Africa's forthcoming developments shape our tomorrow.
Arrival in Lagos: This was my very first visit to Nigeria, and the excitement of setting foot in a new, unexplored country gave me chills. Queuing for my visa, I observed the Nigerians, proud individuals who moved smoothly around me. Their confidence was captivating, and I couldn't wait to see them in action on the streets, in restaurants, and at the leather fair. Would they live up to my expectations? That would be a story for another time.
I was in Lagos for the Lagos Leather Fair. It was the seventh edition of the fair, and I was pleasantly surprised by its transformation. My time there was both impressive and informative, introducing me to young innovators and established accessory brands that were popular among the locals. Nigeria is the sixth-largest leather exporter in the world, and luxury brands like Prada, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton source their products here, taking advantage of the quality of Nigerian leather.
Before 2017, there was no dedicated platform for leather designers in Nigeria, despite the industry's potential to significantly boost the country's GDP. Recognizing this gap, Femi Olayebi, the founder of a successful African brand and a leading fashion designer and entrepreneur, established a platform to showcase and promote the talent of Nigerian leather designers. The platform aimed to bring together stakeholders in the industry, including designers, artisans, manufacturers, and retailers, to foster conversations and drive the industry forward.
International Recognition
The Lagos Leather Fair (LLF) has since grown to become the largest leather fair in West Africa. It has not only changed the perception of Nigerian leather goods among consumers but also encouraged designers to strive for even more excellence and innovation. Workshops, masterclasses, and runways have been added to the offerings in recent years.
This year, I attended a fair that was highly regarded internationally. Here, emerging top brands presented their business ideas to potential investors. Olayebi, the founder, shared her vision for broader representation of leather designers across Africa, with the aim of providing a platform for designers to establish themselves and attract more supporters and investors. "This will achieve an unprecedented scalability and global presence for African leather brands," she said.
What impressed me the most was the preservation of traditional production methods - weaving, braiding, and manual tanning - that have been passed down through generations. Many African leather artisans seamlessly blend these techniques with modern manufacturing and sewing methods, resulting in truly unique brands. There's substantial potential in this field, but three brands stood out to me: They offer more than just an extra handbag or two; they're special pieces that are worth watching, even in Europe.
First, I was drawn to the "Femi" handbags, designed by the LLF founder herself. Each piece is a work of art, crafted from high-quality leather and inspired by classic and vintage silhouettes. Handcrafted details like wrapped sides and hand-stitched handles and straps contribute to the unique aesthetic of the brand. Vibrant colors and the characteristic Aso-Oke fabric, handwoven by artisans in Southwest Nigeria, are additional hallmarks of the brand. Attention to detail and meticulous craftsmanship define the essence of this rapidly growing African brand.
Zainab Aliyu, the founder and creative director of Aaboux, is responsible for the stylish luxury leather brand specializing in limited statement pieces made from exquisite and ethically sourced leather. All items are handcrafted in Lagos by highly skilled third-generation artisans, using the brand's signature stitch-less technique. Aliyu, who had worked as an auditor in London for 15 years, returned to Nigeria with a desire to venture into craftsmanship. She recognized the untapped potential in the Nigerian leather industry and started filling that gap with her innovative yet timeless designs.
Balancing Luxury and Affordability
Moreover, Nicole by Haguana is an artisan with over 20 years of experience in creating custom-made bags and other designs. Her flower bags, adorned with romantic motifs, exude elegance and eliminate the need for additional jewelry, making the bags themselves a stylish and fashionable statement.
Perelei is a promising young designer whose bags are inspired by sports. Mhose caters to fashion-conscious women, offering a mix of luxury and affordability. Blarkmate, a shoe brand, focuses on providing simple, classic shoe options, while Yemi Osunkoya, the designer behind the brand, draws inspiration from African culture and tradition.
Leaving Lagos: I returned home with renewed hope for the African market. In the future, innovative and timelessly elegant products will not only come from Milan or Paris; they will also originate from the unique and demanding African continent. My continent.
Waridi Schrobsdorff is from Kenya, has enjoyed a successful career as a model, and is now the founder and CEO of FA254/ Bridging Africa - Changing Minds. She works as a writer, speaker, and mentor, dividing her time between Berlin and Nairobi.
I was fascinated by the variety of fashion-forward leather designs at the Lagos Leather Fair, including the 'Femi' handbags, which are renowned for their handcrafted details and vibrant colors inspired by traditional Aso-Oke fabric.
The fashion industry in Nigeria, particularly the leather sector, has seen significant growth thanks to the efforts of visionaries like Femi Olayebi and entrepreneurs like Zainab Aliyu of Aaboux, who are preserving traditional techniques and blending them with modern designs to create unique and stylish leather pieces.
