The word luxury has been tossed around so much in Nigerian fashion that it now feels… ordinary. Once upon a time, it evoked an unspoken hush — a world of rarefied access, exquisite craftsmanship, and a certain silence that spoke louder than logos. Today, it’s stamped on everything from mass-market handbags to fast-fashion collaborations, leaving you to wonder: do we still have luxury in Nigeria?
I say yes. Absolutely, yes.
But here’s the truth — the overuse of the word has made it lose its weight. Luxury has become loud when it was once discreet. It’s been hashtagged into oblivion, dressed in hype instead of heritage. And yet, in the quiet corners of our fashion scene, the real thing remains.
When you see our Nigerian luxury fashion brands, only the wealthy or the .fashionably alert truly understand the recognizability of these names — from the
iconic Invanity
to Kilenta,
from the amazing Atafo
to Tolu Coker,
and the very distinctive identity standing tall at EAT.
Luxury is generally an experience — an experience you feel in the garments, an experience you feel in the knowledge of the brand’s history, and an experience that only time can give a brand.
You see it in the hand-beaded evening gown that took three months to finish. In the silk gele folded with the precision of an origami master. In the limited-edition leather bag brought in without fanfare, known only to those who know.
This is the silent luxury — the kind that doesn’t need to shout, the kind that whispers to the discerning. Yes, there is still luxury in Nigeria. But you have to look past the noise to find it.
written by : TONYE HART