Reni Folawiyo, founder of Alara concept store, has been making waves in the fashion world with her unique blend of traditional African designs and modern luxury, dubbed “Afro-lux”.
With Alara, West Africa’s first luxury fashion and decor concept store, Folawiyo aims to elevate African fashion globally. Located in Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling economic capital, Alara’s modern architecture and latticework inspired by local Yoruba textiles make it a standout destination for fashion enthusiasts.
The store showcases upscale African designers alongside Western brands, decorative art, and books, reflecting Folawiyo’s mission to put African design on par with established giants.
Folawiyo draws inspiration from her Yoruba culture, rich in textiles, bright colors, and lavish ceremonies. She also finds inspiration in the “rugged” design of Senegal and the “certain sophistication” of Ivory Coast.
Folawiyo emphasizes the importance of partnering with reputable institutions to platform designers outside Africa.
She has collaborated with the Brooklyn Museum and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, showcasing her commitment to promoting African fashion globally.
Behind Alara lies the NOK restaurant, led by executive chef Pierre Thiam, a Senegalese chef who has introduced the region’s food scene to the United States.
At Alara, prices range from 325,000 naira ($210) for a green dress from Nigerian brand Eki Kere to 10 times that price for a table from Senegalese-Nigerian studio Salu Iwadi.
Reni Folawiyo comes from Lagos’s elite, married to business magnate Tunde Folawiyo and daughter of former Western Region attorney general Lateef Adegbite.
Despite initial struggles to convince others of her vision, Folawiyo remained committed to her idea, and Alara has become a benchmark for Afro-luxury.
