UK-based designer, Quwiyat Lawal, takes Nigerian fabrics to global fashion stage

For UK-based fashion designer and creative director of Sisi Sewing, Quwiyat Olashile Lawal, promoting indigenous Nigerian fabrics beyond the country’s borders is both a mission and a statement.

Through her designs and international appearances, Lawal is steadily redefining how traditional African textiles are perceived and worn on the global stage.

Based in the United Kingdom, Lawal has taken part in several fashion trade fairs in Birmingham, where she presented her collections to international buyers and fashion professionals.

The platforms have enabled her to introduce African textiles, particularly Aso-Oke, to a wider audience, while engaging in conversations on how traditional fabrics can be integrated into contemporary global fashion markets.

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Speaking with Tribune Online, Lawal explained that her focus on indigenous fabrics such as Ankara, Adire and Aso-Oke is driven by a desire to showcase their versatility and modern relevance.

“I want the world to see that Nigerian fabrics are not only culturally significant but also adaptable to modern fashion,” she said.

“Through casual, corporate, ceremonial and climate-appropriate designs, I try to show that these materials can be worn globally.”

Through Sisi Sewing, Lawal has created garments that blend heritage with function and style, using Ankara, Adire and premium Aso-Oke.

Her work with Aso-Oke stands out for its deliberate repositioning of the handwoven textile beyond its traditional ceremonial role. By translating the fabric into refined silhouettes, she presents Aso-Oke as suitable for everyday wear and contemporary fashion settings.

Her collections have also been showcased at African Fashion Week Nigeria in Lagos, where they attracted the attention of fashion industry…