THE RISE OF NIGERIAN FASHION BRAND
BY TENI MAJEKODUNMI
In 2012, after experiencing a personal loss, the founder Teni Majekodunmi found solace in one of her hobbies; crafting. What started out as a form of therapy has since evolved into Eclectic Chique, an award-winning artisanal fashion brand known not only for exclusive designs but also for its social impact.
At the core of Eclectic Chique’s mission is the goal to raise the bar of African products internationally, with a clear focus on developing the fashion and textile industry in Nigeria, and empowering women whilst doing so. We particularly love to source from female owned suppliers, and pride ourselves on 90% of our raw materials being from the local area, helping to boost our economy and continue to support the economy through beautiful products that celebrate our heritage.
Our artisans are the heart of the business, the last 10 years of our existence we have trained over 10000 artisans and now have a new goal of 100000. Each piece is lovingly handcrafted meaning that workers learn new skills throughout their time at Eclectic Chique, whilst customers are ensured products of the highest quality.
Initially, we began as a brand working with African-made fabrics such as Ankara and Adire, alongside custom prints we designed in-house to create accessories. However, in 2020, we made the strategic decision to shift our focus exclusively to developing our own fabrics and designs, expanding our range to include clothing rather than solely accessories. This transition has been a tremendous success, allowing us to elevate our products to what we now proudly refer to as ‘wearable art.’ Since 2020, we’ve launched several signature collections, including Iranti, Textura, and TICA, each one representing a unique expression of our evolving artistic vision. Each piece is highly versatile, reflecting both our cultural heritage and modern design sensibilities.
Based in Lagos and Abuja, Eclectic Chique has extended its reach across the globe. Throughout the year, we regularly host pop-up events in various parts of the world, including the UK, US, and beyond. Our ability to consistently merge fashion with art has resonated with a diverse international audience, solidifying our presence in the global fashion industry. n
.
