Simbiat Bakare
As guest outfits gain more significance at Nigerian parties, the quest for an innovative Aso-Ebi style increases. With an increasing appetite for outfits that disrupt the usual, socialites look to the most creative designers with an audacious approach to styling to help them with trendsetting looks.
From the designer who started sewing dresses for teddy bears to the one who made her primary school uniforms herself, and the designer with the goddess effect, here are the top 10 Nigerian designers redefining the Owambe experience for party guests.
Abiodun “CEO Luminee” Folashade Tokunbo
It would be difficult to believe that Instagram sensation and celebrity stylist Abiodun Folashade Tokunbo, popularly known as CEO Luminee started fashion design by making clothes for teddy bears, yet it is a fact. The acclaimed self-taught designer made clothes for dolls with newspapers before practicing with ‘Okirikia’ (used clothes) to make clothes in line with global standards.
Far from her days of humble beginnings, CEO Luminee, through her enterprise, House of Luminee, also known as Anjy Luminee Couture, has styled the likes of Mercy Aigbe, Iyabo Ojo, Ini Edo, and Sola Sobowale. With her creative styles, she has captured the hearts of celebrities by making them look elegant as they turn up at social events.
In a recent interview where she revealed the inspiration behind her designs, she said: “most times when I have plans of making a particular design after cutting, I end up getting another masterpiece. I can’t even explain where the inspiration comes from. I even get really surprised at some of my designs after adding one or two things together, it always turns out beautiful and they end up looking like clothes designed from abroad.”
In 2020, CEO Luminee emerged as the Fashion entrepreneur of the year for the Nigeria Achievers Awards. The fashion stylist had attended Ibadan Polytechnic, where she obtained her National diploma in accounting before proceeding to Lagos State University to earn a degree in Business Administration.
Tolu Bally
Tolu Bally’s styled outfit usually has a goddess effect. The creative designer, who is the mind behind the ready-to-wear fashion brand 2207byTbally and Tbally Couture, transforms Owambe goers from looking bland to being adorned like an African Barbie.
Tolu Bally studied Psycho-social studies at the University of East London, United Kingdom. However, while in the UK, she pursued her passion for fashion by investing in a clothing business.
In November 2016, after the birth of her son, she decided to move to Nigeria to start a fashion business. She told Bella Naija in an interview, “I needed a legacy, one that would be created with love and passion every step of the way, one that my son and I could be proud of.”
Establishing her brand as a glamour powerhouse, several celebrities who are fashion conscious like Toke Makinwa, Kim Oprah, Linda Osifo, Nancy Isime, Beverly Naya, Idia Aisien are on the long list of celebrities who rock her exquisite designs.
Beyond Owambe, stars also rock her brands to high-profile formal events. TV host Bolanle Olukanni wore her designed two-piece outfit to host the ninth edition of the Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NECLive9). South African darling Bonang Matheba wore Tolu Bally’s orange corset-style dress to host the AMVCA8.
In 2020, 2207byTBally won ELOY 2020 Innovative Fashion Brand of the Year.
Toyin Lawani-Adebayo
Over the years, Toyin Lawani-Adebayo has established herself as the go-to designer for Nigerian celebrities who want to make a bold statement with their outfits. Infusing bold and creative accessories with African fabrics like Aso-Oke and lace, the Fashion King helps socialites set trends at Owambes.
Toyin is daring with creativity while serving self-expression, and she remains one of the buzziest names in the Nigerian fashion space. In pursuit of her fashion career, she trained at the Oprah Benson Beauty Institute in Nigeria, the Carlton Beauty Institute in London, and John Yim Beauty School in Korea.
The CEO of Tiannah’s Place Empire, has created party masterpieces for entertainment stars like Funke Akindele, Iyabo Ojo, Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi, Tiwa Savage, Stephanie Okereke, and Emma Nyra, among many others.
Toyin has received several recognitions for her works, including the City People Entertainment Special Recognition Award and Stylist of The Year Award (2015).
Sandra Tubobereni
“Who will agree to be less than great?” This is the meaning of the name Tubobereni.
Growing up with a seamstress mother, Tubobereni, also called Tubo, picked up sewing tricks from her mother at a young age. The talented designer who sewed her primary school uniforms evolved to become the fairy fashion mother of many Nigerians.
Imaginative and creative, Tubo doesn’t follow the rules of fashion. She adorned party hosts and guests in detailed, luxurious regalia. Holding the belief that she was “created to create”, Tubo styled Rita Dominic and Inidima Okojie’s unconventional traditional bridal dresses making their outfits trend for days on social media.
She has also styled many other celebrities through her TUBO brand lines: Tubo Brides, TuboRTW, and TuboWoman, and has gained credible recognition for her works. She won the ELOY Awards 2018 Fashion Designer of the Year.
Before storming the world of Nigerian fashion, Tubobereni had gained a B.Sc in Economics from Madonna University and an MBA in Global Financial Services from Coventry University.
Jeremiah ‘Swanky Jerry’ Ogbodo
Many socialites also flock towards Jeremiah ‘Swanky Jerry’ Ogbodo, to make them stand out at Owambe.
With a formal certification in styling from the School of Style in New York, United States, Swanky Jerry, gives many women the snatched waist they desire with their outfits.
His brand Swanky Signatures Styling is beloved by many celebrities, men and women, who love to keep it real and set trends at Owambes, from Timini Egbuson to Maria Chike, Juliet Ibrahim, Nengi Thompson, and Lilly Afe.
In 2014, Swanky Jerry, who has demonstrated that he’s in tune with every fashion trend, won the Lagos Fashion Awards, Fashion Stylist of the Year, for his distinctive fashion styles.
Oyetomiwa Elizabeth Daniel
Founder and Creative Director of the fast-rising fashion label, Xtra Brides of Lagos, Oyetomiwa is a Paris-trained fashion designer whose creativity and attention to detail in styling have earned her high-profile clients like Ini-Edo, Carolyna Hutchings, and Chioma Ikokwu.
Her styling of Aso-Ebi outfits has a geometry and unique feature that make fashionistas who wear her brand turn heads in events. When Ini Edo, wore the Aso-Ebi cloth she made for her at Rita Dominic’s wedding, Ini Edo’s dressing trended for days on social media.
The creative designer, Oyetomiwa, who has outlets of her brand in Abuja, Turkey, Lagos, and the United Kingdom told The Sun, “I see myself on the global map, dominating the fashion world and changing the narrative of Black Women through fashion.”
Victoria James
Congratulations poured in worldwide when Nollywood actress Osas Ighodaro won the AMVCA8 Best Dressed on May 14, 2022. However, many did not know that the magic mind behind the stunning dress is Victoria James.
The award-winning fashion designer, popularly called by the name of her brand, Veekee James left the University of Uyo where she was studying Biochemistry to pursue a career in fashion.
A gamble that paid off, Veekee James is currently one of the most sought-after designers renowned for making innovative corset dresses that make women look their best when they step out at any event. Aside from Osas Ighodaro, VeeKee James has styled Mercy Eke, Lara Olaniran, and a host of others.
Deola Sagoe
Disrupting the fashion space since 1988, Sageo has won the hearts of many party-goers through her unique styling of Aso-oke and other African fabrics. Her outfits are usually uniquely tailored and feature handwoven intricate designs. This has attracted many brides and fashion enthusiasts including Tiwa Savage, and Digital governance and tech entrepreneur Dr. Nneka Abulokwe who has worn her designs.
Sageo, an alumnus of the University of Lagos, began her fashion career by first working at her mum’s tailoring establishment called Odua Creations. Accomplishing several feats within the 25 years of her career, she is the first black woman to present a collection at AltaRoma in 2004. AltaRoma is Rome’s renowned fashion week. She is also the first Nigerian to have her own stand-alone show at the New York Fashion Week in September 2014.
Sagoe has been recognised for her incredible works both locally and internationally. She is the recipient of the 2015 Multichoice- Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award for Best Costume Designer, and the Platinum Quality Award at the 10th International Star Awards in Paris.
Yomi ‘Casual’ Makun
Known for creating beautiful and attractive attire for Nigerians of all social circles, Yomi is a Fashion Design and Clothing Technology graduate from Auchi Polytechnic in Edo State. In 2007, he launched his fashion outfit Yomi Casual using knowledge from his formal training and his ingenuity to make cut-to-fit contemporary designs for party guests. Mainly using Ankara fabrics, Yomi has styled his brother AYomedian, Desmond Elliot, Aki and Pawpaw, DJ Jimmy Jatt, and other male celebrities.
He has also won several awards, including the 2011 Nigerian Youth Merit Awards Fashion Designer of The Year and City People Hottest Designer of The Year (2011).
Mai Atafo
Born and raised in Osun State, Mai Atafo is a fashion icon known for his brand ATAFO. The design outfit makes luxury pieces, including wedding gowns and traditional wear for both men and women.
Although Mai Atafo had a master’s degree in Information and Technology, he broke into the fashion industry by working in the marketing and branding field. He then went on to gain formal training at the prestigious Instituto di Moda Burgo in Milan, Italy.
Consequently, designing bespoke outfits, his craftsmanship, tailoring, and innovation gained the attention of celebrities. Mai Atafo is the designer of the classic black tuxedo worn by Dr. Abasi Eneobong, Inidima Okojie’s husband, for their chocolate love story’s white wedding.
Aside from Dr. Abasi Eneobong, Banky W, Mercy Johnson, 2 Baba, and Stephanie Okereke are also on his list of clientele.
Mai Atafo is Glazia Magazine 2018 Person of the Year in Fashion.
Which of these celebrity stylists is your favourite?
Comments
Loading…