Lanre da Silva

Last updated
Lanre da Silva Ajayi
Born
Lanre da Silva

1978
Lagos
Nationality Nigerian
Occupation Fashion Designer
Known forMetallics fibres and lace
Relatives Leo DaSilva
Website lanredasilvaajayi.com

Lanre da Silva (born 1978) is a Nigerian fashion designer based in Lagos. Launched in 2005, her eponymous label includes couture, ready-to-wear, jewelry and hairpieces. [1] [2] Da Silva's collections often incorporate metallic fabrics, lace and African patterns, while referencing the 1940s or 1800s. [3] The Africa Fashion Guide recognizes her as having "... created a name for herself in high fashion in Nigeria." [4]

Contents

Early life and education

She is Yoruba. Upon high school graduation in Nigeria, da Silva moved to the United Kingdom to continue her studies. For her undergraduate degree, she majored in business administration at Coventry University. She obtained a master's degree in Finance from the University of Leicester. [5] Da Silva is married with children and has two siblings. Their father is Sir Leo Babarinde Da Silva, a former Secretary to the Lagos State Government. [6]

Career

In 2011, da Silva presented her collection at New York Fashion Week.[ citation needed ] Seen as an African luxury brand, her clothing line has been sold at Dolce & Gabbana's "Concept Spiga 2" store in Milan. [7] In 2012, she was one of two designers asked to join the United Nations "Fashion Development Project" which helps supports her continent's luxury industry. [8] That same year her label was featured in the magazine L'Uomo Vogue in an issue called «Re-branding Africa». [9]

In 2012, Italian Vogue wrote a piece on da Silva, mentioning that she has a "... great following in Africa, where her designs are widely recognized thanks to the media and celebrities that support her." [10] In 2014, she was mentioned once more in Vogue Italia , where the designer spoke about meeting the magazine's editor Franca Sozzani, who got her collection noticed and stocked at online fashion retailer yoox.com [11] Da Silva's designs have also been featured in Vogue Black and Arise Magazine . [12] [13]

Da Silva's clothes have been described as groundbreaking in their use of traditional African prints. [14] She is recognized for re-interpreting and modernizing traditional motifs, making them an important part of her designs. [15] [16] In 2017, da Silva was asked to create outfits for the 2017 look book of Vlisco, an African fabrics and textiles manufacturer. [17]

In 2014, her "Rock Delight" collection was presented at the "Vogue Talents" fashion show in Milan, Italy. [18] The designer was inspired by the colours and lines of Olumo Rock, a popular tourist destination located in Nigeria. Her clothes have also been seen at shows such as the 2008 Thisday Africa Rising Festival in London, the 2009 Arise Africa Fashion Festival in South Africa, the 2009 New York Couture Fashion Week and the 2011 Arise Magazine Fashion Week in Lagos. [5] In 2018, da Silva returned to the Arise Africa Fashion Festival where her collection was described as being elegant and accented by metallic gold colours [19] [20] [21] British supermodel Naomi Campbell opened the show wearing one of da Silva's outfits. [22] [23] [24]

Creating what she calls wearable art, da Silva collaborated with artist Ayoola Gbolahan for her 2017 collection. Rich in details, the clothes are described as embodying an artistic imagery : "Art and fashion are successfully united in this collection with bold hand-painted images on solid colors." [25] That same year she was nominated for an Eloy Award, a Nigerian event celebrating female achievement. [26] [27] In 2016, the designer graced the cover of the Nigerian publication Complete Fashion Magazine. [28]

When starting out as a designer, da Silva found the Nigerian infrastructure to be a challenge. [2] It was difficult for her to find experienced tailors and quality zippers. However, the industry has grown since then, with investments coming in from government and corporations. [2] Lagos is now emerging as the fashion epicentre of the African continent. [29]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gbemi Olateru Olagbegi</span> Nigerian on air personality

Gbemi Olateru Olagbegi is a Nigerian former broadcaster at The Beat 99.9 FM, entrepreneur and co-host of "Off-Air with Gbemi & Toolz" podcast. Gbemi is the granddaughter of late Olowo of Owo Sir Olateru-Olagbegi II KBE. In 2008, Gbemi won the on-air personality of the year at the Future Awards Africa. In 2015, Gbemi founded Gbemisoke shoes. A shoe line created for women with difficulties in shopping for the right shoe size. At the fifth edition of the Arise Fashion Week, Lagos in 2018, Gbemi walked the runway for FIA Factory. In 2019, Gbemi became one of the faces from Megalectrics Ltd for Rémy Martin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bunmi Koko</span>

Bunmi Koko was a Luxury Fashion Brand, based in London, England. Creative Director Bunmi Olaye and partner Francis Udom founded Bunmi Koko in 2009. The name was inspired by the designer's first name 'Bunmi' and the nickname given to her by her partner Francis; "Koko". The two phrases joined to mean, "God gave me my other half."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kiki Omeili</span> Nigerian actress

Nkiruka 'Kiki' Omeili is a Nigerian actress, best known for her role as Lovette in the TV series Lekki Wives. She is also known for her role as Blessing in the 2015 crime caper, Gbomo Gbomo Express alongside Gideon Okeke.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toke Makinwa</span> Nigerian media personality (born 1984)

Toke Makinwa is a Nigerian radio personality, television host, vlogger, lifestyle entrepreneur, actress and author. Toke is known for hosting The Late Morning Show on Rhythm 93.7 FM and for her YouTube vlog series Toke Moments. She released her book On Becoming in November 2016. She is one of the top five African female show hosts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tomi Odunsi</span> Nigerian actress, singer and songwriter (born 1987)

Tomi Odunsi Fadina is a Nigerian television actress, singer, and songwriter best known for playing "Salewa" in the television series, Tinsel, a popular African soap opera.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stephanie Coker</span> Nigerian actress

Stephanie Coker, is a Nigerian on-air personality and a television presenter for MTV Base Africa and EbonyLife TV She also featured as 'Feke' in the popular Nigerian TV series Tinsel. and a popular sitcom program Hustle as "Cindy".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adesua Etomi</span> Nigerian actress (born 1988)

Tolulope Adesua Etomi-Wellington commonly known as Adesua Etomi is a Nigerian actress and entrepreneur. She debuted her film career with Knocking On Heaven's Door (2014). Since then she has starred in several films and many awards. Amongst them is the 2016 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Omoyemi Akerele</span> Nigerian businesswoman

Omoyemi Akerele is a Nigerian executive, businesswoman and entrepreneur. Akerele is the founder and CEO of Lagos Fashion Week, Style House Files and special advisor to the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC). She has several advisory positions including Industrie Africa and Jendaya, and has been an advisor to the MoMA, the Victoria & Albert Museum, UN, British Fashion Council and State of Fashion Netherlands.

Fatima Togbe, whose full name is Kike Fatima Togbe-Olory, is the founder and executive director of Hayati Communications Group, a media & entertainment agency that primarily focuses on improving and empowering the lives of Muslim women across West Africa. She launched Hayati Magazine in 2012, Hayati Retail in 2015, Hayati Fashion Week in July 2017, and Hayati Magazine Français in October 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kelechi Amadi-Obi</span> Nigerian artist

Kelechi Amadi-Obi is a Nigerian creative photographer, painter, artist and the publisher of Mania Magazine. His work in photography and visual art has earned him international renown featuring in many international exhibitions including Snap Judgment: New Position in contemporary African Photography, International center of photography New York (2006). He has been described as one of Nigeria's groundbreaking celebrity photographers who has "helped put Nigerian photography on the world map". Vogue calls him "a major force in the creative scene in Nigeria".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Linda Osifo</span> Nigerian actress (born 1991)

Linda Osifo is a Nigerian actress and television host. She was first runner-up Miss Nigeria Entertainment Canada 2011 and 2nd runner up Miss AfriCanada 2011 beauty pageant. In 2015, Linda was nominated for the ELOY awards for her role in the hit TV series: Desperate Housewives Africa by Ebonylife TV– An adaptation of the ABC Studio franchise ‘Desperate Housewives’.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Amarachi Nwosu</span> Nigerian-American photographer, visual artist, filmmaker, writer and speaker

Amarachi Nwosu is a Nigerian-American photographer, visual artist, and filmmaker currently based in New York City. She is also the founder of Melanin Unscripted, a creative platform and agency which aims to dismantle stereotypes and blur cultural lines by exposing complex identities and cultures around the world. Her debut documentary "Black in Tokyo" premiered at the International Center of Photography at the ICP Museum in New York City in 2017. She also screened the film in Tokyo, Japan at Ultra Super New Gallery in Harajuku.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dumebi Iyamah</span> Nigerian-Canadian fashion designer

Dumebi Andrea Iyamah is a Nigerian-Canadian fashion designer born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria. She is the founder and CEO of the fashion label Andrea Iyamah that caters to bridal, swimwear and ready-to-wear lines. She is known for her take on women's fashion and swimwear, which has been worn by celebrities such as Michelle Obama, Kate Hudson, Gabrielle Union, Ciara, and Issa Rae.

Ogugua Okonkwo, popularly known as Og Okonkwo, is a Nigerian womenswear designer, fashionista, and the founder and creative director of the fashion brand Style Temple.

ELOY Awards is an award for women excelling in their field of work. It was established by Tewa Onasanya in 2009.

Adora Oleh, is a British born Nigerian TV presenter and the Second co-host of MTN Project Fame, which she co-hosted for five years. On Sunday 8 December 2013, Adora Oleh won the most popular female TV presenter award in Nigerian Broadcasters Awards which took place in Lagos. She used to host her talk show – "The Adora Oleh Show" on Vox Africa, an entertainment programme which focuses on positive role models and entrepreneurs making waves.

Ojinika Anne Okpe, also known as Ojy Okpe, is a Nigerian model, film producer and TV anchor on Arise News, who hosts What's Trending with Ojy Okpe and co-anchors the Good Morning Show.

Latasha Onyebuchi Ngwube is a Nigerian journalist, media personality, and advocate for body positivity. She is best known for her work in the Nigerian fashion and entertainment industry, as well as her efforts to promote inclusivity and diversity in the media.

Layole Oyatogun is a Nigerian broadcaster, actress, compere and public relations manager. She is the daughter of late veteran broadcaster Walter Oyatogun.

Tolulope Bally professionally known as Tolu Bally is a Nigerian executive, businesswoman and fashion entrepreneur. She is the founder and creative director of 2207bytbally, a Nigerian fashion brand specialized in female couture.

References

  1. ↑ Shaw, Jacqueline (2011). Fashion Africa. AFG Pub. p. 155. OCLC   773348883.
  2. 1 2 3 "#MAKEITHAPPEN: LANRE DASILVA AJAYI – Elle South Africa". elle.co.za. 22 August 2017.
  3. ↑ "Naomi Campbell a nigériai divathét sztárja". euronews (in Hungarian). 2018-04-03. Retrieved 2021-03-24.
  4. ↑ "Lanre Da Silva Ajayi Debuts S/S 2013 Collection 'Butterfly Kisses' In Dolce & Gabbana Spiga2 Concept Store In Milan, Italy". 20 March 2013. Archived from the original on 11 April 2018. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
  5. 1 2 "People often mistake me for a man –Lanre Da Silva". punchng.com. 22 July 2017.
  6. ↑ Wemimo, Esho (8 January 2015). "Lanre DaSilva Ajayi: See stunning resemblance between herself and sister". pulse.ng.
  7. ↑ Dinnie, Keith (2015). Nation Branding Concepts, Issues, Practice (2nd ed.). London: Routledge. p. 263.
  8. ↑ Group, Oxford Business (2013-12-04). The Report: Nigeria 2013. ISBN   9781907065927.{{cite book}}: |last1= has generic name (help)
  9. ↑ Mix, Pulse (16 October 2013). "SNEAK PREVIEW INTO LANRE DA SILVA-AJAYI, LDA"S FASHION WORLD" . Retrieved 10 April 2018.
  10. ↑ "Lanre Da Silva Ajayi – Vogue.it" . Retrieved 10 April 2018.
  11. ↑ "Lanre da Silva Ajayi – Vogue.it".
  12. ↑ "A Look into The Elegant And Vibrant Style of Fashion Designer Lanre DaSilva Ajayi – Style Rave". www.stylerave.com. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
  13. ↑ "Si è cercato lanre – Vogue.it". Vogue.it. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
  14. ↑ Gott, Suzanne; Loughran, Kristyne S.; Quick, Betsy D.; Rabine, Leslie W. (10 April 2018). African-Print Fashion Now!: A Story of Taste, Globalization, and Style. Fowler Museum at UCLA. ISBN   9780990762638 . Retrieved 10 April 2018– via Google Books.
  15. ↑ "Colour Storm by Lanre da Silva Ajayi". 3 June 2014.
  16. ↑ "Why the African print remains the coolest". 10 February 2017.
  17. ↑ "We ? Vlisco's New S3/2017 Lookbook created by Lanre DaSilva Ajayi". 18 August 2017.
  18. ↑ "Your First Look! Lanre Da Silva-Ajayi's "Rock Delight" Collection Debut at Vogue Talents 2014 in Italy – BellaNaija". www.bellanaija.com. 18 September 2014. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
  19. ↑ Editor, Online (1 April 2018). "Lanre Da-Silva, Abaya, About that Curvy Life Open ARISE Fashion Week – THISDAYLIVE". thisdaylive.com.{{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  20. ↑ "Trends from ARISE Fashion Week 2018". 10 April 2018.
  21. ↑ "Lagos honore la mode africaine". 3 April 2018.
  22. ↑ "Nigeria Fashion Week: Model Naomi Campbell walks the ramp for Lanre Da Silva Ajayi". indianexpress.com. 2 April 2018.
  23. ↑ "Nigeria's Arise Fashion Week". euronews.com. 3 April 2018.
  24. ↑ "Naomi Campbell sceglie l'Africa e sfila a Lagos". 4 April 2018.
  25. ↑ "Womenswear Designer Lanre DaSilva Ajayi unveils a New Collection for S/S 2017 called "Artistic Statement" – BellaNaija". www.bellanaija.com. 27 February 2017.
  26. ↑ "ELOY Awards Announces 2017 Influencers". www.thisdaylive.com. November 4, 2017.
  27. ↑ "Eloy Awards – Powered by Exquisite Magazine | Celebrating Women of Excellence…".
  28. ↑ "#CFCoverStars: Lanre DaSilva Ajayi & the Okunoren Twins Sparkle for Complete Fashion's October Edition – BellaNaija". www.bellanaija.com. 25 October 2016.
  29. ↑ "A Fashion Insider's Guide to Nigeria's Style Capital". 30 October 2015.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.