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Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

How African Designers Are Finding Success by Tapping Into Their Cultural Roots

More designers from Nigeria, South Africa and other African countries are connecting with consumers in international markets by putting their cultures front and centre.
Looks from Lagos Space Programme Project 5. Isabel Okoro, Ifebusola Shotunde, Kadara Enyeasi
Looks from Lagos Space Programme Project 5. Isabel Okoro, Ifebusola Shotunde, Kadara Enyeasi.
By
  • Odunayo Ojo

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When Adeju Thompson, founder of the Nigerian label Lagos Space Programme, was looking for inspiration for their next collection, they landed on a Yoruba phrase: Aṣọ Lànkí, Kí Ató Ki Ènìyàn, which translates to “we greet [a] dress before we greet its wearer.”

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