Nigerian-born Omoyemi Akerele is the founder and CEO of Lagos Fashion Week and Style House Files. She has worked in the international fashion industry for more than two decades and has contributed to the acceleration of Africa’s creative economy. Her work focuses on delivering long-term solutions within the African textile and garment ecosystem by providing growth opportunities for brands, creative businesses and communities.

Her commitment to nurturing, developing and promoting the African fashion industry led to the establishment of the biennial Lagos Fashion Week, a multi-day platform showcasing African designers in Nigeria and beyond. Lagos Fashion Week has also expanded its scope, advocating the industry to government and investors, offering master classes and incubation support for emerging talent, and supporting all parts of the fashion industry’s value chain to reach their full potential. Through initiatives such as SHF Trains, Woven Threads and Green Access, the African garment industry is being strengthened with socio-economically and environmentally sustainable business opportunities.

Omoyemi often speaks on the strength of the African continent at international events – BOF Voices, Global Fashion Summit, Conde Nast International Luxury Conference, International Luxury Conference (New York Times) to name a few; and has previously held advisory positions at the United Nations (She Trades, UNIDO), British Council, State of Fashion Netherlands, Industry Africa, Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Victoria & Albert Museum. She has won several awards and has been on the Business of Fashion’s Global 500 list since 2017.