On the 26th of October 2024, in Lagos, Nigeria, Cocomanella, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated fashion brands, marked a significant milestone with its sixth-anniversary event, “Shop & Chops.” This vibrant occasion, hosted at the heart of Lekki, brought together fashion lovers and influencers to not only honour the brand’s loyal customers but also to unveil its latest collection, Colours of Africa, alongside the highly-anticipated launch of its global online shopping platform, Cocomanella.com.
Fashion is more than style at Cocomanella; it’s an art form. Each piece tells a story, blending culture, creativity, and quality craftsmanship elements that the Nigerian fashion industry, with its $4.7 billion market value, continues to elevate on the global stage. Colours of Africa, Cocomanella’s latest collection, celebrates the intricate beauty of African-inspired design, combining bold prints, elegant cuts, and the authenticity of African textiles. Each garment in this collection is designed to make the wearer feel both powerful and beautifully connected to her heritage.
A Journey Rooted in Art and Legacy
At the helm of Cocomanella’s artistic direction is founder and Creative Director, Oluwatobi Oluremi-Judah, whose work is deeply influenced by her family heritage. Judah explains, “Our logo a woman on a horse, holding a sword and a book represents the strength, knowledge, and grace of my mother and grandmother. They were my earliest fashion icons and inspired my love for fabrics and storytelling through clothing.”
Since its founding, Cocomanella has grown organically, reaching its audience through personal referrals, social media, and most importantly, a community of customers who value the brand’s commitment to quality and authentic African expression. This year, the brand took a transformative step by building a dedicated team and launching a global e-commerce platform. As Judah states, “We wanted to bring Cocomanella’s vision to a global audience, connecting even more people to our designs and the story behind each piece.”
Fashion for the Modern African Woman
Onyemeh Stephanie, Cocomanella’s Brand Manager, believes that Cocomanella is more than just fashion, it’s an empowerment tool for the modern woman. “Our goal,” she says, “is to create affordable luxury that empowers women to look and feel their best. Cocomanella is for the woman who embraces her femininity, her roles, and her strength, reflecting an inner and outer elegance that is distinctly African.”
With the Nigerian fashion industry making waves in markets across Africa, Europe, and North America, Cocomanella’s new e-commerce platform opens doors for international audiences to experience the artistry of African fashion firsthand. Colours of Africa is both a testament to Nigeria’s unique place in the fashion world and a bold step towards further showcasing the beauty of African design.
The Art of Celebration at “Shop & Chops”
From the red carpet adorned with a garden-themed backdrop to an elegant showcase of Colours of Africa, the “Shop & Chops” event captured the essence of Cocomanella’s philosophy: fashion as a celebration of culture and heritage. Guests enjoyed live music, a toast to the brand’s journey, and a heartfelt speech from the creative director, who shared her vision for the future.
Cocomanella’s 6th anniversary celebrated not only the brand’s success but also the power of Nigerian fashion to tell stories, celebrate culture, and make art wearable. As Cocomanella steps onto the global stage, it carries with it the strength and elegance of African heritage, resonating with women who wear their history with pride.
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