By Dickson Omobola

Fashion stakeholders in Nigeria have faulted the upswing in intellectual property theft in the country, urging designers and brands to put in more action in protecting their original creations.

The experts spoke at a webinar themed: ‘The Future of Fashion: Emerging Trends, New Challenges, and the Evolving Legal Landscape,’ stating that because the fashion industry was rapidly evolving, creativity was in constant test.

They also expressed commitment to bridging the gap between the western perspective of fashion and Africa.

Speaking on the future of the fashion industry, Managing Partner of G. Elias, Fidelis Adewole, said “The fashion industry is a rapidly evolving sector where creativity and innovation are constantly tested. It is imperative that designers and brands understand the importance of protecting their intellectual property as this remains the bedrock of their creative endeavours. At G. Elias, we are committed to supporting our clients in navigating the complex legal landscape and ensuring their innovations are adequately protected.”

Former Head of the Fashion & Design Department at Radford University College, Ghana, Yvonne Ntiamoah, in her remarks, said: “The conversation around diversity and inclusion in the fashion industry has gained momentum, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement. While larger brands have the capacity to implement inclusive practices, it’s encouraging to see smaller brands also taking steps, such as fair-trade initiatives and engaging local communities.

“However, the challenge remains in bridging the gap between the global, westernized perspective of fashion and the local African context. Are we truly being inclusive and supportive of all individuals in the creative industries? The critical first step is having these discussions, but the real test lies in meaningful implementation.”

Meanwhile, Fashion Consultant and Founder, Lhaude Africa, Rhoda Aguonigho, added: “COVID-19 significantly reshaped the creative industry in amplifying the role of influencer marketing. While this strategy existed before, its importance surged as brands realized the value of engaging with influencers who have strong, dedicated communities. However, it’s vital for brands to ensure that the influencers they partner with align with their values and messaging. Authenticity is key—an influencer who genuinely resonates with their audience can drive high engagement and even convert that into sales. Ultimately, the success of influencer marketing hinges on aligning your brand with influencers who not only share your values but also connect meaningfully with your target audience.”