Toyin Lawani
TOYIN LAWANI HOLDS A BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS. SHE RUNS TIANNAH’S PLACE EMPIRE AS THE CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND CEO. THE COMPANY OWNS A FASHION ACADEMY. IT IS ALSO ACTIVE IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY AS WELL AS TRAVELS AND TOURS. LAWANI TALKS TO AZUKA OGUJIUBA ABOUT HER NEW PLANS FOR THE NIGERIAN FASHION INDUSTRY AND HER MARITAL PLANS WITH HER NEWLY FOUND LOVE
Where did it all begin with TiannahStyling?
TiannahStyling is a fashion and styling outfit responsible for most of the hottest magazine covers and hottest music videos within and outside Nigeria. With the help of Nicki Minaj and Rihanna’s stylists in America, as well as other huge celebrity stylists abroad, I’ve been able to work with international acts like Kelly Rowland, Natalie Nunn, Jen Richardson, Jasmine Villegas, Basket Baller Wives LA, and a lot more.
TiannahStyling is a fashion and styling outfit responsible for most of the hottest magazine covers and hottest music videos within and outside Nigeria. With the help of Nicki Minaj and Rihanna’s stylists in America, as well as other huge celebrity stylists abroad, I’ve been able to work with international acts like Kelly Rowland, Natalie Nunn, Jen Richardson, Jasmine Villegas, Basket Baller Wives LA, and a lot more.
When was Elegante line introduced?
Elegante by TiannahStyling was officially launched in 2012 and since then l have gone on to start up a line for kids - Elegante Kidz with my daughter, Tiannah as the face of the line.
Elegante by TiannahStyling was officially launched in 2012 and since then l have gone on to start up a line for kids - Elegante Kidz with my daughter, Tiannah as the face of the line.
How are you getting ready for your new place - Tiannah’s Place Empire?
I just returned from Asia where I went to get the best luxurious equipment for the new location of Tiannah’s Place Empire which I will be launching soon in a high-brow area in Lagos. It is going to be different from has been done in this country before.
I just returned from Asia where I went to get the best luxurious equipment for the new location of Tiannah’s Place Empire which I will be launching soon in a high-brow area in Lagos. It is going to be different from has been done in this country before.
What was your childhood ambition?
I have always wanted to be an entrepreneur and I have always been interested in fashion. I started my first business at the age of 16 with a boutique, a mini supermarket, and a spa while studying at the University of Lagos.
I have always wanted to be an entrepreneur and I have always been interested in fashion. I started my first business at the age of 16 with a boutique, a mini supermarket, and a spa while studying at the University of Lagos.
Why fashion designing, styling and beauty?
Because these three things put together are my passion. I started sketching at a very early age and while I was in University, I stated designing for my friends and gave them fashion tips. I also love making natural remedies for skin issues, making people look good from head to toe. This is why I opened a salon for hair, nails, lash, makeup and the beauty arm of the business. Because of my flare for good skin, I opened my spa where I sell my own range of skin care products called Tiannah’s Glow.
TiannahStyling now has a fashion academy. What’s the aim of the school?
TiannahStyling Fashion Academy is constantly looking towards the future, identifying new ways of working, discovering new markets and learning new skills that will benefit our future fashion designers and stylists.
TiannahStyling Fashion Academy is constantly looking towards the future, identifying new ways of working, discovering new markets and learning new skills that will benefit our future fashion designers and stylists.
How are you able to separate your work as a stylist and designer?
It’s actually really hard to separate the two because sometimes, when the public see few of our works, video or editorials, they always feel I just styled it not knowing I design all the pieces I style with.
It’s actually really hard to separate the two because sometimes, when the public see few of our works, video or editorials, they always feel I just styled it not knowing I design all the pieces I style with.
How many collections have you had since you started designing, tell us about your most recent one?
I have designed four collections so far. All my collections are about my life. The “Day Dream” Collection was showcased at the Nigerian Entertainment Awards in 2011. The “Daring Collection” was showcased at Music Meets Runway in 2011. The “Gladiator Series”, “Elegante Kidz”, and “Freedom collection” are my most recent ones. I showcased my “Freedom Collection” at African Fashion Week London in August 2013.
I have designed four collections so far. All my collections are about my life. The “Day Dream” Collection was showcased at the Nigerian Entertainment Awards in 2011. The “Daring Collection” was showcased at Music Meets Runway in 2011. The “Gladiator Series”, “Elegante Kidz”, and “Freedom collection” are my most recent ones. I showcased my “Freedom Collection” at African Fashion Week London in August 2013.
What kind of woman do you design for?
Actually, I design for everybody. Kids, teenagers, women, men, and even the old. Elegante by TiannahStyling caters for the world, not just the society.
How is your TV reality series coming up?
It is coming strong. I am working on a reality TV show project - “Diary Of A Fashion Guru”, which is coming soon to TV screens across Nigeria and Africa.
Who are the artistes you have styled their video?
Because of my vast level of experience in fashion styling, designing and music video production, I have worked with a number of celebrities within Nigeria including Wizkid, Banky W, Niyola, Tiwa Savage, Don Jazzy, Dr Sid, Wande Coal, D’Prince, Davido. I have also designed for Hollywood celebrities including Singer Kelly Roland, Destiny’s Child, Bria Myles, Jennifer Richardson, and Natalie Nunn and lots more.
Where do you see your brand in the next five years?
I see TiannahStyling taking over the international fashion market. I see students from my fashion academy doing very well and getting recognized for their individual work.
Actually, I design for everybody. Kids, teenagers, women, men, and even the old. Elegante by TiannahStyling caters for the world, not just the society.
How is your TV reality series coming up?
It is coming strong. I am working on a reality TV show project - “Diary Of A Fashion Guru”, which is coming soon to TV screens across Nigeria and Africa.
Who are the artistes you have styled their video?
Because of my vast level of experience in fashion styling, designing and music video production, I have worked with a number of celebrities within Nigeria including Wizkid, Banky W, Niyola, Tiwa Savage, Don Jazzy, Dr Sid, Wande Coal, D’Prince, Davido. I have also designed for Hollywood celebrities including Singer Kelly Roland, Destiny’s Child, Bria Myles, Jennifer Richardson, and Natalie Nunn and lots more.
Where do you see your brand in the next five years?
I see TiannahStyling taking over the international fashion market. I see students from my fashion academy doing very well and getting recognized for their individual work.
Any tips on how to break into fashion in Nigeria?
Be unique and you will surely stand out. Creativity gets noticed in a crowd.
Be unique and you will surely stand out. Creativity gets noticed in a crowd.
What do you think about the Nigerian Fashion Industry?
I think we are still evolving but you can’t compare it now to where we used to be some years back. We have really gone far. I am really proud of the industry.
I think we are still evolving but you can’t compare it now to where we used to be some years back. We have really gone far. I am really proud of the industry.
Are there any other Nigerian designers you are impressed with?
Deola Sagoe and Tiffany Amber. They are really good business women and they are known for their unique craft which most other designers in Nigeria have learnt from.
Deola Sagoe and Tiffany Amber. They are really good business women and they are known for their unique craft which most other designers in Nigeria have learnt from.
How are you able to find a balance with running a home and your businesses?
It’s not been easy joggling my daughter, my fiancé, my business, and with the fact that I’m expecting a baby as well. But I’m happy I have a very good family who supports my vision and my passion.
It’s not been easy joggling my daughter, my fiancé, my business, and with the fact that I’m expecting a baby as well. But I’m happy I have a very good family who supports my vision and my passion.
What’s your personality? Does it work with your style?
I believe style is a way of expressing who you are without speaking. My personality definitely shows in my style. My ability to rock anything and standout has always been fun for me.
I believe style is a way of expressing who you are without speaking. My personality definitely shows in my style. My ability to rock anything and standout has always been fun for me.
Give one styling tip that has taken you through the years.
The ability to create something out of nothing has helped me through styling a lot.
The ability to create something out of nothing has helped me through styling a lot.
What’s your favourite look?
I love wearing dresses and high tops because I’m comfortable in them.
I love wearing dresses and high tops because I’m comfortable in them.
What could you never give up?
My zeal to give my children the best, which is why I work so hard.
My zeal to give my children the best, which is why I work so hard.
What could you easily give up?
Unsupportive friends.
Unsupportive friends.
What were the qualities you looked out for that you found in your fiance Trigakess?
My fiance may be years younger than I am but he is so mature, kind and supportive of my dreams. I am all of those things to him too. He is also God fearing and makes me very happy.
My fiance may be years younger than I am but he is so mature, kind and supportive of my dreams. I am all of those things to him too. He is also God fearing and makes me very happy.
What makes Toyin Lawani tick?
I love when I see my creativity and vision come to life. I am a very creative person and have a lot of ideas and it gives me joy to see all these things in my businesses, in my designs and my styling work, which is why I started the TiannahStyling academy. So, I can share my creative knowledge with young creative people seeking to learn more about the fashion business.
I love when I see my creativity and vision come to life. I am a very creative person and have a lot of ideas and it gives me joy to see all these things in my businesses, in my designs and my styling work, which is why I started the TiannahStyling academy. So, I can share my creative knowledge with young creative people seeking to learn more about the fashion business.
Do you favour high-end designer labels?
Of course I do. Which designer doesn’t but style does not necessarily mean high end labels. It’s the ability to put stuff together, be it expensive or cheap and still come out looking good.
Of course I do. Which designer doesn’t but style does not necessarily mean high end labels. It’s the ability to put stuff together, be it expensive or cheap and still come out looking good.
Who are you getting married to?
I am blessed with a daughter Tiannah and will be marrying soon to a young Nigerian artiste Trigakess. We are both expecting our first child.
I am blessed with a daughter Tiannah and will be marrying soon to a young Nigerian artiste Trigakess. We are both expecting our first child.
If you were to be the first lady of Nigeria tomorrow what cause will you fight for?
I am also passionate about creating awareness on Cancer, which is why I started my charity foundation known as “I Rep For Hope”. The foundation caters to people living with Cancer, physically challenged children and the aged.
I am also passionate about creating awareness on Cancer, which is why I started my charity foundation known as “I Rep For Hope”. The foundation caters to people living with Cancer, physically challenged children and the aged.
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