By Yemisi Suleiman

Over the years, the African fashion industry has continued to evolve, growing beyond the
shores of the continent in leaps and bounds.
Aside from the global acceptance of indigenous fabrics like Aso Oke and Ankara, many
more are now being embraced by both Africans and non-Africans alike, thanks to designers
like Nigeria’s Trish Onumonu, founder of Trish O’ Couture, a luxury fashion brand
showcasing the beauty of African fabrics through her craft.
Famous for her exquisite craftsmanship, attention to detail, and elegant feminine designs,
Patricia has spent almost two decades building a brand that expresses African creativity
while inspiring global sophistication.

For Patricia, fashion is not just a career; it is a legacy. She was born into fashion, her
mother was a seamstress. Growing up around her mother’s sewing inspired her early love
for design. By the age of twelve, she had already mastered beading and basic tailoring
techniques, skills that would later shape her into one of Nigeria’s finest designers.

After obtaining a degree in Philosophy from the University of Lagos, Patricia pursued her
passion by launching Trish O Couture in 2007. The brand was conceptualized as a luxury
label for refined women, known for creating outstanding bespoke and ready-to-wear pieces
of exceptional quality. From fabric texture to colour flow and design aesthetics, every piece
is crafted with precision and excellence.
The designer makes use of lace, velvet, sequins, feathers, leather, and Ankara prints on
chiffon fabrics to portray both the sexiness and softness of womanhood, aiming for global
appeal among women everywhere. Her collections are inspired by romance, fairy tales,
and the beauty of femininity. Each piece reflects sensuality and strength through expert
blending of textures and fabrics.

Over the years, the Trish O Couture brand has earned the trust of elite clientele from across
the world, including society women, politicians, business executives, and A-list

celebrities. She has dressed some of Nigeria’s top names, such as Senator Ita Giwa, Ini
Edo, Monalisa Chinda, and Stephanie Linus, among others.
Her showroom in Lagos is a fashion Mecca of sorts, stocked with the most elegant, classy
dresses you can find. It is a must-visit destination for every woman who values quality,
elegance, and individuality.

Taking African Fashion to the World

On the international scene, Patricia has steadily carved a niche for her brand. Recognized
for her impeccable quality and craftsmanship, she has showcased her collections on some
of the world’s most prestigious runways, including:
Africa Fashion Week London, Africa Fashion Week Nigeria, Ghana Fashion Week, London
Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, and Dubai Fashion Week.
Her appearances at these global shows have not only elevated her brand but also furthered
the cause of African fashion worldwide. Through her collections, Patricia embodies the
depth of Nigerian creativity, redefining what ‘luxury’ means from an African perspective.

Recognition and Media Presence

This multiple award-winning designer has been celebrated both locally and internationally
for her immense contributions to fashion. Her works and interviews have graced the pages
of leading publications such as Vanguard Allure, La Mode Magazine, Glam & Essence, and
Genevieve Magazine, where she was featured as a cover personality. Her collections have
also been featured in major Nigerian newspapers including The Sun, ThisDay, and The
Guardian, among others — further cementing her image as one of Africa’s most influential
fashion entrepreneurs.

She has won several awards in the industry, including:
Most Outstanding High Fashion Designer at the 3rd Glam & Essence Style Awards &
Runway Show (2014)
Mom in Art/Fashion/Style Award at the Moms Awards (2014)
Female Achievers Award at the Top Celebrities Awards (2014)

African Designer of the Year at Africa Fashion Week Nigeria (2016)
Most recently, Patricia received a Special Recognition Award at the prestigious Green
October Event for her significant contributions to the fashion industry.

A Vision Beyond Fashion

Beyond clothing design, Patricia has extended her creative reach through Trish O Interiors,
a design and furnishing firm located within her fashion plaza on Karimu Kotun Street,
Victoria Island, Lagos. The venture reflects her passion for aesthetics beyond
fashion, blending her sense of beauty, form, and colour into interior spaces.
For this award-winning creative, interior design is simply an extension of her artistry, a
seamless blend of creativity and lifestyle. “It also has to do with fashion, art, and creativity,”
she says. “I’ve always loved putting things together beautifully, whether it’s fabric or
furniture.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

A mentor and role model to many, Patricia remains deeply invested in nurturing young
designers. From her beginnings as a young girl in her mother’s tailoring shop to becoming a
celebrated fashion icon, Patricia Onumonu has shown that passion, perseverance, and
authenticity are the true keys to success.
Through Trish O Couture, she continues to project elegance and vibrancy into African
fashion , one design at a time. Patricia is indeed a priceless gift to the art of needlecraft.
Her bold creativity has yet to reach its full potential, and her influence will undoubtedly
continue to inspire and resonate across the globe.