Lisa Folawiyo is one designer I love from the depth of my heart and I can close my eyes and give you so many reasons why. She is the founder and creative director of Jewel by Lisa which is now known as Lisa Folawiyo.
She studied Law in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and with no formal training, she started the label in her home after the birth of her daughter in 2005. Her passion for clothes and her exquisite sense of style led to create what we will all agree had never been done at that time.
Creating high fashion pieces with Ankara fabric, embellished with jewels, which has now become a global phenomenon. Lisa opened the eyes of Nigerian designer to get creative with the collections.
Since then her designs have become a priced possession to behold. Worn by fashionable international and local celebrities such as Catt Sadler, Lucy liu, Lala, Kuoth Weil, Eku Edewor, Rita Dominic, Bolanle Olukanni and more.
I had the pleasure of walking for her at GTB Lagos Fashion & Design Week 2014 . I remember wearing a silk blue, green and black pencil dress with cut outs and it felt like gold placed on my body.
Her creativity stands out and that is why she has gotten to where she is today. Showcasing at New York Fashion Week and London Fashion Week. She is a true definition of hard work.
Lisa’s design aesthetics are silk dresses, pants, tops and more embellished with jewels with cut outs made usually with printed fabrics which are variations of the traditional Ankara.
View some of her pieces of celebrities below.