Omoyemi Akerele, a native of Lagos, Nigeria, embarked on a remarkable journey from law to fashion, leaving an indelible mark on the African fashion landscape. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Law from the University of Lagos and further pursued a Master’s degree in International Economic Law at the University of Warwick.

Transitioning from her legal background, Akerele co-established Exclusive Styling in 2004, where she curated looks for TV celebrities, showcasing her innate sense of style. Her tenure as fashion editor at True Love magazine from 2005 to 2010 further solidified her reputation as a tastemaker and trendsetter in the industry.

In 2008, Akerele founded Style House Files, a pioneering platform dedicated to nurturing the growth of the Nigerian and African fashion sectors. Her visionary leadership led to the creation of Lagos Fashion Week in 2011, which has since become a premier platform showcasing the works of over 60 African designers annually, elevating African fashion on the global stage.

Beyond her contributions to the runway, Akerele’s impact extends to advocacy for sustainable fashion and economic development. Her advisory role at MoMA’s “Items: Is Fashion Modern?” exhibition in 2017 and her appointment as Nigeria’s Zero Oil Ambassador in 2021 demonstrate her commitment to promoting sustainability and driving economic progress through fashion.

In 2022, Akerele’s influence reached new heights when footage from Lagos Fashion Week was featured at the Victoria & Albert Museum’s “Africa Fashion” exhibition. She delivered a keynote address at the event, solidifying her position as a leading voice in African fashion advocacy on the global stage. Her visionary leadership, dedication to sustainability, and advocacy for African fashion have earned her widespread admiration and acclaim, establishing her as a trailblazer and icon in the industry.