Elsie UdohNigeria is home to top fashion—from bold Ankara prints to more contemporary styles. We are not afraid to unleash our fashion creativity, and we wear it proudly.
The world of fashion in Nigeria is ever-evolving, and we are not one to be left behind, even in the diaspora. Despite being far away, you can still tap into Nigerian fashion in the diaspora, and this article will help you do just that.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThere are many top designers and trends in the diaspora that bring Nigerian fashion to your doorstep and are ready to serve you hot. This article will help you stay in vogue with the latest Nigerian fashion by identifying the top designers and trends available in the Diaspora. Let’s dive in!
Top Nigerian Designers in the Diaspora
Nigeria has many talented designers in the diaspora. These designers are either based abroad or have made their mark on the global fashion stage. Some top Nigerian designers in the diaspora are:
1. Lisa Folawiyo
If you’re looking for a mix of Nigerian tradition and Western modernity, then Lisa Folawiyo has something to offer. She owns a global women’s wear and accessories brand (Jewel by Lisa) and has showrooms in Nigeria and New York. She’s known for transforming simple Ankara prints into luxurious, fashionable clothes, and her brand has both ready-to-wear and bespoke pieces with detailed hand-beading.
You can shop from her official website, which has global shipping options. Her work is also available on Farfetch and Moda Operandi.
Pro Tip: Check her stockists section on the website or her IG page to find stores carrying her collections in the diaspora.
2. Deola Sagoe
Deola Sagoe is one of Nigeria’s most established fashion icons. She is known for her sophisticated and elegant designs made with Aso-Oke and is especially famous for her komole bridal dresses. Although she is based in Nigeria, her designs have a large following in the United States and Europe. She is highly sought after by Nigerians in the diaspora for weddings and other major celebrations.
You can order from her collections through her official website or international exhibitions since she frequently participates in global fashion events.
3. Tiffany Amber (Folake Coker)
Tiffany Amber holds the record of being one of the first ready-to-wear labels in Nigeria to gain international prominence. She is also globally recognised for combining Nigerian fashion with Western designs and is based in London. Coker’s designs are great for you if you want to express your Nigerian culture stylishly while in the diaspora.
You can find her styles on her official website to make purchases for yourself or your loved ones.
Pro Tip: Tiffany Amber offers international shipping options so you can shop from anywhere you are in the world.
4. Duro Olowu
Duro Olowu is a London-based Nigerian designer known for designs with bold prints and bright colours. He creatively combines art with culture, making his designs popular among international celebrities and personalities.
His designs can be found at luxury boutiques across Europe and the US. His collections are also available online through platforms like Net-a-Porter, which offer worldwide delivery.
5. Amaka Osakwe (Maki Oh)
For adire styles that showcase your Nigerian culture, Amaka Osakwe’s Maki Oh label is an attractive option. She creatively blends Nigerian designs with modern high-fashion styles, which makes her pieces authentic.
She has an online store on her official website, which you can shop from.
Top Trends in Nigerian Fashion in the Diaspora
We’ve seen the top Nigerian designers in the diaspora, but it doesn’t end there. With Nigerian fashion, there’s always a new trend, or at least, a reinvention of an old trend, and this is not different even in the diaspora. Here are some top trends in Nigerian fashion in the diaspora for you:
1. Ankara Prints
Ankara fabrics never go out of trend and can be worn anywhere from formal to casual events. These prints can also be used to accessorise bags and shoes to give you a unique look.
2. Agbada and Buba
There’s no going out of style with this one too. Agbada and Buba remain statement pieces for any Nigerian event. Whether you are attending a cultural event, wedding, or other occasion, Agbada and Buba are great outfits that will elevate your appearance at the event. You can try out more modern styles to give you a sleeker look. Feel free to go through the collections of the top designers provided in this post to get inspired.
3. Aso-Ebi
What is a Nigerian event without an aso-ebi? This traditional “uniform” is a trend that has taken its roots deep in Nigerian culture, including in the diaspora. Many Nigerian designers abroad can help you sew an aso-ebi style that matches your style and preference.
4. Aso-Oke
Although aso-oke is a traditional fabric worn by the Yorubas, many Nigerian designers like Deola Sagoe have creatively used it to make a modern design suitable for a larger audience than the Yoruba community, making it a more popular Nigerian fashion in the diaspora.
5. Ready-Made Wears
Ready-made wear, also known as ready-to-wear, has always been a quick clothing solution, and many Nigerian designers in the diaspora offer ready-to-wear collections, making it easier for you to buy either traditional attire or more modern clothing for everyday wear and occasions.
Tips to Stay in Touch with Nigerian Fashion in the Diaspora
As earlier mentioned, Nigerian fashion is ever-evolving, and this is the case even in the diaspora. Just when you think you are on to the latest design, something new springs up and takes over the previous trend, and that leaves you constantly trying to play catch up, especially if you like “happening” trends. But here’s how you can keep up with the latest trends:
- Follow Nigerian fashion influencers, designers, and boutiques on social media.
- Use online platforms to shop from everywhere in the world.
- Attend fashion shows to stay up-to-date with the latest trends.
- Find the right designer to sew custom designs or shop ready-to-wear clothes that match your style.
Key Takeaways
Nigerian fashion is a representation of identity, especially for you in the diaspora. Designers like Lisa Folawiyo and Maki Oh, among others, create beautiful attire that not only makes you feel close to home and your culture but also gives you a modern and unique look with the fabrics that you are used to back home, such as Ankara and Aso-Oke.
Thanks to social media and fashion shows, you can stay up-to-date with the latest trends in Nigerian fashion in the diaspora and stock up your wardrobe with trending outfits that can be worn to wedddings and other event.
Elsie Udoh is an SEO content writer who specialises in writing engaging stories that resonates with diverse audiences. She studied mass communication at the Lags State University.
