The Nigerian fashion scene continues to redefine boundaries, and 2024 has been nothing short of a breakout year for several brands making waves both locally and globally.
From streetwear collectives to luxury labels, each of these standout brands has contributed uniquely to the industry.
Whether it’s through innovative collaborations, unforgettable events, or pushing the design envelope, here’s Ekpo’s curated list of Top Nigerian Fashion Brands 2024 that left a mark.
Severe Nature: Expanding the Universe of Streetwear
Few brands can balance visual aesthetics, storytelling, and strategic expansion the way Severe Nature does. This year alone, they dropped four distinct capsules, one full collection, and executed three impressive collaborations:
- Guinness – a nod to their bold and gritty ethos, seamlessly blending street culture with one of Nigeria’s most iconic beverage brands.
- Pièce et Patch – adding artistic flair through their signature patchwork designs.
- Shuta Bug – teaming up with the renowned Nigerian visual artist for a limited-edition release that blurred the lines between fashion and art.
But it wasn’t just about collaborations. Severe Nature hosted a summer party with NOK by Alara, blending fashion with Lagos’ dynamic nightlife, and later staged an office-themed pop-up in the UK that drew attention from streetwear enthusiasts across Europe. Their meticulous approach to world-building through storytelling, immersive events, and a consistent visual identity sets them apart as a brand fully dedicated to the culture they represent.
Ashluxe: Pioneering Nigerian Luxury Streetwear
As one of Nigeria’s pioneering luxury ready-to-wear brands, Ashluxe has been a powerhouse in pushing the fashion scene forward. This year, the brand’s momentum skyrocketed with key milestones:
- Starting with a UK pop-up that set the tone for their global expansion.
- Sparking a creative revolution with a graphic design competition that captivated the Nigerian streetwear community. Five finalists battled it out, with the winning design gaining mass acclaim.
However, the highlight of Ashluxe’s year was undoubtedly the Olympiad 2.0 adrenaline fest. In collaboration with Vertical Rave, the event was an all-out spectacle featuring:
- Live DJ sets and musical performances.
- A film premiere celebrating the brand’s cultural impact.
- X-Games, merging extreme sports with streetwear culture.
The open-door event attracted fashion enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies alike, making it a must-attend moment for anyone invested in Nigerian streetwear.
Dye Lab: From London Pop-Ups to Lagos Celebrations
Dye Lab has carved out a niche as one of Nigeria’s most chic womenswear brands. Their London pop-up was recognized by The Financial Times as one of the chicest events of Summer 2024, positioning them as a global player in the fashion scene. But Dye Lab didn’t stop there. To wrap up an already impressive year, they hosted a Lagos Fashion Week celebratory event that left fashion insiders buzzing. The event blended high fashion with Lagos’ vibrant culture, reinforcing their reputation as a brand that knows how to command attention.
Nine: The Future of Nigerian Streetwear
Dubbed a brand to watch in early 2024, Nine has more than lived up to the hype. The brand has fostered a dedicated community reminiscent of the UK-based Cortiez (CLINT 419), known for its grassroots approach to streetwear.
Key highlights from Nine’s year include:
- A Skate Jam at Freedom Park in Lekki, bringing together skaters, fashion enthusiasts, and music lovers for an unforgettable experience.
- An Abuja Takeover in collaboration with PSVCIETY and Fiends from the West Side. This event featured an exclusive collab tee sold at just ₦1000, emphasizing their commitment to accessibility while maintaining cultural authenticity.
Nine’s ability to merge community-driven events with high-quality designs positions them as a leading force in advancing Nigerian streetwear culture.
Lagos Space Programme: A Year of Design Excellence
For Lagos Space Programme, 2024 has been a testament to their design prowess and cultural impact. After creating the post-Adire Nigerian jersey for the national team’s AFCON run, which saw them reach the finals, the brand solidified its place as one of the country’s most innovative labels.
The jersey wasn’t just a sportswear item—it was a symbol of Nigerian heritage reimagined for a global audience. But Lagos Space Programme didn’t stop there. Their “Lagos New Look” Project 9.5 debuted at both Paris Fashion Week and Lagos Fashion Week, with the collection later featured on Vogue Runway. This collection showcased their ability to blend traditional Nigerian aesthetics with contemporary design, making them a standout on both local and international stages.
What ties these brands together isn’t just their success—it’s their relentless dedication to pushing boundaries and reshaping how Nigerian fashion is perceived globally.
