Nigerian fashion visionary Reni Folawiyo is redefining luxury with her “Afro-lux” aesthetic, captivating the world from her Lagos-based concept store, Alara. Celebrating a decade in 2025, Alara’s striking architecture, featuring latticework inspired by Yoruba adire textiles, stands as a bold symbol of Nigeria’s cultural richness in the heart of Lagos. Folawiyo’s mission blends tradition with modernity, showcasing upscale African designs alongside global brands, art, and books to elevate African creativity on par with international giants.
Drawing from Yoruba heritage—think vibrant textiles, bold colors, and lavish ceremonies—Folawiyo also weaves in Senegal’s rugged aesthetic and Ivory Coast’s refined sophistication. Her curated collections, like a ₦325,000 ($210) green dress by Nigerian brand Eki Kere, embody this fusion. Beyond Lagos, she’s taking Afro-lux global with pop-up exhibitions at the Brooklyn Museum, a collaboration with the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and a showcase at Barbados’s CARIFESTA XV in August 2025. “A lot of the beautiful things made in Africa weren’t celebrated enough,” Folawiyo told AFP, emphasizing her drive to honor rural craftsmanship.
With Nigerian stars like Burna Boy, Tems, and Ayra Starr rocking African-inspired looks at the 2025 Met Gala, Folawiyo’s vision is clear: Afro-lux is a celebration of Africa’s heritage, poised to reshape global fashion.
