It was a night soaked in glamour, global attention, and remarkable recognition as Olusola Olaniran Olanrewaju, the visionary founder and CEO of DB Clothing and Shoes Company, was celebrated with one of the most coveted accolades in the fashion world: the Outstanding International Fashion Brand of the Year at the Coolwealth Awards 2024, held on Sunday, January 7. While stars dazzled and dignitaries assembled under one prestigious roof, one narrative rose steadily above applause and lights that of a young Nigerian from Ilesa whose brand has grown from humble beginnings into a globally respected fashion force.
The Coolwealth Awards, internationally acclaimed for its prestige and rigorous selection process, are more than a ceremony; it is a global platform for authentic excellence. Over the years, this award body has conferred honours on an extraordinary array of individuals from across sectors and continents: Governors and lawmakers, esteemed royal fathers, top-level public office holders, captains of industry, humanitarian leaders, entertainment royalty, tech trailblazers, and media giants. It has become a hall of fame that immortalises legacy, credibility, and transformational impact. For DB Clothing to be ranked among the best on this stage in 2024 is not just a recognition but a historic stamp of distinction for African fashion.
Olusola’s journey is one of focused evolution. Born and raised in the heritage-rich town of Ilesa, Osun State, he displayed early signs of purpose-driven ambition. After earning his National Diploma at the Polytechnic Ibadan, he continued to shape his academic profile at Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu, and later proceeded to the United Kingdom, where he bagged an MSc in Public Health from the University of Sunderland. This multifaceted academic exposure became an advantage, informing the way he approaches entrepreneurship not only as a designer of garments but as a builder of human impact and sustainable enterprise.
Founded in 2015 in Ilesa before relocating to Akobo in the heart of Ibadan by 2018, DB Clothing and Shoes Company, popularly known as D.Bclothing has distinguished itself in the competitive world of fashion for its outstanding craftsmanship in shoes, premium shirts, sweatshirts, and custom jackets. Each creation from the brand bears the ethos of quality, creativity, and cultural authenticity. What began as a dream fueled by drive and dedication is now a globally recognised label worn by people who appreciate elegance, edge, and ethical design.
In receiving the 2024 Coolwealth Award, Olusola Olaniran joins an elite circle of high-impact individuals honoured at this year’s edition, an impressive list that included music sensation Asake, celebrated filmmaker and actress Funke Akindele, cultural ambassador and renowned filmmaker Femi Adebayo, comic influencer Taaooma, global afropop star Spyro, and award-winning actor Lateef Adedimeji. That Olusola stood confidently in such stellar company is a reminder that fashion, when done with soul, strategy, and sincerity, earns its place beside the greats in any arena.
Yet this isn’t Olusola’s first taste of the spotlight. In the past years, Olusola has swept up multiple awards, including the Coolwealth Humanitarian of the Year Award, the Maya Award for Urban Clothing Brand of the Year, the Eminence Award for Brand of the Year, and the Nigeria Association of Microbiology Students’ Brand of the Year title. Each recognition was a brick in the edifice of a brand that consistently balances business excellence with social commitment.
Speaking to the media after receiving the award, Olusola reflected with characteristic humility and vision: “This honour is not just for me, it’s for every young creative who dares to dream big from small beginnings. DB Clothing is a message in motion. We wear our culture, we walk with purpose, and we design for impact.”
What sets Olusola apart is not just his flair for fashion, but his understanding of scale, relevance, and legacy. His brand has evolved in its operations to remain future-fit, positioning itself for longevity in an ever-changing industry. His commitment to innovation and ethical practices is evident in every stitch, every step, and every statement that the DB brand makes.
As the curtains closed on the Coolwealth Awards 2024, the applause still echoed not just for the night’s glamour but for the powerful storylines that defined it. In the story of Olusola Olaniran Olanrewaju and DB Clothing, we are reminded that greatness is not reserved for the privileged but belongs to those who work, build, and stay true to their purpose. From Ilesa to Ibadan, and now to international acclaim, this is one fashionpreneur whose journey has only just begun, threaded tightly with grit, styled with vision, and tailored for the world stage.
