Today’s feature: Lisa Folawiyo
The African fashion industry is slowly taking center stage across the world as majority of individuals across have recognized the unique styles, colors and fabrics that are characterized by African style. It is key to take notice as to how most of the materials used in a variety of our African designs encompass authentic, cheaply sourced but yet high quality and sustainable materials that cause very little harm to the environment.
Therefore, today we highlight the ever so beautiful African Designer Lisa Folawiyo who took the fashion industry by storm in the year 2005 after the birth of her daughter. Within this very year she decided to start her brand which she named Jewel by Lisa. The brand is a multi-faceted global women’s wear which consists of clothing and accessories.
Lisa was born and raised in Nigeria with a professional background in Law but however, has always had an interest in fashion. However, started her brand with no education within the fashion space but simply a burning passion for beautiful designs, determination and a love for the African culture.
Her sense of style involves sustainable high-quality materials elegantly curated around the Nigerian culture which she expresses through her use of traditional ankara whilst embracing modern twists. Her designs have caught the attention of many international icons such as Issa Rae, Lupita Nyong’o and many more who have worn her clothing’s. Therefore, gaining her popularity on the global scene.
Lisa has received various awards for her beautiful and authentic styles both locally and internationally, some of the known awards include Africa fashion Award (2012), one of eight emerging talents by WWD Women’s Wear Daily (2014) and she has been featured in the BOF500 (2015) amongst others. She has also been featured in Vogue Italia which I would boldly state is a great achievement because it is not every day that one makes it into Vogue. Thus, it is important that we give her, her flowers.
Today Lisa Folawiyo has show rooms both in Nigeria and New York therefore, we can state that she has become a great inspiration for many aspiring designers out there who want to venture out of their everyday 9 to 5 in order to pursue their passions. It is through stories such as Lisa’s that people draw the strength to boldy step out of their comfort zone and strive for more because determination drives success.
By
Jacqueline Thoiss
