Lanre da Silva

Lanre da Silva (born 1978) is a Lagos-based fashion designer and founder of the eponymous brand, Lanre Da Silva. She is considered to be one of Nigeria’s leading couturiers. Launched in 2005, her eponymous label includes couture, ready-to-wear, jewelry and hairpieces. Da Silva’s collections often incorporate metallic fabrics, lace, and African patterns, while referencing the 1940s or 1800s. The Africa Fashion Guide recognizes her as having “… created a name for herself in high fashion in Nigeria.”

In 2011, da Silva presented her collection at New York Fashion Week, where it was described as combining “… the archetypal bright, warm colors of her homeland with refined ladylike silhouettes inspired by Italian architecture”. Seen as an African luxury brand, her clothing line has been sold at Dolce & Gabbana’s “Concept Spiga 2” store in Milan. In 2012, she was one of two designers asked to join the United Nations “Fashion Development Project” which helps supports her continent’s luxury industry. That same year her label was featured in the magazine L’Uomo Vogue in an issue called ”Re-branding Africa”

In 2012, Italian Vogue wrote a piece on da Silva, mentioning that she has a “… great following in Africa, where her designs are widely recognized thanks to the media and celebrities that support her.” In 2014, she was mentioned once more in Vogue Italia, where the designer spoke about meeting the magazine’s editor Franca Sozzani, who got her collection noticed and stocked at online fashion retailer yoox.com  Da Silva’s designs have also been featured in Vogue Black and Arise Magazine.

Da Silva’s clothes have been described as groundbreaking in their use of traditional African prints. She is recognized for reinterpreting and modernizing traditional motifs, making them an important part of her designs

Directory Details:

Name: Lanre da Silva
Category: Fashion Designer
Country: Nigeria
Website: www.lanredasilvaajayi.com