Have you ever looked at a runway photo or a celebrity in a perfectly fitted design and thought, “Wait, is that a Nigerian design?” Chances are, it is. From Milan to Paris, Nigerian fashion is no longer just one of those emerging stars; it is a global player. At fashion shows, red carpets, and the sidewalks, Nigerian designers are rewriting the narrative for the world about African fashion: it’s not just Ankara fashion, it’s not just colour, but Craft, Storytelling, Creativity, and Power.
In 2025, Nigerian designers are no longer just cutting clothes, but building a legacy, exporting culture, and dressing a generation of women and men who are daring and ready to show it.
Here are the top five names leading that charge not just with their raw talent, but how they continue to shape Nigerian fashion, both at home and abroad.
Lisa Folawiyo
For making Ankara couture a global affair
When it comes to print, no one does it quite like Lisa. The woman behind the iconic label Jewel by Lisa has long proven that African fabrics belong in couture and on global red carpets. She was one of the first to reimagine Ankara as art, giving it polish and embellishment, and global credibility.
In 2025, her designs will remain timeless. Celebrities still wear her. Fashion editors still love her. And for many young designers, Lisa is the blueprint.
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Also Read: Lagos’ top five celebrity fashion designers to beat
Keneth Ize
For turning heritage into high fashion
Keneth Ize doesn’t just design, he revives. His work with Aso-Oke has brought traditional Yoruba weaving into conversations about sustainability and luxury, and guess what, the world is taking notes. With the growing international clientele, global partnership, and a commitment to working with local artisans, Kenneth is redefining modern African fashion with depth and integrity.
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Andrea Iyamah
For giving bold, confident, unforgettable resort wear.
You’ve probably seen her pieces on Instagram or on some of your favourite celebrities. Andrea Iyamah’s brand has become synonymous with vibrant swimwear, structured resort wear, and a vision of the African woman that is strong, soft, chic, and unapologetically stylish.
Based in Canada but proudly Nigerian, Andrea continues to bridge continents, designing for women who want to feel like art at the beach, on a boat, or at a destination wedding in Santorini.
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Veekee James
For taking bridal glamour to the next level
There’s a reason Veekee James dominates social media every wedding weekend. Her gowns are a masterclass in precision: sculpted odies, perfect bonning, dramatic trains, and the kind of fit that makes brides drop a tear (tears of joy at least).In just a few years, she’s become one of the most in-demand designers for bridal and evening wear in Nigeria.
But what makes her even more remarkable is her understanding of the Nigerian woman. She knows how they want to look, how they want to feel, and she delivers every time.
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Mai Atafo
For elevating menswear (and weddings) with elegance.
Mai Atafo is not just a designer; he is an institution. Known for clean lines, impeccable tailoring, and redefined aesthetics, he built a brand that speaks to class. From groomsmen in his iconic three-piece suits to brides in custom couture, Mai’s work continues to set the bar.
Despite the number of trends, he is a designer who believes in timeless design. And in 2025, Timeless still wins.
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Fashion in Nigeria is more than beauty. It is a $4.7 billion industry that employs thousands, shapes identity, and gives global audiences a new lens through which Nigerians are seen. These designers and others are changing narratives and setting standards.
