We Explored The World Of By.Wuzzy And It Was All In Denim.

“Sunny Dolat said that ‘the world puts pressure on African designers to only take inspiration from Africa’ and that stuck with me because I am that African whose brand does not scream the stereotype.” 

In 1984, a reader wrote in Pravada (the official newspaper of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union), “When you can make jeans better than Levi’s, that will be the time to start talking about national pride." Today, Nigeria can do just that as designer Wuraola Omiyale redefines the denim world.

For many 2020 was a whirlwind but for the 26-year-old designer, Wuraola Omiyale, 2023 was the year she’d attribute that description to– chaotic, a bundle of lessons and growth, her toughest year yet her breakout year. “I was pulled from everywhere, a whirlwind of good and bad lessons, brand opportunities.”

Lagos Fashion Week falls between the last weeks of October and fashion enthusiasts from across the globe fly in to partake in it. But if you are at the venue on the right day, you might see a runway set by a new and emerging designer. 

This is a product of its Green Access Programme, a programme for discovering and platforming young designers committed to eco-friendly fashion by providing mentorship. By.Wuzzy was one of the selected few from the 2024 set, and this year, it is one of the most talked-about brands, with stars such as Renée Downer of FLO, Korty, Deela and Lifesize Teddy co-signing it, and Summer is not even here. “It was life and career-changing for me. I began self-reflecting on myself and my brand.”