Three Nigerians Are Featured On The BoF 500 List Again

When people think about the fashion industry, fashion designers might be the first thing that comes to mind, but there are scores of other people behind the scenes that shape the industry.

Whether it is in boardrooms, editorial meetings or behind lenses, they are just as important to making the fashion world what it is. This is why Business of Fashion’s annual BoF 500 feature, which commemorates the 500 most influential people in the global industry is so important.

On this year’s list, amongst other African fashion influencers such as Edward Enninful, are our national fashion treasures Omoyemi Akerele, Reni Folawiyo and also Tayo and Ayo Amusan. They have been consistently featured on the list for years, placing them as major fashion powerhouses in Nigeria.

Omoyemi Akerele

Omoyemi Akerele has been featured on the list every year since 2013 when it started. Her role in shaping Nigeria’s industry is possibly the most pivotal, as she runs a fashion consultancy firm which advises brands on positioning, retail and also international visibility.

Reni Folawiyo

Reni Folawiyo’s concept store Alara puts Nigeria on the map as a shopping destination. Alara, since it opened, has placed itself in Nigeria’s fashion industry as the centre of gravity for the global luxury brands that cluster around the burgeoning fashion district, Lagos.

Tayo and Ayo Amusan

Tayo and Ayo Amusan’s company Persianas is the backbone of shopping malls such as The Palms, Lekki. The couple have the vision to grow Nigeria’s retail scene at a steady pace. Their malls successfully house big franchises such as Hugo Boss,  Lacoste, Mac, Mango and many others.