Nigeria's fashion industry has been experiencing a dynamic and exhilarating transformation, marked by the emergence of trailblazing designers and stylists who are redefining style on both local and global stages. From innovative couture to striking streetwear, these visionaries are not only setting trends but also showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria through their distinct and diverse aesthetics. In this list, we celebrate the top 10 most sought-after and trending celebrities, fashion designers, and stylists in Nigeria who are making waves with their creativity, pushing the boundaries of fashion, and influencing the sartorial choices of millions. Whether through the red carpet, runways, or social media, these trendsetters are the driving force behind Nigeria’s vibrant fashion scene.


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1. Veekee James: Veekee James is an award-winning fashion designer and the founder of the Veekee James Fashion Brand, which includes subsidiaries exploring various aspects of clothing. Known widely by her brand name, Veekee James. Veekee James is one of the most sought-after designers, renowned for her innovative corset dresses that help women look their best at any event. Veekee James has styled celebrities such as Osas Ighodaro, Toke Makinwa, Mercy Eke, Lara Olaniran, and many others. At the 2024 AMVCA Awards, she designed and styled outfits for Toke Makinwa, Osas Ighodaro, Uche Montana, Funke Akindele, and several other prominent figures.
2. Medlin Boss: Mimi Linda Yina, popularly known as Medlin Boss, is a prominent Nigerian fashion consultant, designer, brand influencer, fashion label owner, and businesswoman. She is arguably the most talked-about fashion entrepreneur in Nigeria today. As the CEO of Medlin Couture, she has revolutionized the fashion industry with her innovative and groundbreaking ideas. Medlin Boss's impressive clientele includes Nollywood actors, music stars, famous reality TV personalities, TV hosts, industry leaders, top businesspeople, and politicians, among others. She also has a substantial number of clients in the diaspora.
3. Toyin Lawani: Toyin Lawani, a prominent Nigerian celebrity, fashion designer, author, philanthropist, and serial entrepreneur, is the CEO of Tiannah's Place Empire. Lawani is known for her unconventional and controversial fashion style. She first came into the spotlight after showcasing her clothing collections at Africa Fashion Week London in 2013. Over the years, Toyin Lawani has become the go-to designer for Nigerian celebrities who want to make bold fashion statements. Lawani remains one of the most talked-about names in Nigerian fashion. As CEO of Tiannah’s Place Empire, she has created stunning party outfits for entertainment stars like Funke Akindele, Iyabo Ojo, Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi, Tiwa Savage, Stephanie Okereke, and Emma Nyra, among many others.
4. Swanky Jerry: Jeremiah Ogbodo, popularly known as Swanky Jerry, is the stylist behind many iconic celebrity looks, known for his bold and extravagant style. He launched his career by establishing his brand, Swanky Signatures Styling, in June 2012. Swanky Jerry is renowned for styling clients for red carpet events and video shoots, with his work frequently featured in magazines and online publications. Among his notable clients are Darey, for whom he styled for House of Maliq, D'banj for a photo shoot, and both Praiz and Davido for the "All of You" music video. He also styled Nigerian Actors like Timini Egbuson, Alex Ekubo, Chidi Mokeme, RMD and prominent others. In recognition of his contributions to fashion, Ogbodo was awarded Fashion Stylist of the Year at the Lagos Fashion Awards in 2014.
5. Lanre Da Silva Ajayi: Lanre da Silva, a Lagos-based fashion designer, is one of Nigeria’s leading couturiers. She launched her eponymous label in 2005, offering couture, ready-to-wear, jewelry, and hairpieces. Da Silva’s collections often feature metallic fabrics, lace, and African patterns, drawing inspiration from the 1940s and 1800s. Her style is known for its rich femininity and extensive embellishments. In 2011, she presented her collection at New York Fashion Week and gained recognition as an African luxury brand, with her clothing line sold at Dolce & Gabbana's "Concept Spiga 2" store in Milan. IIn 2017, she created outfits for the look book of Vlisco, an African fabric and textiles manufacturer, and in 2018, she returned to the Arise Africa Fashion Festival with a collection praised for its elegance and metallic gold accents. British supermodel Naomi Campbell opened the show wearing one of her designs.
6. Mai Atafo: Ohimai Atafo, professionally known as Mai Atafo, is a prominent Nigerian fashion designer celebrated for his eponymous brand, Mai Atafo. Renowned for his custom-made male outfits, Atafo is recognized as one of the top 10 fashion designers in Nigeria. Mai Atafo’s clothing label has garnered significant popularity and attracted a distinguished clientele. He has designed for notable personalities such as Omowunmi Akinnifesi, the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria 2005, and I.K. Osakioduwa. Other celebrities he has dressed; Mercy Johnson, 2Baba, Waje, Gbenro Ajibade, and Stephanie Okereke. In 2011, he launched "Weddings by Mai," showcasing his designs at numerous high-profile events.
7. Deola Sageo: Deola Sagoe is a renowned Nigerian fashion designer, entrepreneur, and founder of The House of Deola Sagoe. Known for her vibrant and colorful prints, she has garnered a global following that includes notable figures such as Oprah Winfrey and Will Smith, who commend her for celebrating African prints. Sagoe began her design career in 1989 and has since gained international acclaim for her lively and distinctive creations. Sagoe frequently showcases her couture collections at Cape Town Fashion Week and has been an invited guest at New York Fashion Week. In 2018, she unveiled her Komole collection, a selection of Yoruba bridal and occasion wear inspired by the mood and myths of royalty through the ages. Sagoe has received several prestigious awards, including the "Africa Designs" and the MNET/Anglo Gold African Designs 2000 awards, for which she was nominated by Andre Leon Talley, the editor of US Vogue.
8. Ade Bakare: Ade Bakare is a renowned Nigerian fashion designer who has been creating sophisticated garments for over twenty years. His collections, which include exquisite evening and wedding gowns, are sold in boutiques across England, Scotland, and the Channel Islands. Bakare also has a jersey line, Ade Breeze, and a perfume line with scents like Breeze. An award-winning designer, Bakare writes the "Camera Obscura" column for Le Vogue and caters to high-end clients in Nigeria and London, including celebrities, first ladies, senators, and ministers' wives. His work has been showcased globally in cities like New York, Vienna, Mozambique, Morocco, Paris, and Cape Town. Recognized for supporting young and upcoming designers, Bakare has been honored by the Ministry of Youth and Culture, the Paris Academy, and Conde Nast Publications. Known for his luxurious female gazar and organza sweep coats, Bakare’s designs are celebrated for their classic style with a modern twist.
9. Lisa Folawiyo: Lisa Folawiyo is a celebrated Nigerian fashion designer renowned for her vibrant and distinctive designs. She has made a significant impact on the Nigerian fashion industry and gained international acclaim for her work. Folawiyo is particularly known for her innovative use of Ankara fabrics (African wax prints) in her designs. She transforms these traditional African fabrics into contemporary pieces, blending traditional and modern elements to create eye-catching aesthetics. Her designs are characterized by bold patterns, intricate embroidery, and detailed beadwork. Her label, "JEWEL BY LISA," has been worn by numerous celebrities and fashion enthusiasts worldwide and has been showcased on various international runways.
10. Yomi Casual: Yomi Makun, widely known as Yomi Casual, is a renowned fashion designer whose innovative designs have inspired many aspiring designers. Specializing in menswear, Yomi's designs are sharp, stylish, and always on-trend. Yomi launched his fashion brand, Yomi Casual, in 2007. His expertise and creativity have enabled him to create contemporary, cut-to-fit designs, particularly for partygoers, using primarily Ankara fabrics. Yomi's impressive clientele includes his brother AY Comedian, Desmond Elliot, Aki and Pawpaw, DJ Jimmy Jatt, and other male celebrities. His work has earned him numerous accolades, including the Nigerian Youth Merit Award for Fashion Designer of the Year in 2011.

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