Wanni Fuga: The Brand Blending Cultural Heritage With Modern Innovation
Founded in 2014 by Toluwani Wabara, Wanni Fuga is a leading brand in both Nigeria and the global fashion industry, becoming a symbol of timeless elegance and cultural celebration. For Wabara, Wanni Fuga is more than just a fashion brand - it's a deeply personal expression of identity. I had the pleasure of speaking with her about the latest collections, her inspirations and how she defines her place in the global fashion industry.
The brand unveiled their latest collection in Lagos Fashion Week, this October. The aptly named ‘Garden of Fuga’ draws inspiration from nature with bright summery colour palettes and floral silhouettes. The entire collection is a homage to summer, and how these aesthetics operate in Nigeria. “Each piece features a vibrant palette and organic textures that mirror the beauty of nature and the essence of renewal,” the designer states. Wabara’s inspiration comes from the creative process itself, likening it to a delicate seed ‘nurtured until it blossoms’. For her, the creative process is emotional and spiritual rather than laborious. It’s a “heartfelt narrative of growth,” she shares, “from the initial spark of inspiration to the full bloom of creativity and craftsmanship.”
At Wanni Fuga, the customer remains central to her vision: “As I’ve always believed, our customers have been the soil that nourishes our vision.” Wabara reflects, “This collection is a tribute to them, celebrating the incredible community we've built together. The launch will include a captivating showcase, inviting our customers to step into the Garden of Fuga and experience firsthand the evolution of our designs, where each garment tells a story of resilience, beauty, and connection.”
The brand’s inspiration in the beauty of nature serves as a testament to its commitment to sustainability “Sustainability means honouring our culture and environment through thoughtful and responsible production,” she emphasises. In order to minimise the waste in the creation process the brand uses “small-batch products” and focuses on “supporting local artisans.” An evidently intentional approach to sustainable business practices from the brand - “Each piece reflects our commitment to ethical fashion and respect for our community and planet,” Wabara confirms.
The origins of Wanni Fuga are rooted in the designer’s desire to empower and represent women’s experiences through her clothing. Their designs are for women who “know their worth and choose clothing that reflects their inner strength and grace,” whether that’s when navigating a busy career, celebrating life’s moments, or simply embracing every day.
The brand’s name is a nod to her own heritage, a blend of her middle name ‘Toluwani’ and her maiden name ‘Oyefuga’. Wabara discloses, “I wanted to embody a sense of identity while celebrating African heritage and sophistication.” Indeed, her heritage is central to her work, as each design skillfully blends Nigerian silhouettes whilst maintaining modern elegance.
For the designer, the mission of ‘Balancing cultural preservation with creative innovation’ is central to the brand’s identity. Each look in her collection draws inspiration from the “timeless beauty of African silhouettes” and is infused with what Wabara calls “subtle yet impactful modern touches.” The Gele, a Nigerian headwrap, is reimagined in their popular 'Simi Band’ piece, which endeavours to capture the cultural significance “in a way that feels versatile and accessible for a stylish and global audience.”
Despite drawing inspiration strictly from African influences, Wanni Fuga’s designs resonate globally, appealing to women with their diverse and inclusive approach to style. How can clothes transcend the culture in which they are rooted in, without losing their heritage? To Wabara, the solution is simple, “By focusing on quality craftsmanship and a minimalist aesthetic, we create pieces that resonate with women worldwide while staying rooted in our identity,” she explains. Who is this customer? According to Wabara “confident and effortlessly stylish,” valuing “quality, seeking pieces that empower her to express her individuality.” Her clothes seek to embrace and reflect women like her “who know (their worth) and choose clothes to reflect their inner strength and grace.”
Whilst the brand has celebrated significant fashion milestones, Wabara’s journey into the industry wasn’t conventional. She studied civil engineering at University, an experience she credits with shaping her approach to design. “My STEM background influences my approach to design by grounding it in structure and precision, helping me to balance artistry with functionality. Each Wanni Fuga piece is meticulously crafted with an engineer’s eye for quality and durability, making sure our designs are as practical as they are beautiful.”
Yet despite the many successes, there have also been numerous challenges in creating a brand as significant as Wanni Fuga. ‘“Establishing Wanni Fuga came with unexpected challenges, such as scaling the brand in a tough economy, balancing work and family, and maintaining innovation while ensuring consistent quality. Each challenge pushed us to adapt and refine our approach.” Yet there have also been many silver linings. “A defining moment for me was hosting my first runway in October during Lagos Fashion Week to celebrate 10 years of Wanni Fuga and debut our upcoming ‘SS25’ collection, showcasing our blend of African elegance and modern style designed for women around the world.” More recently, Wabara shares that one of the brand’s most significant milestones are their features in Vogue, “hosting inaugural Pop-Ups in New York and Atlanta” and building and setting up the Wanni Fuga HQ—a space that brings together their team, their creative process, and their vision under one roof.
Lagos Fashion Week has played a pivotal role in elevating African designers to the global stage, and Wabara is passionate about its future and Wanni Fuga’s place within it. “It plays a crucial role in bringing attention to the creativity, innovation and craftsmanship that African designers bring to the industry,” she notes. “Wanni Fuga’s participation in this event is a way to connect with a broader audience and celebrate our heritage.” In her eyes, Lagos Fashion's week journey is just beginning and she looks forward to seeing it furthering “fostering collaborations between African designers and global brands, driving conversations around sustainable practices, and encouraging greater inclusivity in fashion.” For Wanni Fuga, “African fashion is not just a trend but a permanent transformative force in the industry.”
As the brand continues to flourish, it inspires a generation to celebrate identity, embrace creativity, and reimagine possibilities on their own terms. It's a journey I look forward to following.
All Images Courtesy of Black PR
Written by Arielle Sam-Alao
Edited by Daisy Packwood, Fashion Editor
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