Folarin Coker

Nigerian fashion innovator who revived traditional Yoruba textiles and transformed African design into a global industry.

Reviving Cultural Heritage

Folarin Coker (b. 1968) is a visionary designer who modernized West African fashion. After studying textile engineering in the UK, she returned to Nigeria in 1995 to revive dying weaving traditions. Her Folarin Coker Atelier became the first brand to commercialize handwoven aso-oke fabrics internationally, partnering with luxury brands like Louis Vuitton.

Her 2002 collection 'African Renaissance' featured digitally printed Ankara fabrics with modern patterns, selling out in Paris and Milan. This breakthrough led to collaborations with Stella McCartney and Alexander McQueen. In 2010, she launched the Yoruba Weavers Collective, providing fair wages to 300+ artisans and preserving ancestral techniques.

Coker's designs have been worn by celebrities like Lupita Nyong'o and Michelle Obama, propelling African fashion into mainstream media. Her 2018 TED Talk 'Woven Legacy' has over 2 million views. The African Fashion Archive now features her as a foundational figure, with her 2020 exhibition at Lagos Museum drawing 50,000 visitors.