The value of authenticity in the Nigerian fashion industry cannot be overemphasised. Much of the industry’s progress, both locally and internationally, can be traced to designers who have stayed true to their African heritage. Over the years, Nigerian fashion has evolved remarkably, but one of the most profound shifts, which isn’t celebrated enough, is the global recognition of Nigerian luxury fashion. What was once an overlooked idea has become a thriving reality. Nigerian designers now grace international runways, our fabrics are adored, and our creativity is respected across continents. This transformation is a testament to the power of authenticity. Without the vision and resilience of designers who remained rooted in Africa’s identity, understanding that our fashion has its own rhythm, soul, and story, Nigerian fashion might never have found its rightful place on the global stage.

Lanre  Da Silva is one of the pioneers who has shaped this story. Since launching her label, LDA, in 2005, she has become one of the most respected names in African fashion. Known for her rich use of lace and metallic fabrics, Lanre’s designs blend history, culture, and elegance in a way that feels both modern and classic. Her work has been showcased in New York, London, and Milan, and stocked in prestigious stores like Dolce & Gabbana’s Spiga 2 in Italy. For 20 years, she has built a brand that reflects excellence, grace, and consistency. Her journey is not just about clothes; it’s about purpose, discipline, and using creativity to inspire others.

In this interview with THEWILL DOWNTOWN’s Executive Editor, Onah Nwachukwu, Lanre Da Silva discusses her inspiring 20-year journey in fashion, the challenges she faced in building a luxury brand from Africa, and the lessons that kept her going. She also opens up about her creative process, staying relevant in a changing industry, and what the next chapter holds for LDA.

This year marks 20 years of LDA. Looking back to 2005 when you started, how would you describe the woman who began this journey and the woman you’ve become today?

In 2005, I was simply a young woman with a dream. One who loved beauty, art, and storytelling. I remember sitting at my dining table with sketch pads everywhere, cutting fabrics myself, and asking friends to model my very first collection. I had no big studio, no established structure, but I had vision. Today, I’m grateful for how far that vision has come. I’ve evolved as a designer and as a woman. The past 20 years have taught me grace under pressure, the strength in patience, and the joy of consistency. The woman I am now understands that success isn’t just about creating beautiful clothes; it’s about purpose, discipline, and using creativity to inspire others.

Many designers evolve with time, but your work has always maintained a distinct signature. What would you say has remained the soul of your brand through the years?

The soul of LDA has always been authenticity and detail. From day one, I have had an emotional connection to craftsmanship, embellishments, textures, structure, and storytelling. I have always been fascinated by how history and modernity can exist side by side. What has remained constant is my celebration of the LDA woman — bold yet feminine, classic yet forward-thinking. My designs have evolved, but the essence, which is the art of elegance, has never changed.

Every journey comes with challenges. What are some of the toughest obstacles you’ve faced as a Nigerian designer building a globally recognised brand, and how did you overcome them?

There were so many moments of uncertainty. I remember a time early on when I was preparing for my first major international showcase. A shipment of fabrics got stuck at customs for weeks. I thought everything was ruined. But we adapted. My team and I spent nights reworking designs with what we had locally. That collection ended up being one of my most celebrated ones.  That experience taught me that creativity thrives in adversity. Nigeria is not an easy place to build a global fashion brand given the inherent infrastructural and logistic challenges. But our resilience as Nigerians is unmatched. We find a way. I learned to see challenges not as setbacks, but as creative opportunities.

The Nigerian fashion industry has grown immensely in the last two decades. How would you describe its evolution, and what changes do you still hope to see?

The growth has been incredible. When I started, the idea of “Nigerian luxury fashion” barely existed in the global conversation. Today, our designers are on international runways, our fabrics are celebrated, and our creativity is respected. That’s a tremendous shift. However, we still need more structure ranging from manufacturing to retail infrastructure and access to finance. There’s immense talent here, but for us to be truly sustainable, we need systems that support designers in scaling their craft. I look forward to seeing that happen in the next chapter of Nigerian fashion.

You’ve showcased on international platforms, from New York to Milan, and collaborated with global brands like Vlisco. How have these experiences influenced your creative direction and global outlook?

They have been incredibly enriching. Each collaboration and showcase opened my eyes to how vast, yet connected the world of fashion is. Working with Vlisco especially taught me the power of cultural exchange; seeing how our African heritage could be expressed in such refined, global ways was deeply fulfilling. These experiences reminded me that African fashion doesn’t have to mimic the West because it has its own rhythm, its own soul. It gave me confidence to design unapologetically from my roots, while still appealing to a global audience.

Your designs often blend history, art, and culture. What inspires you the most when creating, and how do you balance modern trends with timeless elegance?

Inspiration is everywhere. In architecture, in art galleries, in our Yoruba traditions, even in poetry. I once designed a collection inspired by a vintage lace tablecloth from my grandmother’s home.  That piece of history became an entire narrative of nostalgia and modern femininity. Balancing the modern and timeless is instinctive for me. I appreciate trends, but I never chase them. My focus is creating pieces that feel contemporary yet can be worn ten years from now and still look relevant. That’s true luxury — timelessness.

Longevity in fashion isn’t easy. What has been your secret to staying relevant and successful for 20 years in such a competitive industry?

Passion and reinvention. You have to love this deeply, because fashion is not just glamour. It is hard work, sleepless nights, and constant problem-solving. I am always learning, observing, and experimenting. But I think the real secret is grace — understanding that every phase, even the quiet seasons, has value. You must evolve with time while holding onto your essence. That balance has kept me grounded for 20 years.

With the rise of digital fashion and social media, how has LDA adapted to the new era of fashion consumption and storytelling?

Digital has changed everything. I remember when we relied solely on fashion shows and magazines to reach audiences. Now, one Instagram post can connect you to someone in Tokyo or New York instantly. We have embraced digital storytelling, showing behind-the-scenes moments, sharing the emotion behind each piece. I love how it humanises the brand. It’s not just about fashion anymore; it’s about community, engagement, and authenticity.

You’ve inspired countless young designers. What advice would you give to upcoming creatives who dream of building a sustainable brand in Nigeria and beyond?

Be authentic. Be patient. And never stop learning. The journey is not overnight. It is layer upon layer of growth. Understand the business side of fashion as much as the creative side. Also, value integrity. It’s easy to get lost in trends, but substance endures. Build something that outlives seasons. And remember — passion will take you far, but purpose will sustain you.

As you celebrate this remarkable milestone, what’s next for Lanre Da Silva Ajayi? Should we expect a new direction, collaboration, or legacy project to mark your 20th anniversary?

Absolutely. This milestone is not just about looking back — it’s about looking forward. I am working on a legacy project that celebrates two decades of craftsmanship while mentoring a new generation of designers. It’s important for me to give back, to share what I’ve learned. We’re also exploring new collaborations that merge tradition and technology, heritage and innovation. For me, the next chapter of LDA is about expansion — not just of fashion, but of impact.

Any final thoughts?

Twenty years feels surreal — like turning the pages of a story written with fabric, faith, and perseverance. I’m deeply grateful to my team, clients, family, and everyone who believed in the LDA dream. This isn’t the end of a chapter; it’s the continuation of a legacy that I hope will inspire others to dream boldly and create fearlessly.

 

Onah Nwachukwu
Website |  + posts

A lawyer by training, Onah packs over a decade of experience in both editorial and managerial capacities.
Nwachukwu began her career at THISDAY Style before her appointment as Editor of HELLO! NIGERIA, the sole African franchise of the international magazine, HELLO!
Thereafter, she served as Group Editor-in-Chief at TrueTales Publications, publishers of Complete Fashion, HINTS, HELLO! NIGERIA and Beauty Box.

Onah has interviewed among others, Forbes’ richest black woman in the world, Folorunso Alakija, seven-time grand slam tennis champion, Roger Federer, singer Miley Cyrus, Ex Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Godswill Akpabio while coordinating interviews with Nigerian football legend, Jayjay Okocha, and many more.

In the past, she organised a few publicity projects for the Italian Consulate, Lagos, Nigeria under one time Consul General, Stefano De Leo. Some other brands under her portfolio during her time as a Publicity Consultant include international brands in Nigeria such as Grey Goose, Martini, Escudo Rojo, Chivas, Martell Absolut Elix, and Absolut Vodka.

Onah currently works as the Editor of TheWill DOWNTOWN.