Wanni Fuga: Masters of Monogram
Founded in 2014 by Toluwani Wabara, Wanni Fuga has been making its mark and redefining the way we see contemporary fashion in West Africa for 14 years now. The brand’s ability to blend luxury with sustainability is what has enabled it to rise to its current heights, and the versatility of its designs contributes to that fact.
It’s no secret that the Nigerian fashion industry is constantly changing, evolving. Toluwani and her peers are to thank for that; the definition of what the average well-dressed Nigerian is supposed to look like has changed significantly.
Wanni Fuga’s designs are everywhere you look, especially if you find yourself amid high-fashion Lagos. What does the brand do best? Monograms. They have hundreds of designs, all suited to different tastes, but they manage to incorporate their brand Anagram, in Monogram form, on everything. It’s on their headpieces, it's on their kimonos, and it's on bubus. Wanni Fuga is here to stay, and she won’t let you forget it.
Simi 2.0 Headband by Wanni Fuga
Most people might not understand why her form of branding is so important, but with short attention spans, especially in the new age of having resources to summarize everything for you, it’s easier to take the short route. The key to capturing this generation's focus is being unavoidable, even if it's just for a second. No one is going to see a stunning print like those the brand produces and not have their interest piqued.
The brand has also been in the press for a while now, if my memory serves correctly. Toluwani was spotlighted on Jara, one of Nigeria's most popular talk shows at the time, seven years ago.
Back then, her designs were different; she had always had a minimalist aesthetic, but now she has managed to elevate that style into what the brand has become today.
Turi One Piece Swimwear from Wanni Fuga
The craftsmanship and attention to detail on each piece are astounding; their use and blend of colours breathe life into the silhouettes, and the designs are tailored for a different type of customer. I’d like to sit and ask which type of woman she considers when creating her designs, but I’m almost certain her reply would be that she considers every woman.
There are designs to suit the elderly, designs to suit the young, those who prefer modesty, and some who don’t mind a little skin, inclusivity at its best.
The brand can’t be boxed into one category, and the same can be said about its owner. Toluwani Wabara initially studied Civil Engineering before furthering her studies in Haute Couture and Luxury brand management. After that, she came back to her roots and birthed Wanni Fuga. The brand has managed to overcome most of the hurdles associated with owning a brand in Nigeria, achieving longevity that many could only dream of.
Lily Dress Pattern from Wanni Fuga
The Lily dress is one of the most popular designs from the brand, understandably so, it represents Wanni Fuga, although when she was asked in an interview with Style and Sustain, she stated the Ally Kimono Set was what she felt represented the brand more, I can also see the Lily dress upholding the WF name, the top part of the dress which of a mesh material with a simple silhouette defines the simplicity of the brand, and the ruched silk skirt of the dress defines the luxurious side of Wanni Fuga.
A simple Google search on Nigerian designers or fashion brands will result in Wanni Fuga’s brand popping up. I can sleep well at night knowing these are the type of brands that represent us.