Education

How Lois Adio is blending finance, fashion

How Lois Adio is blending finance, fashion

A fashion designer, Lois Adio, is gaining recognition for her unique ability to merge creative design with financial expertise, carving a niche that bridges artistry and corporate discipline.

Adio, who describes her work as a balance of timeless elegance, modern innovation, and sustainable craftsmanship, has steadily built a profile across both the fashion and finance industries. With professional experience spanning global firms such as KPMG and HMRC, she has handled audits, risk reviews, and compliance functions, while simultaneously advancing her creative pursuits in fashion design.

Her growing influence in the fashion scene has been marked by active participation in major industry events, including Lagos Fashion Week, where she has contributed both as a collaborator and independent designer. In March 2023, she assisted in directing the 'Under Sea' collection alongside LFJ's - Love from Julez, a showcase that drew attention for its thematic storytelling and design execution.

Later that year, she collaborated on a capsule collection with AKTFW and featured in multiple showcases, including "Standing the Test of Time" at Lagos Fashion Week and the "Hip Hop" presentation at GTCO Fashion Weekend. Her work has been noted for its bold use of colour, sculptural silhouettes, and architectural volume.

In April 2024, Adio further strengthened her creative credentials as an assistant designer at Kilentar, where she played a key role in fittings, textile sourcing, and garment creation inspired by African history. By October 2024, she presented her own "Commune" collection at Lagos Fashion Week, signaling her transition into a more independent and defined artistic voice.

Beyond runway showcases, Adio has also engaged in styling partnerships with pageantry platforms such as Miss Renowned Nigeria between 2023 and 2024, expanding her influence into fashion styling and brand collaborations.

Her work has attracted international and local media attention. In 2023, she was featured by Vogue Italia as part of its spotlight on emerging African designers.

Adio's contributions have also earned her industry recognition. She was nominated for the Emerging Designer Award by the Association of Professional Fashion Practitioners of Nigeria in 2023, and was shortlisted for the AfriCulture Fashion Show & Awards in 2024.

Academically, Adio combines her creative training with a strong business foundation. She holds a Master's degree in International Business Management from Glasgow Caledonian University, and is an Associate Chartered Accountant, certified by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria.

Her educational background also includes specialised training in tailoring, textile and apparel design, brand identity development, and couture styling from institutions such as the Prudential Fashion Academy, and Martwayne Fashion Academy in Lagos.

Earlier in her academic journey, she participated in an international exchange programme between Covenant University and Lancaster University in the United Kingdom, an experience she says contributed to her global outlook and interdisciplinary approach.

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