African Influencers Dominating the Alté Scene: Ashley Okoli
Ashley Okoli photographed by Mako Demola for International Women’s Month with Kadiju
It would be safe to say the Alté scene in Africa may be small, but it is mighty. Not just because it is a powerful movement, but it is built on the backs of fierce individuals. One of them is Ashley Okoli, and she dares you to put her in a box.
Who Is Ashley Okoli?
Ashley Okoli is a 26-year-old model, stylist, creative director, all-around artist, and a baddie. She is one person who truly embodies the title because her creativity is what has skyrocketed her to where she is today.
Ashley began her journey in fashion and digital culture from a young age, and unlike many who shy away from boldness, she leaned into it. This magnetic woman was born in Anambra, Nigeria, and was actually in medical school. However, she left after 2 years and moved to Lagos to work.
And boy, did her work pay off! Over the years, she has become synonymous with Nigeria’s Alté culture. It is almost impossible to mention the Alté movement in Nigeria without mentioning her.
Alté is a subculture that values individuality, experimental style, and freedom of expression, which is the literal definition of who Ashley is. As she told Culted, she’s a “poster girl for Lagos,” and that claim is no exaggeration.
The Rise of a Style Icon
In a country where conventional beauty standards and fashion ideals often dominate, Ashley Okoli carved out a lane for herself by doing the complete opposite. Known for her pencil-thin eyebrows, bold makeup, and eccentric style choices, Ashley refuses to conform to societal expectations.
Although Ashley has mentioned multiple Nigerian brands she adores, her biggest inspiration is her mother. Ashley has spoken about her earlier years going thrifting with her mom, and watching her later style the pieces she purchased. This has played a significant role in who she is today.
Ashley has styled editorial shoots, created campaigns, and consulted for brands all over the world. She’s worked with and been featured in Victoria’s Secret, Vogue, Farfetch, and Okay Africa.
In 2023, Victoria’s Secret commissioned various artists from around the world to reimagine their iconic runway show through their own stories, and Ashley was one of these artists.
Her work with Victoria’s Secret in 2024 was definitely a surprise to many, but in the words of her friends, “Who else? It can only be you.” Which makes sense, because who better to reimagine the VS iconic runway show than a fashion icon like herself.
On the official YouTube channel of Victoria’s Secret, Ashley’s “creative director prowess” and background story were shared with us. For the show, Ashley went to her roots and incorporated parts of her Igbo culture into the designs.
She also shared her thoughts on art. She spoke about how spiritual it is, how it serves as an excellent medium for people to express themselves, and why a lot of people run away from it.
Her work with Victoria's Secret was a success, as expected, and she has gone on to do other great things.
Ashley Okoli photographed by Mako Demola for the VS20 World Tour
Defining the Alté Spirit
To understand Ashley is to understand the Alté scene. The term “Alté” is short for “alternative,” referring to a movement that challenges traditional Nigerian pop culture. It embraces individuality, eccentricity, and often, rebellion. Ashley has been one of the loudest voices in pushing this movement into the mainstream.
Her influence extends not just to fashion but also to how she utilizes her platform to advocate for the Alté movement while sharing her own story. That transparency resonates with her fans, especially young Nigerians looking for someone who reflects their dreams and struggles.
The Lagos Poster Girl
In her 2023 interview with Culted, she was described as the “Lagos Poster Girl.” That title is more than branding; it’s a badge of honor. Lagos is a chaotic, vibrant, unpredictable, and full of potential city. These are all words that could easily describe Ashley herself.
She embodies the energy of Lagos in her work, from the fast-paced shoots to the nature of her styling and branding. Her presence is a reminder that Lagos fashion is not limited to the runways of high-end designers; it also thrives on the streets, on Instagram, and in the hearts of young people who refuse to be boxed in.
What’s Next?
Ashley Okoli is just getting started. With her brand steadily growing and her influence expanding beyond Nigeria’s borders, she’s positioning herself as a global cultural icon. However, despite her success, she remains deeply rooted in her community and continues to champion the creatives around her.
As the Alté scene continues to evolve, voices like Ashley’s are ensuring that it remains authentic, inclusive, and bold. She’s not just dominating the space; she’s helping to define it. She called herself a pioneer of the alte community, and I couldn’t agree more.