While some Nigerian women designers have gained recognition, many equally talented ones remain under the radar. These designers offer beautiful and innovative clothes, including the latest lace styles, without costing a fortune. These are my top 5 Nigerian women’s fashion designers of the week.
5. Sewasimilara
Sewasimilara (Sewa for short) is a self-taught fashion designer who began her fashion designing journey at the age of 7. She is the founder of Sewasimilara, an inclusive clothing brand based in Nigeria, catering to both women and non-binary individuals. They are known for their handmade, custom-made women’s clothes; they also specialises in intricately beautifully hand-beaded dresses.
Sewa's journey took a pivotal turn when she was 14 and struggled to find graduation clothes that fit. This experience ignited her passion and sense of responsibility to create stylish, inclusive women’s clothes for all, regardless of size or shape, and today, the rest is history.
Her clothing brand has garnered significant attention, with designs featured in prestigious publications such as Vogue and The Shade Room. Sewa's creations have graced international runways, including a collaboration with Molly x Sewasimi at Vancouver Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2023.
Sewasimilara expanded with a new line in August, 2024 called Sewadaily. This new collection is designed for the everyday woman; with girly and neutral colors and easy and relatable styles that the everyday girl can relate with. not only is it a relatable line, but it is also affordable.
4. Amina Shagari
Amina Shagari is the visionary behind Aminathebrand, a niche clothing brand dedicated to modest fashion. Born in Abuja, Amina's journey into the world of fashion began during her college years. Initially starting as a fashion blogger, she used her platform to explore and share her fashion insights before transitioning to creating her women’s clothes line. Her mission is to redefine modest clothing by transforming it into trendy and sophisticated, blending classic elegance with modern style.
In an era where showing skin has become the norm, Amina’s pieces stand out for their modest yet timeless appeal. Her designs are versatile and stylish and can be worn alone or layered effortlessly with other garments. No matter how they’re styled, they always retain their signature modest charm.
With her women’s clothes brand, Amina Shagari has successfully managed to bridge the gap between modesty and modern fashion, crafting pieces that are as elegant as they are versatile. Her commitment to creating timeless, affordable, and modest wear sets her apart from other fashion designers in the Nigerian fashion industry.
3. Adimefe Rita Ifeoma
Adimefe Rita Ifeoma is the creative fashion designer and founder of the clothing brand Goodlife_Styling. Rita's passion for fashion has been a driving force throughout her life. After completing her undergraduate studies, Rita pursued professional training at the prestigious Prudential Fashion Academy, where she honed her skills in fashion design and later became a tutor with the academy, sharing her expertise with aspiring Nigerian fashion designers.
Rita’s passion for fashion led her to establish Goodlife Styling, a brand renowned for its trendy and bespoke women’s clothes tailored to individual tastes.
Her designs are edgy, bold, daring, and unconventional, as she’s never afraid to play with fabrics, patterns, and colours. This reflects her deep understanding of contemporary fashion, combining modern and cultural trends to create unique, one-of-a-kind pieces.
In addition to her clothing brand, Rita also has a fashion academy, Goodlife Fashion School, dedicated to nurturing the next generation of Nigerian fashion designers. Her academy focuses on providing high-quality fashion design education and hands-on experience, equipping students with the skills needed to excel in the competitive world of fashion.
2. Similoluwa Olusanya
Similoluwa Olusanya, popularly known as Simisanya, is the creative director behind the clothing brand Simidefined. Simi's journey into fashion began during her school days when she started designing and making clothes for herself. Her unique style quickly caught the attention of her classmates, leading her to create outfits for them as well. This early success fueled her passion for fashion and set the foundation for what has become Simidefined.
Since those early days, Simidefined has grown significantly, evolving into a recognized clothing brand. Her brand is particularly known for its stylish and trendy pieces, which include classic bubu’s and elegant, beautifully designed dresses and two pieces.
Simisanya’s creations are a perfect blend of traditional and contemporary styles, offering a modern take on classic Nigerian attire. Her designs are characterized by clean lines, vibrant colors.
Simi has been able to stand out in the fashion industry for her ability to merge comfort with elegance. Simi’s bubu designs, for example, are not only chic but also practical, catering to women who want to look stylish while feeling comfortable. Her dresses are equally impressive, often featuring bold prints and quality fabrics that appeal to a wide range of fashion enthusiasts.
Simisanya’s talent for creating beautiful pieces has enabled her brand to be featured on various fashion runways, showcasing her ability to innovate while staying true to her roots. Each collection from Simidefined reflects Simi’s dedication to quality, creativity, and passion for fashion.
1. Nosa Edeh Aisosa
Nosa Edeh Aisosa, widely known as Aisy, is a talented Nigerian fashion designer and stylist. She celebrated for her work with the women’s clothing brands Stiches by Aisy and Aisy_Bespoke. Aisy’s journey in the fashion industry has been driven by her passion for creating elegant, unique, and stylish pieces that resonate with women of all ages.
Her love for fashion led her to establish Stiches by Aisy, a clothing brand that has become synonymous with quality and sophistication in women’s fashion. Stiches by Aisy offers a wide range of women’s clothes, from everyday wear to bespoke pieces that are meticulously tailored to fit each client’s unique style and body shape.
Aisy’s brands are celebrated for their versatility, creativity, and chicness. Her designs are known for their intricate detailing, vibrant colors, and innovative use of fabrics, including the latest Nigerian lace styles and designs. Whether it’s a casual outfit, corporate wear, or a glamorous evening gown, Aisy’s pieces are crafted to make women feel confident and beautiful, no matter the occasion.
Recently, she launched a new collection called the Oloi Ankara Collection. This collection is a celebration of African culture and fashion, where she masterfully uses Ankara prints to blend traditional patterns with contemporary designs. The Oloi Ankara Collection showcases Aisy’s creative ability to infuse her designs with cultural heritage while playing with patterns and textures to create something truly unique. Each piece in this collection is a statement of pride in African print and culture.
In addition to her fashion brands, Aisy is also the founder of Aisy Fashion Academy, where she shares her knowledge and expertise with aspiring Nigerian fashion designers. Through her academy, Aisy nurtures the next generation of designers, equipping them with the skills needed to succeed in the competitive fashion industry.
Her clothing brands emphasize affordability without compromising on quality, making stylish and trendy women’s clothes accessible to a broader audience. Through Stiches by Aisy, Aisy_Bespoke, and Aisy Fashion Academy, Nosa Edeh Aisosa continues to make a significant impact in the world of Nigerian fashion, inspiring others with her creativity, passion, and commitment to excellence.
There you have it, these are our top 5 creative Nigerian Fashion Designers for the week. These five creative Nigerian fashion designers exemplify the brilliance and diversity within the Nigerian fashion industry. From Sewasimilara's inclusive designs to Aisy's celebration of African heritage, each designer brings something unique to the table, blending cultural influences with contemporary styles.