Nigerian Fashion Designer Brands I Love, Republic Of ForeignerBlackFabulousity

Republic of foreigner is way more than just a brand, it’s my definition of comfort, simplicity, good taste, eclecticism and things I want to find in my wardrobe. It exudes this mutual love of art, and design, and explores diversity inspired by folklore, afrobeat culture, vintage clothes and a fetish for abstract prints.

The brand was developed by Seline and Carmen Sutherland, two beautiful sisters and “BFF’s” based on their love and friendship for one another, a fusion of two different personalities –one friendly and bubbly the other calm and diplomatic.

Their Story

“We kind of stumbled upon the opportunity of fashion.”

We would get stuff made for us -that we designed- and then people would always ask , ” where did you get what you’re wearing?”…and it got to a point where our seamstress at the time, started copying what we would ask her to design…

it was like a little mass production unit that she started operating and then I guess we were like “hmmm why don’t we just start doing this as a business – just explore, you know… “

Then a friend of ours was having an event at The Daisy center which is in Victoria Island, Lagos and then she was like “you know I really like your designs, maybe you could make a few pieces and then see if it goes..”

So we actually made about 60-70 pieces all together… we explored fabrics that we really loved, we explored the use of chiffon, jersey and a lot of mixed media like Ankara and jersey… it was kind of doing things a little bit differently at that point in time.

And what happened at the event was that we completely sold out. At that point we were like “obviously business opportunity”

…We saw it like “may be this is a viable option.”

So, that’s how ROF started.

While still running ROF, the two decided to go back to design school and applied for a program at parsons school of design NY in Graphic designing and fashion marketing respectively.

The Lady In ROF

She appreciates both tradition and change, and she sees beauty in the little things —old souls tastefully wrapped up in a new world. She appreciates and thrives on new experiences but never forgets where she comes from.

A creative soul that exudes a sense of style, playfulness, and confidence with her dressing. Her wardrobe is curated by eclectic pieces picked up from her exotic travels and vintage finds.

ROF Is Sold At

Grey Velvet, Lekki Grey Velvet Ikeja
Centro Lekki Shopping Plaza Shop L34, Ikeja City Mall
Admiralty Way Alausa, Ikeja. Lagos.
Lekki Phase 1 · Lagos

41 LUXE
No.41A
Libreville Street
Wuse 2, Abuja.

5th & Quansah (NG) BYCO (WORLDWIDE) Malakh & Sco (UK/EU)

5thandquansah.com byco.com malsco.com

Nadra Zawadi (UK/EU)
nadrazawadi.com