It all started in Lagos. And now, Lola Threads is heading to the global stage. But the question is: what makes this brand different? And is it ready to compete internationally?

In 2019, Ayobami Ololade Ogunbiyi launched Lola Threads with a clear idea in mind. She wasn’t just starting a clothing line, but a movement and a vision. It started as a slow fashion brand that would put structure, intention, and meaning at the centre of every outfit — something bold, but personal. It was a kind of fashion that connected deeply with identity.

In a world that churns out trends by the second, Lola Threads chooses a slower path. The one rooted in purpose. The brand that is not here for the noise, but to make a statement in every corner of the world. Hence, every piece she sews is deliberate and thoughtfully designed.

That’s where the story begins. But is the brand ready to grow beyond that story?

The truth is, the global fashion scene is saturated. The competition is intense with big names, fast fashion, and constant pressure to keep up. But Lola Threads isn’t trying to be loud, but clear. And that clarity she has is her strength in reaching the peak of her career as a designer.

One of the things that gives the brand an edge is its ability to tap into something universal—identity. Self-expression and power that resonates beyond borders. In every Lola Threads piece, you feel that connection and simplicity. And for a growing number of global consumers, that’s exactly what they’re searching for.

Lola Threads works with local artisans and tailors, which proves their outfits are well-made, ethically produced, and designed to last. The quality is evident, and the seams are neat. The shapes are clean, and the fabrics are sturdy.

Lola Threads pieces are not trendy for trend’s sake. They have a timelessness that gives them staying power. A jacket from three seasons ago still feels current. A dress from last year still turns heads. There’s consistency, and buyers—both local and international are paying attention to that.

But let’s not romanticise it. Scaling globally is no easy feat. Lola Threads will need to navigate new markets, learn new consumer behaviours, build strong relationships with international stockists, strengthen its digital presence and tell its story in ways that connect across cultures.

This means investing in brand strategy, creating strong visuals, and partnering with stylists.

The good news? The foundation is solid. And the world is shifting. Shoppers are tired of soulless fashion. They’re looking for brands with purpose and personality. Brands that understand culture, not just sell it.

It may not be the loudest. But it’s one of the clearest through its 2025 collection. And in fashion, clarity is currency.

From Lagos to the world—Lola Threads is walking in purpose. And the world may finally be ready to listen.

This piece is all about shape and structure. The sleeveless black dress features a round neckline that gives a clean, modest front. But below that, the design explodes into a cascade of dramatic, angled ruffles. These aren’t soft, romantic frills, they’re bold, sharp and sculptural.

The styling is kept minimal—ankle-strap heels, gold hoops, and sleek hair. And it works. This is the kind of dress that doesn’t need much else. The drama is built in. From a craftsmanship standpoint, the construction is strong. The ruffles are unevenly layered. The hem is clean. The bodice is tailored. There’s clear attention to detail. The retail potential is solid. This dress has hanger appeal. It looks striking in photos. It reads well on social media. It would stand out in a boutique. It’s easy to style for evening events, red carpets, or high-profile brunches.

But it’s not without its weak points.

The round neckline, while classic, feels too simple for the rest of the piece. It doesn’t hold its own against the strong bottom half. A different neckline—perhaps a boat, off-shoulder, or asymmetric cut—could elevate the balance.

The dress also leaves questions about versatility. Could it be worn with a belt? Layered with a blazer? What kind of bag works best? The brand could enhance the customer experience by offering some styling suggestions.

Recommendation: Revisit the neckline for more impact. A small change could elevate the whole look. Add styling guides or visual pairings to show wearers how to make it their own. And consider using a lighter fabric for the ruffles to improve flow without losing shape.

Overall, it’s a strong, fashion-forward piece. A clear signature look. With minor tweaks, it’s runway and retail-ready.

This is the kind of dress that makes people stop and stare. The halter neckline is sharp and commanding. It exposes the shoulders and collarbone in a way that feels powerful, not provocative. There’s elegance here, but also edge.

The standout detail is the front panel. Pleated into perfect fan-like shapes, it adds depth and movement. The fabric holds its structure well. It almost feels sculpted. And yet, it flows. There’s no stiffness. Styling is once again minimal—black heels and clean accessories. It works because the dress is the statement.

From a design perspective, this is one of the strongest pieces in the collection. It’s symmetrical, balanced and impressive, both in photos and in person. Craftsmanship is also strong. Pleats are clean. The neckline is well-finished. The seams lie flat.

But like all dramatic pieces, it has its limitations.

The volume at the front may be overwhelming for some wearers. It could limit the audience to fashion-forward clients only. Every day, women might shy away from it for fear of standing out too much.

The back of the dress is also not visible in the current styling. A low back, keyhole detail, or subtle draping could make the piece feel more complete. Right now, it’s very front-focused.

Recommendation: Add back detailing for a 360-degree effect. Consider a lighter or more flexible fabric option for comfort. Include a version with less volume to make it more commercially accessible.

This is a strong editorial piece. It belongs in shoots, campaigns, and curated boutiques. With thoughtful tweaks, it could also work for galas, red carpets, and luxury events.

This look blends strength with softness. The oversized sleeves give it drama. The ruched bodice brings it back to earth. It’s a powerful silhouette, but still wearable.

The round neckline is well-proportioned. It gives a clean canvas without taking away from the sleeves. The sleeves themselves are the showstoppers—big, sculptural, and full of personality. There’s something Afro-futuristic about the overall shape. Like something out of a fashion-forward Nollywood film. But it’s grounded in solid tailoring.

The ruching adds softness and movement. It also helps contour the body, making the fit more flattering. From a styling point of view, this dress doesn’t need much. A sleek ponytail. Statement earrings. Minimal makeup. Let the dress talk.

But there are some concerns.

The sleeves, while stunning, may limit movement. How easy is it to hug someone? Sit comfortably? Dance? These are real questions for real customers.

Also, how is the fabric holding up? If it’s too stiff, it could be uncomfortable. If it’s too soft, the shape could collapse.

Recommendation: Test the sleeve structure for movement. Use lightweight but structured fabric. Add a lining to reduce skin irritation. And offer this design in multiple colours—deep jewel tones, white for bridal, or metallics for evening wear.

This is a hero piece. A showstopper. With a few tweaks, it could become a bestseller in high-fashion retail.

Across the three dresses reviewed, the collection showcases a striking balance between drama, elegance and craftsmanship, with each piece uniquely positioned to make a strong statement. These dresses reflect sophisticated design language that is rooted in intentional tailoring and confident femininity.