Even though you might not know the name Folake Akindele, you most certainly know the name Tiffany Amber, a brand synonymous with luxury and sophistication and one of Nigeria’s finest female-led fashion houses. For the past 25 years, Tiffany Amber has set trends and inspired countless young designers, turning the local fashion scene into a global conversation. And as the brand marks its silver jubilee, it does so the same year its founder, Folake Akindele, turns 50—a poetic milestone that speaks to her unwavering passion, resilience, and creative genius.
Folake Coker’s story is an extraordinary one. Born in Lagos and raised across Switzerland, England, and Scotland, she was introduced to a world of diversity and culture at a young age. Despite her journey through academia—qualifying as a lawyer with a master’s degree in Petroleum Law—her true calling was always fashion. In 1996, she took her first daring steps into the fashion world, designing a collection for herself upon her return to Nigeria to attend Law School. Two years later, in November 1998, Tiffany Amber was born, setting off a revolution in Nigerian fashion that would shape an industry and inspire a continent.
Over the years, Folake’s vision has expanded beyond traditional design to a full-fledged lifestyle brand. The Tiffany Amber Atelier, often described as the best designer space in Nigeria, is a testament to this evolution. The Atelier serves as the heartbeat of the Tiffany Amber brand, a space where dreams are designed and timeless pieces are brought to life.
Her accolades are as striking as her creations. In 2008, Folake broke new ground as the first African-based designer to showcase at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York, and she did so twice in a row. Her collections received rave reviews and put Nigeria’s fashion industry on the international map. By 2009, she had added two more lines under Tiffany Amber: TAN by Tiffany Amber, a diffusion line, and Folake Folarin, a couture line, embodying her iconic style while catering to a wider audience.
Her influence has also been recognised by global powerhouses. In 2012, when the late Franca Sozzani, the legendary Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Italia, visited Lagos, she was so impressed with Tiffany Amber that she invited Folake to participate in the Fashion for Development project. By 2013, Folake made history once again as the first African fashion designer to feature on the Forbes Women Power List, and she also received the prestigious Enterprise Award from the Women Inspiration and Enterprise (WIE) organisation.
Her influence extends beyond fashion and into mentorship and female empowerment. In 2014, to celebrate Tiffany Amber’s 15th anniversary, she launched the Women of Vision campaign in partnership with Diamond Woman. This platform has since become a guidepost for aspiring entrepreneurs, offering them support and inspiration from one of the industry’s most accomplished women.
Now, as Tiffany Amber celebrates 25 years of redefining African fashion and Folake herself celebrates her 50th birthday, the journey is far from over. She remains at the helm, as visionary and innovative as ever. In this exclusive sitdown she reflects on her achievements, the evolution of her brand, and the future of Nigerian fashion.
Folake, congratulations are in order! You’re hitting two remarkable milestones this year—turning 50 and Tiffany Amber turning 25. How does it feel to celebrate both at once?
Thank you! It feels surreal to celebrate two milestones that mean so much to me. Turning 50 alongside Tiffany Amber’s 25th anniversary feels like reaching the summit of a beautiful journey filled with challenges, growth, and incredible experiences. It’s a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come and to dream even bigger for the future.
You’ve spent half of your life building Tiffany Amber into what it is today. Personally and professionally, what has this incredible journey been like for you?
The journey has been extraordinary. It’s filled with as many lessons as it is with achievements. Personally, I’ve grown in resilience, patience, and vision. Professionally, Tiffany Amber has allowed me to push boundaries and help shape the narrative of African fashion on a global stage. This journey has been my life’s greatest work, and it’s shaped me in ways I could never have imagined.
When you first launched Tiffany Amber, what vision did you have in mind? How does that initial dream compare to what the brand has grown into today?
In the beginning, my vision for Tiffany Amber was to create a brand that celebrated the strength, elegance, and beauty of African women through fashion. Looking back, I’m proud to say that the brand has grown beyond my dreams, becoming a symbol of African luxury and authenticity. Tiffany Amber has evolved from just a label to a movement that speaks to women across the continent and beyond.
Tell us about your anniversary collection—what inspired it, and what do you hope it represents for Tiffany Amber at this 25-year mark?
The anniversary collection draws from iconic designs and timeless elements that have defined Tiffany Amber over the years. It represents continuity, respect for tradition, and the boldness to keep evolving. At 25, I hope this collection honours our journey and symbolises a legacy of resilience, creativity, and unapologetic elegance.
Tiffany Amber Atelier is now recognised as the leading fashion house in Nigeria. How does it feel to be such an influential force in the country’s fashion evolution?
It’s a tremendous honour to be seen as part of Nigeria’s fashion story. I feel a deep responsibility to continue pushing boundaries and setting standards. Fashion in Nigeria has come a long way, and it’s humbling to have contributed to its growth and international recognition.
You recently opened a new store in Abuja. What made you choose Abuja, and how has this expansion impacted the brand’s reach and growth?
Abuja has always held a special appeal. It’s a city with a growing appreciation for luxury and style. Expanding there has allowed us to connect with a new demographic and meet the needs of clients who value elegance and quality. It’s been a wonderful way to extend our reach and deepen our brand’s footprint.
Over the last 25 years, you’ve witnessed the evolution of Nigerian fashion firsthand. What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen in the industry?
One of the biggest changes is the rise of a distinct Nigerian aesthetic that blends traditional and modern elements. There’s also been a tremendous increase in the quality and craftsmanship of Nigerian fashion. More than ever, local designers are recognised globally, and the industry has become a vibrant ecosystem that celebrates our culture and heritage.
Fashion and the economy often dance a complex dance. How do you see the Nigerian fashion industry evolving in these challenging times? Where do you think the opportunities lie?
The Nigerian fashion industry is resilient. I believe there are opportunities to explore sustainable practices, increase local production, and expand our reach through e-commerce. As designers, we need to be adaptable and find ways to turn economic challenges into innovation opportunities.
Over the years, have you noticed any significant shifts in what Nigerian women want from fashion?
Absolutely. Nigerian women today are more discerning and aware of global trends, but they also want pieces that reflect their unique identity and heritage. There’s a stronger emphasis on quality, versatility, and authenticity. Fashion, for them, is about self-expression and empowerment.
So, what’s next for Tiffany Amber? Are there any new projects or collections we should be excited about?
There’s always something new in the works! We’re focusing on expanding our reach while staying true to our roots. We’re exploring new collections that capture the essence of modern luxury and perhaps a few surprises to keep our clients excited and engaged.
With 25 amazing years behind you, what do you dream of for the next 25 years of Tiffany Amber?
I dream of Tiffany Amber becoming a lasting legacy, inspiring future generations of African designers and representing African excellence on a global scale. I want it to be the brand that transcends time and remains a symbol of empowerment and luxury for African women everywhere.
Turning 50 is such a significant milestone—what have you learned about yourself along the way?
Turning 50 has taught me the power of resilience, the beauty of growth, and the importance of purpose. I’ve learned to embrace the journey, savour each moment, and trust in the process of becoming.
What’s a typical day like for you, Folake? How do you keep your creative spark alive?
A typical day starts early, usually with a moment of reflection or meditation. My days are filled with meetings, design sessions, and connecting with my team. I keep my creativity alive by surrounding myself with beauty and constantly seeking inspiration, whether through travel, art or simply observing the world around me.
Tiffany Amber has always been about more than just clothes—it’s a statement. What message do you want your brand to send to the next generation of Nigerian women?
Tiffany Amber is a reminder to be unapologetically yourself. I want young Nigerian women to know that they are worthy of luxury, capable of greatness and that they can define their own success. Fashion can be a means to express their strength, elegance, and pride in who they are.
If you could go back and speak to your 25-year-old self, what do you think she’d say about the woman you’ve become today?
She’d probably be amazed at the journey, proud of the woman I’ve become, and maybe a little in awe of how far we’ve come. I think she’d be inspired to keep dreaming big and to trust that every step, every challenge, was worth it.
