"My personal experiences shape the way I view fashion because they are deeply rooted in tradition and linked to heritage." – Sessi K
Having grown up with bespoke African clothing, Sessi feels a stronger connection to designs that reflect her cultural roots.
What is your name and what are your pronouns?
My name is Sessi K, and I use she/they pronouns.
How do your personal experiences affect the way you view fashion?
My personal experiences shape the way I view fashion because they are deeply rooted in tradition and heritage. Growing up within the African fashion ecosystem, particularly with our unique style of bespoke clothing, has profoundly influenced my perspective. Being exposed to both African and European fashion has made me realise that Western styles often don't resonate with me in the same way. This contrast really affects how I perceive fashion as an industry, grounding my appreciation for designs that reflect my cultural roots.
Tell us about an OG Nigerian brand you love and why you love them.
OG Nigerian brand that I love? I mean, I love so many Nigerian brands, and there are so many OGs in the game. But if I had to pick one, I'd say Clearly Invincible. It's not your typical fashion brand—it's a fashion services agency which is just as needed. But I have a special place in my heart for Clearly Invincible, especially from the days when they made clothes. If you know, you know. That era was such an OG go-to time, and their clothing was truly ahead of its time. Honestly, what a time to be alive. Clearly Invincible was innovative, and that’s me being both objective and biassed.
What was the first Nigerian-made piece you bought? How did you hear about the brand?
I think the first Nigerian-made piece I bought was from Pith. It was probably one of their personalised bags that came in multiple colour ways, or maybe a t-shirt—I’m not entirely sure. It’s possible I was gifted it rather than buying it myself. Regardless, Pith was definitely my introduction to Nigerian-made ready to wear fashion.
Can you tell us about three Nigerian-made items in your wardrobe and what they mean to you?
One standout Nigerian-made piece in my wardrobe is a little vest jacket I received as a gift in Paris. Ironically, it was handmade in Kano, Nigeria. I got it a year or two before I visited Kano for the first time, and it's clear how much craftsmanship went into it. This piece holds a special significance because it connects me to both the place and the people who created it, even before I experienced Kano firsthand.
This piece stands out not just because it’s a hand-embroidered garment. You can tell that literal blood, sweat, and tears went into creating it. The embroidery isn’t just decorative—it has a cultural meaning, which I absolutely love. That piece would definitely be my number one.
2. Number two would be my black Pith jeans. They’re currently being refurbished, but they’re just the best quality jeans I’ve ever owned. It’s hard to believe they were thrifted, but then again, the quality speaks for itself. I love that they were tailored to my waist, which makes them fit perfectly.
3. It’s tough to pick just three, but off the top of my head, my third piece would either be my Amina the Brand scarf or this Amina the Brand dress. The dress was a bit of a splurge in the sense that it was one of those items where you think, “Will I ever really wear this?” And, surprisingly, I have! It’s one of those statement pieces that I feel I’ll find more occasions to wear. The scarf, on the other hand, is such great quality and scarves are my favourite accessories. So yes, those are my top three.
And an honorary shoutout to my boubou’s—I love them all.
What is a small growing Nigerian Brand that you love?
I’d say Amina the Brand, Gaea Lumi, and probably Reine Roi. These three brands epitomise quality. Two of them, in particular, are just the epitome of classiness, which I love—I am a classy babe, after all!
What’s your most coveted Nigerian-made piece at the moment?
I’ve been saying this to everyone: if anyone can get me anything vintage from Tiffany Amber, I’d be over the moon! Be it a well-known piece from early 2010’s like the Lilly wrap dress or a vintage accessory like their bags, I’m all for it. I’m also really into Torlowei kaftans and loungewear — specifically, the loungewear in that eggshell colour with lace trimmings. Oh my god, those are heavenly. And, closely following, would be Banke Kuku’s slip dresses.
So, what about you? What are your favourite Nigerian pieces, or what are you currently coveting? With Nigerian fashion—and African fashion in general—on the rise, I feel like we’re on the brink of something huge, similar to how our music has taken over in the past few years. It’s going to be such a treat to see our value recognised on a global scale. Who doesn’t love that? I know I do!
Sessi treasures Nigerian-made items in her wardrobe, such as a hand-embroidered vest from Kano, and values brands like Amina the Brand and Pith for their quality and cultural significance. Currently, she covets vintage pieces from Tiffany Amber and luxurious loungewear from Torlowei.
Nigerian and African fashion continues to gain recognition on the global stage, Sessi K is excited to see more appreciation for the unique styles and craftsmanship that define the industry. For her, fashion is not just about clothing but a celebration of culture, tradition, and personal heritage.
Is there a Nigerian-made clothing item in your wardrobe that fills you with endorphins when you see it? Then you are ready to share your own fashion story and be featured in our next edition of the Nigerian Edit. We want to hear from you! Whether you're a fashion enthusiast, a designer, or someone with a unique perspective on Nigerian fashion, we invite you to fill out our form and share your experiences, favourite Nigerian-made pieces and insights with us.
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