Deola Sagoe
Deola Sagoe is a Nigerian haute couture fashion designer from Ondo State. She won both the Best Costume Designer at the 2015 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards and Achievement in Costume Design at the 11th Africa Movie Academy Awards for her work on the film October 1.
Early Life and Education
Deola Sagoe (née Ade-Ojo) was born in August 1966 as the first child of Chief Michael Ade-Ojo, founder of Elizade University, and his first wife, Elizabeth Wuraola Ade-Ojo. She is of Yoruba descent, originally from Ilara-Mokin in Ondo State. She studied at the University of Miami and the University of Lagos, where she earned a Master’s degree in Finance and Management.
Career
Sagoe began designing in 1989 and gained international acclaim for her vibrant and colorful styles. She was appointed to represent Nigeria in the United Nations World Food Program's international campaign, Catwalk the World: Fashion for Food, launched in Nigeria in 2006. The campaign aimed to reduce global hunger, especially among children.
She has showcased her designs at Cape Town Fashion Week and has been an invited guest at New York Fashion Week. In 2018, she launched the Komole Collection, a Yoruba bridal and ceremonial wear line inspired by traditional royal aesthetics.
Sagoe is also a recipient of the Africa Designs and MNET/Anglo Gold African Designs 2000 awards, the latter for which she was nominated by André Leon Talley, editor of Vogue (U.S.).
Other Work
She made a cameo appearance in the 2014 film October 1, playing Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti.
Personal Life
Deola Sagoe was previously married to Kofi Sagoe. The couple later separated. She is the mother of three daughters: Teni, Aba, and Tiwa.
References
- Deola Sagoe Spring/Summer 2006 show on Vogue.com
- Deola Sagoe speaks to Lola Ogunnaike on 25 years of creating couture
- Deola Sagoe April by Kunbi honored at Music Meets Runway
- Catwalk the World event in Ghana (Archived 2020-11-12)
- Interview with the designer
- Deola Sagoe Collection