The Rise of Kome Osalor Fashion House
In just a few years, Kome Osalor Fashion House has grown from a personal project into a label known for its bold style and modern take on traditional fabrics and more. At the centre of it is Onakome Osalor, a Lagos-based designer who sees fashion as identity, culture and storytelling, making waves. Since launching her brand in 2019, she has focused on creating pieces that are both timeless and contemporary. In this interview, Kome shares her creative vision with Funke Babs Kufeji, discussing the influence of Lagos, her use of African textiles, and the journey of building a timeless brand that speaks to women everywhere. No matter the age or shape.
Back in 2019, you took a bold step and launched Kome Osalor Fashion House. What inspired that decision, and what vision did you have in mind when you started?
I’ve always believed that fashion is more than clothing; it’s a mirror of culture and identity. Launching Kome Osalor Fashion House in 2019 was my way of creating a space where Nigerian creativity could meet global sophistication. The vision from day one was to build a brand that celebrates African heritage, while also empowering women to express their individuality in bold, elegant ways.
Lagos has played a big role in your story. How would you describe the influence of the city on your design process and aesthetic?
Lagos is energy. It’s fast-paced, vibrant, chaotic, and beautiful all at once. That rhythm seeps into my work, the colours, the textures, the audacity. Lagos teaches you resilience, but it also teaches you to stand out, and that duality inspires me to design pieces that are fearless yet refined.
Your collections are known for blending bold elegance with tradition. How do you strike that balance between timeless and contemporary?
For me, it’s about honouring where we come from without being confined by it. I take traditional silhouettes, fabrics, or motifs and reinterpret them with modern cuts, tailoring, and styling. The goal is to create garments that feel familiar yet fresh, pieces that could live in your wardrobe today and still be relevant ten years from now.
You’ve spoken about fashion as a language of identity. What kind of stories are you trying to tell through your designs today?
Currently, I’m interested in stories of power and femininity, specifically women owning their space unapologetically. My designs speak to resilience, beauty, and individuality. They’re for women who want to walk into a room and be remembered, not just for what they wear, but for the presence they command.
Ankara fabrics, tie and dye feature heavily in your work. How do you approach reimagining such traditional textiles for the modern fashion scene?
I see Ankara and tie-dye as living canvases. They carry history, symbolism, and cultural pride, but I don’t treat them as static. I experiment with new cuts, layering, draping, and even unexpected combinations that make them feel relevant to today’s fashion-forward woman. It’s about respecting tradition while pushing its boundaries.
From passion project to fashion house, what were some of the early challenges you faced, and how did you navigate them?
The biggest challenge was infrastructure, from sourcing quality fabrics locally to building a skilled team that understood my vision. In the early days, it felt like everything was an uphill battle. But I learned to be resourceful, to train from within, and to see constraints as opportunities to innovate. Those lessons shaped the DNA of the brand.
Your brand appeals to both everyday women and high-profile clients. How do you maintain that delicate balance between being relatable and aspirational?
I design with inclusivity in mind. Fashion should feel accessible, not intimidating. My collections feature statement pieces for red carpets, as well as versatile designs for everyday life. The common thread is confidence, whether you’re a working professional, a creative, or a celebrity. My goal is for you to feel elevated when you wear Kome Osalor.
What does “craftsmanship” mean to you, especially in an era where fast fashion is so dominant?
Craftsmanship is about respect – respect for the fabric, respect for the process, and respect for the wearer. It means creating pieces with intention and attention to detail, pieces that are meant to last and tell a story. In a fast fashion world, craftsmanship is our rebellion; it’s how we preserve authenticity and value.
You’ve hinted at international expansion. What excites you most about taking your brand beyond Nigeria’s borders?
I’m excited to showcase the richness of African fashion on global platforms, while also fostering a dialogue between cultures. Expansion isn’t just about selling clothes abroad; it’s about changing narratives, showing that Nigerian design belongs in the same conversation as Paris, Milan, or New York. That excites me.
What advice would you give to emerging Nigerian designers who want to build something authentic, rooted, and globally relevant like you have?
Stay true to your voice. Trends will come and go, but authenticity endures. Be patient with your growth, invest in learning your craft, and don’t be afraid to take risks. Most importantly, build with intention. When your work is rooted in purpose, it will resonate both at home and abroad.
