The Most Influential Person On AIB This Week Is Adeola Sagoe

Adeola Sagoe is a prominent figure in African fashion, hailing from Ilara-Mokun in Ondo State, Nigeria.

She was born in August 1966. Adeola is the first child of her parents; Chief Micheal Ade-Ojo, the founder of the Elizade group of companies, and his first wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Wuraola Ade-Ojo. Adeola got her first degree in Business Administration at the University of Miami and earned her Master’s degree in Finance and Management from the University of Lagos.

Adeola requested to join her mother’s business after her studies. She aims to modernize these traditional designs for the contemporary market. However, her father insisted that she also contribute to the family group of companies while continuing her fashion endeavors.

Her breakthrough achievement came in 2004 when she became the first black woman to present a collection at AltaRoma, Rome’s premier fashion week. Also, in September 2014, Deola made history by being the first Nigerian to have her stand-alone presentation at New York Fashion Week, in September 2014.

For being outstanding in her designs, Deola Sagoe received the Platinum Quality Award in 2007 at the 10th International Star Awards in Paris. At the Quality Summit in New York the following year, she was presented with the International Quality Award (diamond category) for Excellence and Business Prestige. Her brand received the Super Brand’s Certificate of Excellence in the Fashion Design and Label category in 2010 after being named a “Super Brand.”

Her costumes for Kunle Afolayan’s film “October 1” in 2015 brought her the Multichoice-Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Award for Best Costume Designer.

Her “globally appealing” style, attracted outstanding clientele, including Africa’s first women, significant society figures like Lydia Hearst, supermodel Alek Wek, and well-known celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey and Will Smith.
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