Nigerian Designer Esther Okonta Wins Young Designer Award at Africa Fashion Up Paris

Nigerian designer Esther Okonta, founder of Estaz, has won the Young Designer Award at Africa Fashion Up 202G in Paris.

Her collection, celebrated for ethical sourcing and responsible manufacturing, reflects Nigeria’s growing influence in global fashion. The event, hosted at Musée du quai Branly, featured winners from South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, and Nigeria, showcasing Afro-futuristic aesthetics, textile storytelling, and eco-conscious innovation. Okonta’s recognition underscores Nigeria’s rising role in sustainable luxury fashion and highlights opportunities for African designers to compete internationally.