Rising Designer to Watch: How Yemiisi is Blending Heritage, Modern Elegance

In the ever-evolving world of fashion, certain names emerge with a story that feels both personal and powerful. One of those names is Yemiisi, a brand that has seamlessly woven heritage, craftsmanship, and contemporary design into a growing fashion movement.

Turning a childhood passion into a global vision, Yemiisi’s story began in 2014, when designer, Gloria Bamigbola, took her first step into the world of fashion—thanks to her mother, who paid for her very first tailoring class. What started as a small-scale passion project, creating custom pieces for friends, family and church members, soon grew into a full-fledged business.

For years, the brand operated under a different name, serving a loyal community of customers. But it wasn’t until a pivotal moment of reflection that Gloria decided to rebrand the label, renaming it Yemiisi in honor of her mother. That decision marked a turning point. “Renaming the brand gave it new life. It wasn’t just about making clothes anymore, it was about telling a story, embracing identity, and stepping into a bigger vision,” she disclosed.

A Brand Rooted in Culture and Modernity
Yemiisi’s aesthetic is a delicate balance between structure and softness, tradition and modernity. The brand’s designs are known for their sharp tailoring, fluid silhouettes and timeless femininity, offering pieces that feel both effortless and intentional.
Despite originating from Nigeria, Yemiisi has caught the attention of fashion lovers far beyond its home country, with a growing list of customers in the United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada and Germany. This growing international presence is a testament to the brand’s ability to speak to women from different backgrounds while remaining deeply connected to its African heritage.

Fashion with a Purpose
Beyond its striking designs, Yemiisi is also a brand with a mission. Through Project Black Barbie, an initiative the rising young designer founded, the brand supports female university students from single-parent households, providing them with financial aid and mentorship opportunities. As she once quipped, “Fashion is a powerful tool, not just for self-expression, but for impact.”

Since its rebrand, Yemiisi has been on an upward trajectory, steadily gaining recognition and expanding its reach. With plans to introduce new collections, collaborate with key players in the fashion industry and further establish its presence in the UK market, Yemiisi is undoubtedly a brand to watch in 2025.

As African designers continue to redefine global fashion, Yemiisi stands out, not just for its designs, but for the story, purpose and passion behind the brand.