Wanni Fuga - 10 years of crafting cultural heritage

Written By Amma Aburam

This year marks a decade since Toluwani Oyefuga began crafting a community of minimalist design lovers and advocates for timeless fashion with her brand, Wanni Fuga. Over the past 10 years, Wanni Fuga has embodied contemporary women’s fashion, blending luxury, craftsmanship, and the rich cultural heritage of Africa into each collection. Wanni Fuga brings a distinct sustainable perspective to the world.

The Spring/Summer 2025 collection, Garden of Fuga, is a vibrant celebration of growth and renewal. The collection embodies the delicate yet powerful relationship between growth and community because one cannot exist without the other. The bold, nature-inspired colour palettes and organic textures of the collection speak to the essence of regeneration in nature.

For Toluwani, sustainability goes beyond eco-friendly materials; it is about respecting the cultural and environmental resources that shape us. Her commitment to creating high-quality, long-lasting pieces is at the heart of Wanni Fuga's ethos—choosing slow, mindful production processes that honour both the environment and the people behind every piece. In this interview, Toluwani shares her journey of building a brand that celebrates craftsmanship, culture, and community.

What’s the meaning of the brand name Wanni Fuga? 

‘Wanni Fuga’ combines my middle name, Toluwani, and maiden name, Oyefuga, but it goes beyond that. I often describe it as my alter ego — a bold and fearless part of me that embodies the vision and passion I pour into the brand every day. It’s a deeply personal reflection of what drives our journey. 

Tell us about how your journey as a designer began. What advice would you give young designers trying to make it, especially those stemming from the African continent?

My journey as a designer began after I returned to Nigeria and saw the immense potential within our African heritage. I initially studied Civil Engineering at the University of Sheffield, where I discovered my passion for fashion and developed a strong eye for detail. This led me to pursue further studies at the London College of Fashion and Parsons School of Design in New York, immersing myself in haute couture and luxury brand management. In 2014, ‘Wanni Fuga’ was born back in Nigeria. 

To young designers, especially those from Africa, I would say, stay resilient and true to your vision. Building a lasting brand takes determination and dedication to excellence in every piece. Keep God at the centre, trust the process, and surround yourself with a supportive network that uplifts you.

You highlight the detailed craftsmanship of your pieces, can you share with us how and where they are made? What kind of craftsmanship goes into their creation?

Every Wanni Fuga piece is designed and crafted in-house at the Wanni Fuga Factory, where our team brings each vision to life. The craftsmanship behind each piece is rooted in a blend of minimalism and luxury, showcasing our commitment to quality.

“We begin with carefully chosen fabrics, applying precise tailoring and refined accents that create timeless silhouettes. Every detail is meticulously crafted to ensure each piece transcends trends and becomes a sophisticated staple.”

What does sustainability mean to you culturally and within your clothes-making practices?

At Wanni Fuga, sustainability means honouring our environment's rich culture and resources and making thoughtful, responsible production choices. We prioritize timeless, high-quality designs that are meant to last, reducing the need for frequent replacements. In our production practices, this means sourcing durable, ethical materials, minimizing waste through small-batch production, and celebrating African craftsmanship by supporting local artisans. Each piece reflects a commitment to artistry and respect for our community and environment.

How does Wanni Fuga celebrate and elevate the modern woman? 

Wanni Fuga celebrates the modern woman by creating collections that blend timeless elegance with contemporary style. Each piece is crafted with versatility and sophistication, empowering women to feel confident and at their best on any occasion. Quality and craftsmanship are central to everything we create, honouring the strength, grace, and individuality of the women we design for.

As an African designer and brand, what are some of the victories and challenges you’ve faced (and conquered) going international?

Our journey has had incredible highlights, such as being featured by Vogue for the first time and hosting inaugural Pop-Ups in New York and Atlanta, which allowed us to connect directly with our international community. These milestones haven’t come without challenges — navigating logistics, building brand awareness, and staying authentic on a global stage. Yet each step has reinforced our vision and strengthened our commitment to sharing Wanni Fuga’s unique perspective with the world.

What are three brands you are deeply inspired by right now?

CULT GAIA, LISA FOLAWIYO and LOEWE.

 What impact has Nigeria had on the global fashion industry, and how do you see that influence expanding?

Nigeria has a profound impact on the global fashion industry, bringing boldness, creativity, and a unique cultural richness to the forefront. Nigerian designers are celebrated for their innovation, storytelling, and ability to blend traditional and contemporary styles. With more Nigerian brands making an international mark, I see this influence only expanding—redefining luxury, sustainability, and cultural appreciation on a global scale. At Wanni Fuga, we’re proud to be part of this movement, sharing designs that resonate globally while staying deeply rooted in African heritage.

If you were to pick one piece to represent Wanni Fuga in its entirety, what would it be?

The Ally Kimono Set would be the one piece to represent Wanni Fuga. This signature design embodies our commitment to style and versatility, crafted from luxurious scuba mesh with unique frill details and oversized drawstring accents. Designed to be one-size-fits-all, it’s a customer favourite and reflects our dedication to creating inclusive, fashion-forward pieces that flatter all body types.

 Congratulations on 10 years of Wanni Fuga! What’s your vision for the brand in the next 10 years?

Thank you! In the next 10 years, I envision Wanni Fuga reaching new heights, solidifying our place among the global fashion greats. We aim to expand our international presence and connect with more women around the world who resonate with our blend of African heritage, luxury, and modernity.

OVER TO YOU -

OVER TO YOU -

Amma Aburam
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