Nigeria’s $4.7 billion fashion industry is fast becoming one of the country’s most dynamic cultural exports, with a new generation of designers pushing its luxury segment onto the global stage.
Once overlooked in conversations about international fashion capitals, Lagos now hosts runway shows, pop-up boutiques, and collaborations that rival those in Paris and Milan.
The rise of Nigerian luxury design is more than a style story; it reflects a broader economic and cultural shift.
Designers are drawing from centuries-old textile traditions and craftsmanship, blending them with contemporary aesthetics that appeal to a cosmopolitan market. Their creations are worn by celebrities, featured in global publications, and increasingly stocked by international retailers.
Behind the glamour is a story of ambition and resilience. These designers are navigating challenges from supply-chain disruptions to limited infrastructure while still finding ways to build sustainable businesses, create jobs, and amplify Nigeria’s influence in the global fashion economy.
In this feature, Nairametrics highlights luxury designers shaping the industry’s future, offering a window into how Nigeria is redefining fashion at home and abroad.
Olorunyomi Omoniyi Makun, better known as Yomi Casual, has carved a niche as one of Nigeria’s most in-demand fashion designers. A graduate of Fashion Design & Clothing Technology from Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State, Yomi launched his label, Yomi Casual, in 2007. His bold, contemporary pieces quickly set him apart, earning him a place among Nigeria’s A-list designers.
The younger brother of comedian AY and the last of seven children in the Makun family, Yomi hails from Ifon, Ondo State. His designs, often tailored with striking simplicity and modern flair, have become red-carpet staples for celebrities across Nigeria and Africa. Known for blending creativity with star power, Yomi has made it a tradition to unveil collections with celebrities walking as his models. Icons such as Desmond Elliot, AY, Uti Nwachukwu, Alex Ekubo, and even comic duo Aki and Paw Paw have graced his runway.
