For the creative director and founder Dresses by Deb, Deborah Folarin, it is imperative to rewrite the story of African fashion, not just with fabrics and flair, but with heart, heritage, and hope.

Founded by Nigerian entrepreneur and former auditor-turned-designer, Dresses by Deb is a bold, beautiful blend of cultural craftsmanship and contemporary style.

Born in 2016, paused by motherhood, and courageously relaunched after three children, Dresses by Deb isn’t just a fashion label it’s a movement.

In an interview with The Guardian, Folarin disclosed the brand creates hand-dyed, 100% plant-based cotton and silk dresses, fusing the comfort every mom craves with the elegance every woman deserves.

Saying each piece is proudly African, luxuriously modern, and consciously made, Folarin added the designs, often crafted from upcycled batik fabrics are dyed locally by skilled artisans, creating jobs and preserving indigenous art forms.

To her, “sustainability isn’t a buzzword for Dresses by Deb; it’s embedded in every stitch. And the brand’s mission goes far beyond fashion.”

Speaking further, Folarin revealed, “ten percent of proceeds from upcycled scrap collections are dedicated to supporting underprivileged single mothers, children born out of rape, and other vulnerable groups often left in society’s shadows. These are real lives being touched — with medical support, educational assistance, food relief, and small business aid funded through fashion’s leftovers. In turning fabric scraps into lifelines, Dresses by Deb proves that even what the world discards has value — and can be transformed into hope. A portion of overall proceeds also supports teenage mothers, giving them access to counseling, training, and resources to rebuild their lives. I want my art to speak, inspire, and give back.”

Aside from being rooted in Nigeria, Dresses by Deb serves a global clientele across the U.S., UK, and Europe, showing that African fashion can be both authentically local and fiercely international. With a focus on corporate-ready outfits, including suits and statement dresses in rich African prints, the brand is dressing a new generation of powerful women — from boardrooms to baby showers.

She recounted, “I do all these while staying mostly behind the scenes, letting the work shine. But behind every stitch is a mother who didn’t give up, who started over, and who’s now inspiring other moms to rise again.”

As African fashion continues to ascend on the global stage, Dresses by Deb stands tall as a symbol of what happens when creativity meets courage, and when culture is worn with pride, purpose, and compassion.

In conclusion, Folarin described Dresses by Deb as one rising brand the world should be watching.