By Joshua Olomu
Nigerian celebrities and designers have continued to export “Afrofashion” to the world, transforming African style from a localised aesthetic into a dominant global force.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that through bold fusions of traditional heritage and modern luxury, they have elevated textiles like Adire, Aso-Oke, and Akwete at international events turning cultural heritage into bold, luxury statements.
In time past, Nigerian artistes and celebrities copied Western styles because the global entertainment industry was dominated by American and British trends.
However, today the dynamic has completely shifted as Nigerian creatives are now confidently embracing their roots, setting the global standard rather than just following it.
Nigerian artistes and style icons of today are using red carpets and international tours as cultural runways, challenging conventional Western dress codes, and dismantling stereotypes of what African fashion should look like.
Artistes like Davido and Wizkid frequently commission bespoke traditional attire for international music videos and award shows.
Burna Boy is acclaimed for consistently integrating African design aesthetics into global tours and high-profile performances, often relying on Nigerian designers like Tokyo James to create his iconic, layered looks.
Speaking with NAN in Abuja on Sunday, a cross section of designers, enthusiasts and other stakeholders in the fashion industry expressed excitement over the growing popularity and bold presence of Afro-centric designs in contemporary clothing trends.
According to them, Nigerian celebrities have shifted from consuming Western trends to exporting Nigerian heritage to international red carpets, music festivals, and global fashion weeks.
Mr Smith Ade, a fashion designer in Garki said A-list Nigerian celebrities now act as direct cultural ambassadors, purposefully choosing local designers over international luxury houses to set global trends.
According to him, the trendy presence of Afro-centric designs on global stages is traceable to embrace by celebrities and social media showcases.
“I think our celebrities, particularly music artists, should be commended for choosing to identify with everything African in their dressing.
“You know our Afrobeats stars have fans around the world, so whatever they wear becomes a trend,” he said.
Another designer in Wuse Zone 6, Ngozi Mbah said local fabrics such as Aso-oke and Adire, have gained global recognition because of the ingenuity of modern designers who are combining it with western fabrics in styling.
“Most of our local designers in years back felt that everything western is the best, but today our designers have changed the narratives by taking the bold step to use local materials,” she said.
A fabric vendor in Karu, Agnes Sunday, said modern Nigerian designers were asserting their creative independence by looking inward to create something unique.
According to her, Nigerian designers are ensuring that Africa is no longer just a source of inspiration for Western labels, but a self-defined force shaping the future of global style.
Amanda Ekwuru, a make-up artist and runway model said: “I think local fabrics have become more popular in recent times because many celebrities have started using them.
“Remember Meghan Markle, Wife of Prince Harry, wore a dress featuring Aso-oke fabric during her visit to Nigeria 2024.”
Mariam Abubakar, dealer on Aso-oke, said the increasing display of fashion, glitz and glamour by brand influencers and content creators on social media has made the local fabrics more endearing in recent times.
According to her, when people see celebrities and influencers rocking different designs of the fabric, they get inspired.
“Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have made it easier for people to showcase Aso-oke in fresh, trendy ways, inspiring the younger generation to embrace it.
“It represents a blend of tradition and style, proving that culture and fashion can evolve together,” she said.
NAN reports that behind the growing trend of Afro-centric designs in recent times are arrays of indigenous designers who are using their craft and local materials to tell the African story to the world.
Nigerian fashion designers styling celebrities are not just creating outfits, they are crafting stories that resonate on red carpets across Africa and beyond.
These designers blend tradition with innovation, using indigenous fabrics like Ankara and Aso-Oke in dressing Nigeria’s top talents and showcasing the nation’s rich sartorial heritage.
This is in contrast with past generations of designers who rode on Western trends to export Nigerian rich heritage and stories.
These innovative ‘Afrofashion storytellers’ include Veekee James, the acclaimed red carpet virtuoso, entrepreneur and social media influencer, known for intricate bridal and red carpet designs.
She has become synonymous with show-stealing styles, and her mastery in beading, corsetry and fabric manipulation has adorned celebrities like Toke Makinwa, Osas Ighodaro, and Funke Akindele, among others across Africa.
Veekee James is the architectural brain and designer behind Nollywood actress Osas Ighodaro’s two striking custom-made outfits for the 2026 AMVCA.
These two outfits answer the question to the meaning of “Creativity Na Water” ,which implies that innovative ideas and executing them flows with ease.
Her creations for popular South African television presenter, Bonang Matheba, at the Miss South Africa pageant, captivated audiences, solidifying her status as a red carpet favorite.
Ohimai Atafo, known for his brand Mai Atafo, is another Nigerian fashion designer whose bespoke tailoring exudes sophistication, making him a go-to designer for both men’s and women’s formal wear.
Mai Atafo’s clientele includes Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Banky W, and Adesua Etomi.
Atafo’s designs seamlessly blend traditional African elements with contemporary fashion, reflecting Nigeria’s rich cultural tapestry.
Toyin Lawani is another designer known for her extravagant and theatrical designs, through her label Tiannah Styling,
Her creations, often incorporating unconventional materials, have been sported by celebrities like Tiwa Savage and Iyabo Ojo, earning her the title “Queen of Drama” in Nigerian fashion.
She designed the ‘300 loaves of bread dress’ for reality star queen Mary Atang, and the ‘yellow-gold balloon dress’ for Eniola Ajao ,two masterpieces that stole the show at the 2026 AMVCA.
Prudent Gabriel is another favourite of fashion enthusiasts and AMVCA lovers in Nigeria and around the world, as she is acclaimed as the brain behind the exquisite black ball dress worn by Toyin Abraham at the show this year.
For ‘Agbada lovers, Ugo Monye is the answer. He is known to have reimagined traditional Nigerian attire, particularly the agbada, infusing it with contemporary flair.
His designs have been donned by stars like Davido, especially noted during the singer’s wedding, where Monye’s creations took centre stage.
Other Nigerian designers heralding the ‘Afrofashion renaissance’ include Banke Kuku, Lisa Folawiyo, Andrea Iyamah, Amaka Osakwe, Zizi Cardow, and Tokyo James, known for bringing a modern edge to Nigerian menswear, with designs that challenge traditional gender norms.
Tokyo James clientele includes music superstars, including Davido and Burna Boy.
These indigenous designers are not just shaping Nigeria’s fashion landscape, they’re narrating the country’s rich cultural stories through dressing.
Their creativity has continued to garner acceptance and popularity for African fashion both within and beyond the continent.
Domestic platforms like Lagos Fashion Week and Arise Fashion Week have evolved into major international business hubs, securing global investment and changing how African style is and perceived globally.(NAN)
Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi
