Onalaja Joins the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund Shortlist
The Nigerian-rooted womenswear label is recognised alongside a new generation of designers for creativity and strong business vision.
Her work, rooted in rich African heritage yet boldly contemporary, merges sculptural craftsmanship, cultural storytelling, and forward-thinking womenswear. This recognition places Onalaja alongside fellow innovators like Aaron Esh, Bianca Saunders, Clio Peppiatt, Knwls and Talia Byre, all celebrated for creativity and strong business vision.
Founded by the British Fashion Council with British Vogue and supported by Burberry, the fund champions designers who excel in design and strategic growth, offering a £150,000 prize to help scale their global impact. The winner will be revealed in May 2026, judged by an industry panel chaired by Laura Weir and Chioma Nnadi, spotlighting talent that is reshaping the future of fashion.
From Lagos to London and beyond, Onalaja’s ascent signals a new era for African-inspired luxury womenswear, visionary, expressive and globally influential.
