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By Benson Michael
In the fast-changing world of fashion, trends can disappear quickly. The true legacy of a designer lies not only in the clothes they make but also in the influence they have on others.
One person who represents this idea in Nigeria is Mrs. Adesola Fabusuyi, Founder and CEO of Trendencias Apparel.
While she stands out as one of the country’s most creative bridal and couture designers, her impact
goes well beyond the runway and store displays. Fabusuyi has become a mentor and inspiration for a new generation of designers, many of whom credit her with helping them establish themselves in the
demanding fashion industry.
For Fabusuyi, mentorship has always been part of her journey. She started her brand as a student with limited resources and knowledge.
She knows firsthand the difficulties of building a fashion career from the ground up. This experience sparked her desire to ensure that young, aspiring designers don’t have to face the same challenges she did. Over the years, she has committed her time and energy to one-on-one training programs and apprenticeships.
She provides her students with not only theoretical lessons but also practical, hands-on experience in couture, bridal wear, and ready-to-wear design.
What distinguishes Fabusuyi’s training is her focus on detail and personal guidance. Rather than offering basic fashion courses, she customizes her mentorship based on the specific needs of her apprentices.
She teaches every part of the design process, from sketching and choosing fabrics to cutting, sewing, embellishing, and finishing, all under her close supervision. She insists that her students grasp both the artistic and technical aspects of the craft because, for her, great fashion combines beauty with structure, precision, and storytelling.
“A design must speak, but it must also be wearable, ” she frequently emphasizes.
The outcomes of her mentorship approach are clear in the success of her former apprentices. Many have gone on to launch successful fashion brands of their own. Notably, Karshy Lagos, Victoria Stitches and Laborah Fashion, all of which are now well-regarded names in the Nigerian fashion scene, proudly emerged from her mentorship program. These brands, which began under her guidance, now operate successfully with growing client bases and distinctly unique identities. Their
success shows how Fabusuyi’s training not only creates designers but also entrepreneurs who can flourish in a competitive industry.
Fabusuyi’s contribution is particularly meaningful in an industry that often values competition over collaboration. The Nigerian fashion scene is vibrant yet challenging, facing high production costs, limited access to global markets, and constant competition for visibility. In this climate, many established designers choose to protect their methods and knowledge. Fabusuyi has taken a different route, one focused on openness, generosity, and community building. By sharing her knowledge, she not only enhances her brand’s reputation but also helps the Nigerian fashion industry grow with skilled, confident, and innovative designers.
Her mentorship efforts go hand in hand with her broader engagement in fashion education and thought leadership.
Through her involvement in events like the Lagos Fashion Week Conference and seminars such as The Business Side of Fashion, she promotes a fashion industry that values creativity alongside business sense. She often emphasizes that young designers need to master their craft while also understanding financial, marketing, and client relations to succeed in the long run.
This comprehensive approach to mentorship has made her a role model for women in fashion and for all
entrepreneurs navigating Nigeria’s creative sectors.
As Nigeria continues to establish itself in the global fashion market, voices like Adesola Fabusuyi’s are vital. Her story reflects not just personal success, but also collective growth. It shows that the industry flourishes when knowledge is shared, emerging designers are nurtured, and legacies are built in both fabrics and people.
Through Trendencias Apparel and her commitment to mentorship, she is fostering a future where Nigerian fashion is not only celebrated for its beauty but also respected for its
talent and innovation. In the future, many designers, including Karshy Lagos, Victoria Stitches and Laborah Fashion, will proudly acknowledge learning under the guidance of Mrs Adesola Fabusuyi.
