Nigeria's Fashion Designers are Leveraging Technology to Enhance Designs

Catherine Maborukoje
Fashion, Nigeria
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Just like Malik Afegbua, an artist who leverages the use of AI tools meant for artists to create a series of utopia fashion shows, some selected Nigerian fashion designers have also decided to sip from the ocean of opportunities technology brings.

Decades ago, Nigeria’s fashion industry started to see slices of remarkable transmogrification. Designers, models and influencers respectively present the nation’s aesthetically distinct styles and culture on a global scale. Just like Malik Afegbua, an artist who leveraged the use of AI tools meant for artists to create a series of utopia fashion shows, some selected Nigerian fashion designers have also decided to sip from the ocean of opportunities technology brings. Now, many are using their unique and respective creativity rooted in tech, transforming the fashion industry, and producing cutting-edge designs that have drawn the interest of people who are passionate about fashion all over the world. Here are the unconventional three, out of many, blazing the trail with technology in the fashion industry:

Gozel Green’ Sustainable Fashion

One of the most significant trends in Nigeria’s fashion industry is sustainability and durability. Gozel Green, a contemporary Nigerian fashion brand founded by twin sisters Sylvia Enekwe-Ojei and Olivia Enekwe-Okoji, is a notable example of this trend. This visionary brand harnesses the power of digital design tools to craft bold and intricate designs that dazzle the senses while embracing ready-to-wear production methods to bring their creations to a wider audience. Gozel Green connects with industry professionals and customers alike, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. Drawing inspiration from their Nigerian heritage and folklore, Gozel Green masterfully blends traditional techniques and materials with modern innovation, resulting in a breathtaking fusion of past and present.

Lisa Folawiyo

Silk and cotton were tie-dyed using the adire technique to create Lisa Folawiyo’s colour-changing dress using technology. The dress, named ‘Irin,’ features a multicoloured tie-dyed silk bodice and a tie-dyed cotton skirt, embellished with glass beads. Folawiyo’s design process involves revisiting her archives and focusing on specific prints, such as the ‘heart-on-heart’ print from her Spring/Summer 2016 collection and the ‘Dancing Lady’ print from her Spring/Summer 2012 collection. She then represents these prints in commanding pink, blue, and green hues, reinforcing the conscious reworking of old to make new.

Orange Culture

Orange Culture, founded by Adebayo Oke-Lawal, is a Nigerian fashion brand that focuses on creating a unique blend of Nigerian-inspired silhouettes, patterned textiles, and urban street style. Orange Culture collaborated with a 3D designer on chic, multitasking pieces it is a collaboration that suggests that the brand is open to exploring new technologies and innovative design methods to create unique and functional designs.

The fusion of fashion and technology has also led to the rise of e-commerce in Nigeria. With the increasing consumer demand for fashion products, the establishment of quality shopping centres, exclusive boutiques, and retail outlets with international standards has grown rapidly. The nation has a young and aspirational population, exposed and fashion-centric people who love international brands and are always hungry for more fashion.

Nigeria’s innovative and sustainable designs have drawn the attention of fashion enthusiasts worldwide, thanks to the country’s fusion of fashion and technology. The industry’s commitment to sustainability and tech-enabled features of fashion has resulted in a unique inclusion that uniquely and inclusively dates Nigerian culture and diversity. With the rise of e-commerce and the increasing consumer demand for fashion products, the future of style in Nigeria is bright and promising.