OMOYEMI AKERELE

Founder and Chief Executive, Lagos Fashion Week and Style House Files

Omoyemi Akerele is the founder and CEO of Lagos Fashion Week, a multi-day platform that presents African designers in Nigeria and beyond, and Style House Files (SHF). She has worked in the international fashion industry for over two decades and is credited for contributing to the acceleration of the African creative economy. Her work is focused on delivering long-term solutions within the African textile and apparel ecosystem by empowering brands, creative businesses and communities with opportunities for growth.
Since founding, Lagos Fashion Week has expanded its scope of work, advocating for the industry with governmental organisations and investors, offering support for emerging talent and supporting all parts of the fashion industry value-chain. She has pioneered initiatives like SHF Trains, Woven Threads and Green Access whose goal is to strengthen socioeconomic and environmentally sustainable business opportunities of the African apparel industry.
Akerele has worked with United Nations agencies – United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, She Trades and UNESCO as well as non-profit agencies including The British Council and British Fashion Council.