Nigerian designers — Wanni Fuga, Tolu Coker, and Abigail Ajobi — made statements at London Fashion Week AW25, showcasing heritage, history and modern fashion.
Nigerian designers — Wanni Fuga, Tolu Coker, and Abigail Ajobi — made statements at London Fashion Week AW25, showcasing heritage, history and modern fashion.
For global and emerging talents in fashion, London Fashion Week is an aspirational launchpad. Beyond the avant-garde Western fashion, tradition and heritage graced the runway, and Nigerian designers have made a name for themselves in the fashion industry.
Wanni Fuga, Tolu Coker and Abigail Ajobi were the fashion powerhouses that communicated the uniqueness of Nigerian fashion on such a global stage. Here’s how they stole the show at the London Fashion Week run
Wanni Fuga
From the corners of Lagos to shows in London, Wanni Fuga’s pieces unequivocally inspire confidence in women. The designer’s presentation more than just classic pieces for every woman; it was an exploration of Nigerian perceptions of luxury, comfort, and sophistication.
It’s impossible to miss the unique patterns and traditional craftsmanship—essentially, Wanni Fuga’s attention to detail. She showcased the feminine elegance and sophistication of Nigerian women, crafting and creating a breathtaking experience.
Tolu Coker
Tolu Coker’s “Ori—Upon Reflection” collection didn’t just touch upon history—it dug into the very roots of her African heritage. Tolu Coker engulfed us in historical African nostalgia with a British twist — we loved it.
Her ready-to-wear pieces included sculptural asymmetrical gowns extending past the waist, voluminous Bermuda shorts, white socks and shoes — with a combination of leather jackets and oversized shoes. On the runway, models held wooden rosaries and cotton plants, viscerally communicating how Tolu Coker fused African spirituality and cultural heritage with history.
Tolu Coker describes the collection as “going back to push forward.” “As diaspora communities, we carry a lot in our bodies. We are vessels of those histories in our fabrics, bronzes and crafts—it’s preserved in a unique form.” She added.
Similarly, with this collection, Tolu Coker tells the story of how African culture moves through British tradition to create its own identity.
Abigail Ajobi
Abigail Ajobi’s collection made a statement. With words like Japa syndrome, I’m not British, and I’m English inscribed on her pieces, she expressed the cultural realities of Nigerians in the diaspora — reflecting the recurring themes of social activism that people praise in her work.
Abigail Ajobi’s collection takes a solid stance at the intersection of sustainability and grungy streetwear fashion, accounting for the frayed edges, oversized puffy jackets and excessive patterns seen on the runway. Her collection drew a contrast between exaggerated silhouettes with structured tailoring, combining vibrant colours with earthy tones to mix traditional elements with modern fashion.
The collection isn’t just streetwear paradise; it pushes ethical consumption boundaries and modernity.
London Fashion Week AW25 — in all its grandeur — was more than just a showcase of modern fashion; it was an event that told stories of trends, evolution, history and heritage. Breaking into the space, Nigerian designers at the London Fashion Week AW25 uniquely expressed their culture, personal struggles, street style, opulence and luxury while showcasing artistic brilliance.
