Since the beginning of time, fashion has always played a major role in everyone’s lives, and this also goes beyond the individuals wearing a certain outfit. When people think about fashion and designing clothes what comes to mind is women on their sewing machine creating outfits.
In recent times however, the dynamic of what is expected of fashion has changed in such a way that is shocking and unexpected. Male designers have stormed the face of fashion and are now restructuring the stapled dynamic of fashion. In people’s minds, they are doing what the female designers did in the past, and some would say they’re doing a better job.
The modern male designer doesn’t only make clothes for men but has also mastered the art of female fashion. These men are making waves all over the world, and doing what needs to be done to pave the way for more male designers to come in and express themselves through designing.
We’ve been able to outline some of our favorite Nigerian Male Designers.
Adebayo Oke Lawal
Also known as the Orange Nerd, Oke Lawal was Born and raised in Lagos Nigeria. Adebayo Oke Lawal is the founder and creative director for fashion brand Orange culture Nigeria. His love for fashion is deep rooted, as he started sketching designs at the age of 10, and now he has grown his passion into a Fashion empire.
Oke Lawal redefines men’s fashion with his brand which has raised many conversations as to how controversial the brand is. His menswear designs show his belief in gender stereotypes when it comes to fashion. This can be seen in his collection for men as it comprises crop tops, see through tops, and other designs which weren’t the norms of fashion back then.
His controversial brand has gained him, not only local but international recognition as the brand has been featured in international magazines such as Vogue, WWD, New York times and others. Adebayo Oke Lawal was also enlisted on Forbes 30 under 30 list back in 2018.
Oke lawal continues to push fashion boundaries with SS22 Collection at the just concluded Lagos fashion week named “The Peacock Riot”
Ohimai Atafo
The founder and Creative director of Atafo brand, known for their dapper designs and bridal dresses. The brand Atafo was formerly known as Mai Atafo, but in an interview he cleared the air on why he decided to change the name of his brand. Where he stated that he is trying to separate his person from the brand in order for the brand to grow into what he envisions.
Atafo isn’t one to follow trends as he believes fashion is subjective and everyone should be able to do whatever with it. He has styled many big names such as Ebuka obi uchendu, Nancy Isime, Stephanie Coker, Banky w and others.
UGO MONYE
Ugochukwu Monye is a Nigerian contemporary fashion designer, Founder and creative director of Ugo monye. His male driven fashion brand is widely known for its elegance, class and cutting edge designs.
He rose to fame in 2017 when he styled Ebuka Obi Uchendu for the wedding between Banky W and Adesuwa etomi. His designs caught the attention of the media and other prominent fashion enthusiasts. Over the years, he has proven his impressionable designs in menswear time and time again, and also with his recent collection named Opulence.
The aesthetic of this collection features nude pink, pearls, velvet, and aso oke which was showcased at the 2021 Lagos fashion week.
DECO
Popularly known as D29, DECO is a Nigerian designer, his designs are very vibrant in colours and appealing to the younger audience. Deco majorly designs agbada wears and we’ve seen his designs at major events on different stars such as Noble Igwe, Mike Edwards and others.
PAOLO SISIANO
Paolo is a unisex fashion designer and the creative director of Sisiano. The brand is known for putting out fiery designs for the past 10years. He showcased his most recent collection at the just concluded Lagos fashion week titled “My eyes before yours”.
The collection had a different name for each of the outfits such as Celeste, The lola, The davou, The marko and others. Sisiano plays the fashion game at his own pace and creates timeless designs for years to come .
