nigerian designers that made a statement at the 2025 met gala
The 2025 Met Gala, themed “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” was a celebration of Black identity, craftsmanship, and sartorial excellence. Among the standout contributors were Nigerian-owned fashion houses—Eleven Sixteen, Deji & Kola, Orange Culture, and Monse Maison—each bringing a unique narrative to the red carpet through their designs.
By Asteroid Media
Eleven Sixteen by Ugo Mozie
Music legend Diana Ross made a grand return to the Met Gala in a custom ensemble by Nigerian designer Ugo Mozie of Eleven Sixteen. The highlight was an 18-foot-long white cape, intricately embroidered with the names of her children and grandchildren, symbolizing familial pride and heritage. Chef Kwame Onwuachi also donned Eleven Sixteen, showcasing the brand’s commitment to storytelling through fashion.
Deji & Kola
Design duo Ayodeji Adebayo and Kolapo Olabintan of Deji & Kola brought traditional Nigerian textiles to the forefront. NFL player Jonathan Owens wore a handwoven Aso Oke tuxedo jacket with flared pants and a fur shawl, while media entrepreneur Claire Sulmers stunned in a red three-piece suit with a dramatic cape . Their designs seamlessly blended cultural heritage with contemporary fashion.
Orange Culture by Adebayo Oke-Lawal
Actor Brian Tyree Henry turned heads in a custom ensemble by Adebayo Oke-Lawal’s Orange Culture. The outfit featured a richly hued red suit paired with a patterned cape, black boots, and gloves, embodying the theme’s essence of Black dandyism and tailored excellence . Orange Culture’s gender-fluid and expressive design language brought a touch of African sartorial artistry to the event.
Monse Maison x Post-Imperial
Actress Taraji P. Henson showcased a collaborative design between Monse Maison and Nigerian-American designer Niyi Okuboyejo of Post-Imperial. The ensemble, inspired by Barkley Hendricks’s 1974 painting “What’s Going On,” featured a white suit jacket and bodysuit blending masculine and feminine elements. Henson’s decision to forgo pants during the final fitting highlighted her dedication to fitness and personal expression .
The 2025 Met Gala was not just a fashion event but a platform where Nigerian designers showcased their rich heritage, innovative designs, and storytelling prowess. Through their creations, Eleven Sixteen, Deji & Kola, Orange Culture, and Monse Maison not only honored the theme but also solidified Nigeria’s place on the global fashion map.