Samuel Peter, creative director of Abuja-based gender-fluid fashion brand Shirt-Up & Shop, is calling on Nigerian designers to look beyond international sales and embrace the power of fashion to shape global cultures.
Peter argues that while tailoring remains a respected tradition in Nigeria, designers should expand their vision to create pieces that resonate across diverse cultural, regional, and religious contexts. “We need to shape cultures globally, not just sell to our friends and relatives internationally,” he said, emphasizing the brand’s mission to produce designs that embody inclusivity and humanity.
Founded in 2013 as a thrift store specializing in vintage apparel, Shirt-Up & Shop transitioned into a design-focused brand in 2018. Since then, it has gained recognition for innovative collections, including its best-selling Rope Neck line, which has attracted buyers and positive reviews from markets outside Nigeria and Africa.
Peter’s vision aligns with the growing influence of Nigerian fashion houses such as TJWHO, Ashluxe, Mai Atafo, and Orange Nerd, which are redefining Africa’s presence in the global fashion industry. Together, these brands are positioning Nigerian creativity not only as a commercial force but also as a cultural movement capable of shaping global identity.
As Nigerian designers continue to push boundaries, the industry’s evolution underscores fashion’s dual role as both culture and commerce a platform for creativity, inclusivity, and global influence.
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