Deola Sagoe

**Deola Sagoe** (born Adeola Ade-Ojo on August 21, 1966, in Ondo, Nigeria) is an acclaimed Nigerian haute couture fashion designer. She is recognized internationally as a leading figure in African fashion, known for her innovative use of traditional Nigerian textiles, particularly *Aso Oke*, which she reinterprets into modern, globally relevant designs.Early Life and Education Adeola Ade-Ojo was born in Ondo State, Nigeria, as the first child of Chief Michael Ade-Ojo, the founder of Elizade University, and Mrs. Elizabeth Wuraola Ade-Ojo. She is of Yoruba descent, and her parents are originally from Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State. Her educational background is strong in business and fashion. She attended the University of Miami in the United States and later the University of Lagos in Nigeria, where she earned degrees that provided the foundation for her entrepreneurial endeavors in the fashion industry.Career Progression and Achievements Sagoe began her career in the fashion industry in 1989, establishing the House of Deola. Her brand quickly gained prominence for its ingenuity in blending traditional Nigerian cultural aesthetics with contemporary high-fashion standards. Her career has been marked by several significant international milestones that helped place Nigerian fashion on the global map: * **International Breakthrough (2004):** Sagoe achieved a pioneering feat by becoming the first black woman to present a collection at AltaRoma, Rome's prestigious fashion week. * **International Recognition:** In 2001, she was rated number 37 on the African Almanac scale of the 100 most influential Africans in the world. She has won several awards, including the “Africa Designs” award and the MNET/Anglo Gold African Designs 2000 award. * **Costume Design:** She won both the Best Costume Designer at the 2015 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards and the Achievement in Costume Design at the 11th Africa Movie Academy Awards for her work on the film *October 1*. * **New York Fashion Week (2014):** She was the first Nigerian designer to host a stand-alone show at the New York Fashion Week. * **Business Excellence:** She received the Platinum Quality Award for superior clothing at the 10th International Star Awards in Paris in 2007, followed by the International Quality Award (Diamond Category) for Excellence and Business Prestige in New York in 2008.Notable Works and Current Status Deola Sagoe’s work is characterized by vibrant colors, intricate detailing, and sophisticated silhouettes. Her brand’s headquarters and flagship store, established in 2008 on Victoria Island, Lagos, house her offices, production facilities, and showrooms. She continues to be an active and influential force in the global fashion industry, designing haute couture and championing the integration of authentic African fabrics with international design trends. Deola Sagoe was married to Kofi Sagoe until their divorce and has three daughters: Teni, Aba, and Tiwa. Her brand maintains a strong social media presence, with an Instagram following exceeding 850K+.