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By Rita Okoye
Nigeria’s fashion industry, a vibrant $4.7 billion ecosystem, pulses with creativity, blending cultural heritage with global flair. At its heart are male designers who craft more than garments—they weave legacies of wealth, influence, and innovation.
From Lagos’ bustling ateliers to international runways, these visionaries dominate menswear, dressing celebrities, diplomats, and dreamers while amassing fortunes. Here, we explore the top five highest-paid male fashion designers in Nigeria in 2025, spotlighting their journeys, designs, and the business acumen that stitches their success.
Olakunle “Mai” Atafo: The Architect of Elegance
Olakunle Mai Atafo stands as Nigeria’s sartorial titan, transforming menswear into a language of power. Since founding ATAFO in 2009, he has dressed Nigeria’s elite—Banky W, Nollywood stars, and corporate moguls—in bespoke suits that fuse African motifs with Western precision. A single custom piece starts at ₦500,000, while bridal collections command up to ₦2 million. Mai’s net worth, estimated at ₦3.8 billion, reflects his grip on the luxury market, bolstered by partnerships with global brands like Gucci and his role as a fashion consultant.
Born in Lagos, Mai’s journey began under veteran tailors, honing skills that now translate into crisp, confidence-boosting designs. His brand’s expansion into ready-to-wear lines, sold in pop-up stores from Abuja to London, showcases his knack for scaling exclusivity. “Fashion is about confidence,” he told Vogue Africa, a mantra evident in his tailored masterpieces. With Nigeria’s fashion economy booming, Mai’s ability to cater to high-net-worth clients ensures his reign as the industry’s top earner, crafting boardroom-ready armor for Africa’s power players.
Omoniyi “Yomi Casual” Makun: The Star-Studded Stylist
Omoniyi Makun, known as Yomi Casual, blends streetwise swagger with red-carpet polish. Since launching his label in 2010, he has become the go-to for celebrities like Davido and Wizkid, crafting casual-luxe menswear—embroidered dashikis and slim-fit jeans—priced between ₦300,000 and ₦800,000. His net worth of ₦3 billion stems from diverse streams: celebrity styling, a robust e-commerce platform, and endorsements from brands like Nike and Pepsi.
A Lagos native born in 1985, Yomi leveraged his brother AY Makun’s fame, notably a ₦1 million gift in 2016 that fueled his unisex line. His 2 million Instagram followers amplify his influence, driving 40% of Nigeria’s fashion sales through social media. “Style is personal, but impact is universal,” he says, a philosophy reflected in his mentorship of young designers and accessible yet aspirational designs. Yomi’s digital savvy and celebrity connections make him a powerhouse, dressing Nigeria’s youth in ambition and flair.
Emmanuel Abiodun Obafemi: The Eco-Conscious Storyteller
Emmanuel Abiodun Obafemi, the dynamic CEO of Penuel’s Thread, represents the new guard of Nigerian fashion. Founded in 2019, his label crafts heritage-inspired menswear—agbadas and tech-infused shirts from upcycled fabrics—priced at ₦250,000 to N2million.
His 2025 collection, “The Gentleman,” blends classic masculinity with sustainable innovation. Abiodun’s net worth, estimated at ₦500 million, grows through direct-to-consumer sales, pop-up events in Abuja and Accra, and partnerships with ethical brands like Patagonia.
A Lagos-born business graduate, Abiodun launched Penuel’s Thread to combat fashion waste, transforming scraps into regal designs. “Our goal is to make men feel like kings without harming the earth,” he told The Guardian. With 100,000 social media followers and a focus on storytelling—each piece narrates Nigerian lore—he resonates with eco-conscious millennials. As Africa’s green fashion market eyes ₦1 trillion by 2030, Abiodun’s sustainable vision fuels his rapid ascent.
Mudiaga “Mudi” Afes: The Timeless Trailblazer
Mudiaga Afes, or simply Mudi, is Nigerian fashion’s godfather. Since 1993, MUDI Africa has defined opulence with flowing silk and velvet agbadas, priced from ₦300,000 to ₦1.5 million and worn by presidents and diplomats. His ₦2.5 billion net worth reflects a brand spanning six African nations and a thriving wholesale network. A self-taught designer from Delta State, born in 1961, Mudi’s Italian apprenticeship sharpened his haute couture edge, which captivated Nigeria’s elite during the ‘90s oil boom.
Mudi’s legacy lies in his fusion of African heritage with global appeal, now embracing eco-friendly fabrics to align with the $15 billion sustainability trend. “Africa’s heritage is my canvas,” he reflects, mentoring new talent while innovating. His enduring clientele and cross-border expansion keep his earnings robust, proving that timeless style transcends generations in Nigeria’s competitive fashion landscape.
Adebayo Oke-Lawal: The Boundary-Breaker
Adebayo Oke-Lawal’s Orange Culture is a rebellion against convention. Launched in 2011, his gender-fluid menswear—vibrant kaftans and utility pants blending Yoruba motifs with streetwear—retails for ₦200,000 to ₦600,000. With a net worth of ₦900 million, Oke-Lawal’s wealth flows from international collaborations with Nike and Levi’s, endorsements from stars like Tiwa Savage, and an online store serving 20 countries.
A computer science graduate turned designer, the 38-year-old Lagos native draws from the city’s diversity. A LVMH Prize finalist, he champions ethical production using local artisans, aligning with the global demand for conscious luxury. “Fashion should liberate, not confine,” he asserts. As African designers contribute 15% to the continent’s creative GDP, Oke-Lawal’s bold vision and global reach position him as a high-earning innovator, redefining Nigerian style on the world stage.
