ending hunt for traditional and western mix, founded in 2015 by Aanu Adeoti, the brand represents uniqueness, handmade and industrial collections from creative directions by graphic designers, pattern makers and specialists. Green Kreation focuses more on making Trads -an expression of African culture using its environment and surrounding culture as an inspiration.
9. IDIOL NUPO
We have been in love with IDIOL NUPO since their quite frankly jaw dropping SS17 collection “Harriet” which was inspired by the creative director’s late mom. Their luxe, avant-garde, conceptual vision of Womens wear not only looks great, but it’s produced with next-level fabrics that reflects beauty, class and style. Idiol Nupo has found fans in the likes of Toke Makinwa and Tallulah Doherty with a gradually growing discerning retailers under its belt, too.
10. APPARELS BY PEARL
This Nigerian brand is further proof why Nigeria has a lot of hidden talents at the grass root, producing the most outstanding collection at the Nigerian Student Fashion & Design Week 2017 where they went away with the most creative designers award. The brand takes an avant-garde approach to its style and concepts, crafting quality essentials with fabric from Africa, and the result is a diverse selection of everyday ready to wear pieces with endless versatility. We can’t wait to see what this emerging brand has in store.
