Style Diary: Lagos, Nigeria

Going home to Lagos, Nigeria for the holidays was easily one of the highlights of 2016 for me. I had not been back for a year (which is a really long time for me) so it felt really good being with friends and family, celebrating the season and of course eating all the Nigerian delicacies.

During my stay, I was determined to explore my personal style and the Nigerian fashion scene by wearing outfits from various upcoming Nigerian designer brands. Some of them, I found on Instagram while a select few were recommendations from friends.

Last year, I wrote a post here complaining about receiving mediocre service from some “premium” Nigerian designers and I’m happy to say I didn’t have to deal with this problem with the brands mentioned below. I also love that I didn’t have to make any alterations as the clothes were made and delivered exactly as discussed leaving no room for complaints. Most of the items promoted in this post were bought with my money, as I strongly believe in supporting upcoming talent and in the #BuyNigerian movement.

I’ve included details of the different designers as well as price and contact details should you be interested in any of the pieces. Also, I’ll love to know which is your favourite outfit so please leave a comment below!

1. House Of Wannie

House of Wannie is a Nigerian brand based in Canada. Yewande reached out to me in Toronto and gifted me with this off-shoulder blouse. This was the first item I pulled out of my suitcase on arrival in Lagos and I’m glad other people loved it as much as I did.

I’ve watched her grow tremendously over the past few months and I cannot wait to see what she has in store for 2017.

Contact: http://www.houseofwannie.etsy.com/

Price: $50

2. iWearAsika

iWearAsika is a Nigerian fashion brand run by two sisters, Chinemerem Ilobi and Onyinyechi Ilobi . Founded in early 2016, iWearAsika provides ready-to-wear and bespoke clothing for women. They take pride in proper finishing and customer satisfaction, which I can attest to. Their studio is located at Suite 42, Okanga Plaza, Wuye, FCT Abuja and they also deliver worldwide!

Contact: Instagram, +2348124212685, [email protected]

Price: N9,000

3. Whitney Black

WB is a Lagos based brand owned by a friend, Uche. This two piece is easily one of my favourite outfits because it’s so different from what I’d normally wear. From the colour & design of the fabric to the overall fit, everything was pure perfection. I’m particularly happy about WB because it’s a very new brand in the market but I’m certain that with consistency and exceptional customer service, the sky is only just a limit.

Contact: Instagram, +2348184888452

Price: N6000

4. Timabee

Established in 2014, Timabee is a luxury leather goods brand born out of the need to define luxury beyond the average. I have 2 timabee purses but I’m now obsessed with this personalized piece. It was a staple during my trip and it gave me great joy to tell everyone that showed interest, that it is a Nigerian brand. Compared to the other brands listed in this mini-directory, the average price of a Timabee piece ranges from anywhere above N70,000. Coupled with the amazing customer service from the owner Fatima, there is no saying how high this brand will soar. I’m here for it all the way!

Contact: Instagram, info@timabee.com

Price: N160,000 or $335

5. Yoot by Henri Uduku

If I had my way, I’ll live in an oversized t-shirt and heels everyday. Henri Uduku is a contemporary urban wear brand that has changed through several incarnations that include the Yoot diffusion label and a menswear stint. The label is now committed to providing unisex staple wear, filling the niche for stylish, well made urban clothing for savvy young Nigerians.

Contact: Instagram, info.henriuduku@gmail.com

Price: N5,500

6. Vino

Vino is a Nigerian clothing brand that focuses on custom made, affordable luxury clothing for women, gentlemen, and children. The brand was born out of the desire to meet clothing needs of people who find it hard to get clothes that fit their personalities and bodies perfectly. The primary focus of ‘Vino’ as a brand is customer satisfaction and comfort, and as such, all clothes are custom made to suit the requirements of the client. The brand however plans to eventually open stores were ready-made clothing will be retailed, so look out for that.

Contact: Instagram & Twitter 

7. Visu

Visu is a ready-to-wear and bespoke brand seeking to be the representation of the confident woman and agents of change through classy and trendy pieces. I especially liked this two-piece short set among the pieces sent to me because it was right up my style alley. Comfortable, feminine and minimal. I paired it with my favourite pair of nude Call-It-Spring sandals, customised Timabee purse and Dapmod sunglasses for a day out with friends.

Contact: Instagram, +2348054857807, [email protected]

Price: 7,500

It was so amazing wearing pieces from upcoming Nigerian brands. Knowing that the fashion and style industry is growing to accommodate new talent is inspiring to me both as a customer and an influencer. I hope to see more of these brands in 2017 and as many more that are willing to take the bull by its horn.

If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment down below!

Till next time,

xx

(Photography: Shot with iPhone by my family members..lol)

Comments (22)

  • Avatar

    Olaedo ✨ (@MayJailer__)

    All beautiful, hard to pick!

    • Avatar

      Alma

      Thank you!!

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    Labakeany

    Very nice outfits, quite difficult to choose a fav so I’m going to go with just two brands which would be Henri Uduku brand and Visu brand . You slated them well??

  • Avatar

    Labakeany

    *slayed

  • Avatar

    Chantel Keona

    Great style!

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    Folake

    You look so good Alma. The WB two piece is definitely my favorite look of you ?

    • Avatar

      Alma

      Thank you very much Folake! I really like the WB two piece too <3

  • Avatar

    LAGOSCITYCHIC

    All of them, beautiful pieces I’ll definitely be getting one or two!! You see that Timabee bag shaaaaa! I was having such a moment with that bag till I saw 160k, uggh now I have to break my piggy bank lol.

    http://www.lagoscitychic.blogspot.com

    • Avatar

      Alma

      Looool everyone has the same reaction, but I’ll say it’s worth it though, premium leather >>>>

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    Joye

    I love all of these beautiful and unique designs. the iwearasika dress is probably my favorite, though the vino design is also gorgeous. I just don’t think it would look as nice on me as it does on you. :)

    • Avatar

      Alma

      It will definitely look as nice on you, even better. If you end up buying anyone, send me an email and we’ll figure out styling options! <3

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    Oroma R. R.

    I’m definitely bookmarking this post. With the state of the economy now, buying Nigerian is becoming a must. If we don’t support our own businesses then who will? You look great in all these photos girl, slay!

    / O.R.R. – Life & Style Journal

    • Avatar

      Alma

      It definitely is a must!! Thank you girl for stopping by!

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    Brittany

    All of these looks gave me life hunny ?

    • Avatar

      Alma

      Thank you Brittany!!

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    jikslifestyleandfashion

    Hi, As usual i love this post but you didnt write Whitney black instagram handle would love to try them out .

    • Avatar

      Alma

      Hi dear, the Instagram link is embedded in the word “Instagram”, just click on it and it’ll take you there. Thank you for stopping by! <3

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    Sonia Aicha

    OMG I love all your outfits ! that jumpsuit is everything, perfect for West Africa weather.
    You have a great sense of style, keep it up
    Sonia
    http://www.soniaaicha.com

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    Winnie

    Beautiful collection… I hope you eventually had a splendid holiday.

  • Avatar

    Trendy Aso Ebi 2017

    Team Curvy Really.

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