The past years have seen Nigerian designers take center stage locally and internationally.
Designers like Hertunba, Onalaja, and a host of others are dominating the fashion scene. Just recently, there was a flood of Nigerian made outfits at the Fifteen Percent Pledge Gala.
The gala has always been about more than glamour. It is about Black grace and excellence, Black enterprise and the exuding power of support, but this year we couldn’t overlook the regal goodness in the fashion scene.
From sculpted silhouettes to dramatic textures and bold detailing, several celebrities chose to wear Nigerian brands to one of the most important fashion driven philanthropic events in the United States.
The gala, founded to encourage major retailers to dedicate at least 15 percent of their shelf space to Black owned businesses, has grown into a cultural moment, and this year that moment carried a strong Nigerian undertone.
At the heart of that statement was Olandria. She stepped out in a striking Nigerian design that instantly commanded attention. The silhouette was bold, the detailing deliberate, and the presence undeniable. Her look did not just blend into the night. It defined it, reinforcing how Nigerian craftsmanship can hold its own on any global stage.
Afrobeats star Ayra Starr also embraced the moment in a design that blended softness with structure, once again showing how Nigerian fashion balances femininity and edge. The confidence was unmistakable.
Beauty entrepreneur Jackie Aina followed suit in a custom piece that delivered drama without losing elegance, perfectly aligned with a night that celebrates ownership and visibility. Marvella added to the momentum in a standout Nigerian creation that further amplified the country’s presence on the carpet.
These were not token moments. Nigerian designers are building brands that compete globally, producing garments that stand confidently beside established luxury houses built around the identity of African culture.
For years, Nigerian fashion has influenced pop culture through music, film and social media. Now it is firmly becoming a fixture on international red carpets that matter. At the Fifteen Percent Pledge Gala, a platform dedicated to economic empowerment doubled as a runway for African excellence.
