Nigerian streetwear brands have transformed the fashion industry. Significantly, these brands contributed to the remarkable growth of the fashion industry in a highly profitable sector.
Market analysts valued the global streetwear market at $185 billion in 2019. Consequently, experts predict substantial growth for Nigerian streetwear brands in the coming years.
Currently, innovative homegrown Nigerian streetwear brands are actively reshaping Nigeria’s fashion landscape. As a result, these trailblazing labels incorporate themes of elegance, revive Y2K aesthetics, and create glamorous armour-like designs. Moreover, Nigerian Gen-Z and millennial individuals eagerly express their unique style through these Nigerian streetwear brands.
Notably, the alte subculture has primarily driven the surge in streetwear fashion consumption in Nigeria. In particular, young Nigerians in this community actively embrace unconventional fashion styles and challenge traditional gender norms. Furthermore, as Nigerian streetwear brands continue to thrive, they actively foster extensive sartorial experimentation. Also, they inspire various genres and subcultures to emerge.
Most importantly, pioneering designers have actively spearheaded this movement and successfully connected different communities through their fashion creations. Subsequently, these visionary creators have established Nigerian streetwear brands that deserve recognition and attention.
Therefore, let us introduce you to nine groundbreaking Nigerian streetwear brands that are making waves in the fashion industry.
1. Severe Nature
Severe Nature, a Nigerian-Canadian streetwear brand, was founded in 2012 by Tobi Adeleye, Christopher Afolabi, and the late Michael Atobalele (Uzii). They launched a Nigerian branch in 2016, recognizing the need for local fashion options.
Severe Nature brings contemporary streetwear with a bold twist, drawing inspiration from redefined Y2K aesthetics such as cropped tops and denim outfits. Their designs bridge the gap between different age groups, fostering inclusivity through innovative and stylish collections.
2. WafflesnCream (Waf.)
WafflesnCream, founded in 2012 by Jomi Marcus-Bello, is a Nigerian skate label that has significantly impacted the West African skate subculture. The brand captures the spirit of skateboarding with items like skateboards, bolts, patterned wheels, and vibrant checkered bucket hats.
WafflesnCream blends contemporary style with Nigerian heritage, offering a unique fusion of traditional Ankara print baggy trousers, t-shirts, and “uncle” shirts. This seamless mix of modern fashion and cultural history has positioned WafflesnCream as a leader in the fashion world.
3. David Blackmoore
David Blackmoore (DB), founded by Asaju Samuel and Asiafa Oghenefego in 2015, is a prominent Nigerian streetwear brand shaping urban fashion trends. Known for its bold designs, DB stands out with back-printed t-shirts, vibrant colours, and oversized tops.
Notable pieces like the “Mood like Fela” t-shirts and the flower-detailed sleeve “harvest” shirts make DB a go-to brand for mastering streetwear. Their dedication to Nigerian culture shines through references to the country’s history, which gives the brand a strong local identity.
4. Street Souk
Founded by Iretidayo Zacchaeus in 2018, Street Souk celebrates African streetwear within Nigeria’s flourishing fashion scene. This brand is passionate about elevating Nigerian streetwear culture and offers a platform to showcase its vibrancy and potential.
Street Souk continues to play a crucial role in defining the future of African street fashion, embracing the energy and creativity of Nigeria’s evolving style landscape.
5. Cult
Cult, a streetwear brand founded in 2018, puts community at the heart of its designs. Known for its iconic Calabasas font-style logo, the brand offers a high-quality collection of t-shirts, trucker hats, and bucket hats.
Cult has also collaborated with notable personalities like Davido and Kiddominant, showcasing its expanding influence. By working with top graphic designers and using the finest materials, Cult consistently delivers standout products that resonate with streetwear enthusiasts.
6. NACK
NACK (Nigerian Articulate Culture Kullection), founded by Tolulope Akinpeloye in 2006, embraces the Afropolitan identity, reaching both Africans in the diaspora and those born and raised in Africa.
This brand was created to address the complex issue of identity while offering a platform for self-expression. With a wide selection of stylish pieces including shirts, sneakers, accessories, and face masks, NACK bridges cultural gaps and celebrates Africa’s rich heritage.
7. Meji Meji
Meji Meji, founded by Tolu Oye, has an inspiring origin story. Before launching her brand, Tolu designed unique face masks and bucket hat combinations for her college peers.
Embracing her creativity and overcoming her fears, she established Meji Meji as a streetwear brand catering to women who love vibrant colours and bold cultural styles. Meji Meji delivers high-quality, functional streetwear that allows individuals to express their confidence through fashion.
8. Vivendii
Vivendii, a Nigerian fashion brand founded by Jimmy Ayeni, Ola Badiru, and Anthony Oye in 2011, started as a collective of bloggers using Tumblr to share their unique style.
Over time, their love for fashion evolved, leading them to create custom shirts while pursuing academic goals. Their talent caught the attention of renowned fashion figures like Franca Sozzani and Roberto Cavalli, inspiring them to establish their own brand in Lagos.
Vivendii blends streetwear and high fashion, honouring their Nigerian roots while showcasing their creative approach to fashion. The brand’s name, derived from the Latin phrase “Modus Vivendii,” meaning “our way of living,” reflects this ethos.
9. ashluxe
Founded by celebrity designer Yinka Ash, ashluxe is redefining luxury streetwear in Nigeria with its avant-garde approach. The brand has quickly gained recognition for its innovative designs that blend craftsmanship with youthful aesthetics.
From accessories to seasonal collections, ashluxe consistently pushes boundaries, establishing itself as a leading force in luxury streetwear in both Nigeria and the diaspora.
Many more streetwear brands operate in Nigeria beyond this list. We invite you to share additional brands you know in the comments section below.
Fashion enthusiasts actively discover new Nigerian streetwear labels every day, and your contributions will help others explore the diverse landscape of Nigerian street fashion.
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