Deola Sagoe is an haute couture fashion designer from Ondo State, Nigeria. She won both the Best Costume Designer at the 2015 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards and Achievement in Costume Design at the 11th Africa Movie Academy Awards as the costume designer for the film October 1.
Chief Dele Momodu is a Nigerian journalist, publisher, businessman, and motivational speaker. He is the CEO and publisher of Ovation International, a celebrity magazine. In 2015, he officially launched Ovation TV and subsequently launched an online newspaper called The Boss Newspaper. Momodu has received hundreds of awards and honors for his work in the world of business, politics, literature, the music industry and the fashion industry. He writes a weekly column called "Pendulum", published every Saturday on the back page of ThisDay newspaper. The articles have been praised for highlighting topical national issues in Nigeria, as well as discussing popular topics, current events and notable people, often in a polemic/critical style.
Amaka Osakwe is a Nigerian fashion designer and creator of the African-based fashion label named Maki Oh. She has led her womanswear label since 2010 from Lagos, and it is a Nigerian-based label that is globally acknowledged.
The Netng also known as NET is an online entertainment news organisation based in Lagos, Nigeria. It is a leading source of African entertainment, fashion and lifestyle news. Netng formed part of NET Newspaper Limited (NNL) until 2019 when it was acquired by ID Africa. Netng is the organiser of NECLive and the NET Honours.
Maryam Elisha is a Nigerian model, beauty queen, and fashion designer. She founded the Rikaoto by ME fashion brand in 2009, two years after being crowned Miss Valentine. Elisha was named one of the 20 most influential pageant personalities in Nigeria.
Lanre da Silva is a Nigerian fashion designer based in Lagos. Launched in 2005, her eponymous label includes couture, ready-to-wear, jewelry and hairpieces. Da Silva's collections often incorporate metallic fabrics, lace and African patterns, while referencing the 1940s or 1800s. The Africa Fashion Guide recognizes her as having "... created a name for herself in high fashion in Nigeria."
Victoria Michaels is a Ghanaian-Nigerian model, fashion icon, actress, brand ambassador and philanthropist. She is the recipient of several accolades, including Ghana Models Awards, Glitz Style Awards, and the City People Entertainment Awards.
Ophelia Akweley Okyere-Darko is a Ghanaian fashion designer and the Creative Director of Ophelia Crossland Designs Ltd and Ohemaa Kids. Those Who Inspire Limited named her as part of the 75 'Most Inspiring Ghanaians in the world.
Sandra Don-Arthur is a professional makeup artist and Vlogger from Ghana. She is the founder and C.E.O of Alexiglam Studio, a Ghanaian makeup and beauty company that provides beauty services to women in Ghana.
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.
Velma Owusu-Bempah is a milliner, accessories designer and fashion instructor from Ghana. She is the Creative director of her self-named fashion brand, Velma's Millinery and Accessories, and the principal of Velma's Millinery Academy.
Aisha Ayensu is a Ghanaian award-winning fashion designer who is known to have designed outfits and stage costumes for Beyonce, Genevieve Nnaji, Jackie Appiah and Sandra "Alexandrina" Don-Arthur. She is the founder and Creative Director of Christie Brown, a Ghanaian fashion house. She has been interviewed by Folu Storms and for the BBC World Service's radio programme In the Studio and was listed as one of Forbes' Most Promising Entrepreneurs in 2016.
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.
African design encompasses many forms of expression and refers to the forms of design from the continent of Africa and the African diaspora including urban design, architectural design, interior design, product design, art, and fashion design. Africa's many diverse countries are sources of vibrant design with African design influences visible in historical and contemporary art and culture around the world. The study of African design is still limited, particularly from the viewpoint of Africans, and the opportunity to expand its current definition by exploring African visual representations and introducing contemporary design applications remains immense.
FoodCo Nigeria is a Nigeria-based retailer. The company owns the largest supermarket chain brand in southwest Nigeria, outside Lagos, with 18 stores spread across the region.
Valerie O. Lawson, is a Ghanaian makeup artist known for her work in both the bridal and commercial spaces. She is also the Ghanaian artistic director for American cosmetics company, Maybelline New York and the founder of the brand, Contours By Valerie Lawson.
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.
Ruth Erikan James popularly known as Veekee James is Nigerian fashion designer, gospel singer, skit maker, and entrepreneur. She is the founder of Veekee James, a fashion brand and also the convener of Zion Warship, a monthly gospel concert. In 2021, she was the recipient of the AMVCA for best designer of the year. In May 2023, she debuted her first single "Nothing Less".
Vanskere is a Nigerian luxury fashion brand specializing in ready-to-wear urban African attire. The company was established in 2005 by Nigerian designer Evans Akere. Based in Nigeria, the brand is known for its focus on creating contemporary African-inspired designs and high-quality clothing.
African Fashion Designer Awards established in 2018 and endorsed by the Lagos State government is an annual accolade founded by Olasunkanmi Dasilva aimed at showcasing the beauty of creativity in Africa and to discover creative people and fashion professionals. It is also a fashion exhibition event with participants from across Africa.
