Lisa Folawiyo

Lisa Folawiyo is a prominent Nigerian fashion designer, widely recognized for her boundary-pushing brand, which redefines African luxury fashion. She is of Yoruba ethnicity and is noted for transforming traditional West African textiles, particularly Ankara, into elevated, globally resonant expressions of style. Folawiyo initially pursued a career in law, studying at the University of Lagos before pivoting to fashion. Her career officially began in 2005 when she launched her label, originally named "Jewel by Lisa," from her home with a modest initial investment of 20,000 Naira. She pioneered a revolutionary design approach by meticulously hand-embellishing traditional Ankara fabric with modern techniques, beads, and sequin trims. This innovative method helped shift the perception of African fashion from "ethnic" to contemporary luxury, making Ankara runway-worthy. Her career progression saw her brand quickly gain international recognition. She has showcased her collections at prestigious events, including New York Fashion Week, and has maintained showrooms in both Nigeria and New York. Her designs have been worn by notable figures, such as Senegalese-American actress Issa Rae. Major achievements include being featured in *Vogue Italia* in 2012, winning the Africa Fashion Award in 2012, and being named one of the eight emerging talents by *WWD Women's Wear Daily* in 2014. In 2015, she was featured in the *BOF500* (The Business of Fashion's list of the people shaping the global fashion industry). Currently, Lisa Folawiyo continues to lead her eponymous brand, expanding the influence of Nigerian design globally through collaborations, including those with high-end retailers like Bergdorf Goodman, Browns, and Alara, and placing her distinct Ankara aesthetic in new creative territories, such as interior design and art curation.