Meet our Fashion Designers

Tari Eunice Ekweaga is the visionary founder of ModA Trends, a pioneering fashion brand that merges African culture and heritage with contemporary Canadian style. Tari’s fashion journey began in Nigeria, where she crafted bespoke men’s caftans that garnered acclaim in Houston, Texas. Her expertise in fabric, design, and cultural significance has led to the creation of deeply resonant pieces. Tari's story is a testament to her passion, resilience, and creativity as she bridges cultural divides and inspires new fashion enthusiasts with her innovative designs.

Olabisi Mary Ogunbusuyi is the CEO of OGOAFRIK, where she excels as a fashion designer specializing in wedding dresses, bespoke creations, ready-to-wear collections, and Afrocentric attire. With a commitment to weaving unique stories through every stitch, Olabisi also brings her expertise as a skilled pattern maker and freehand trainer, dedicating herself to sharing these essential skills with others.

Her educational background includes a degree in Business Administration from Lagos City Polytechnic in Lagos, Nigeria, and a qualification in International Business Management from NBCC in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. This blend of creative and managerial expertise enriches her work, allowing her to craft exceptional garments for clients both within Canada and internationally.

This year, under the theme "Threads of Unity: Weaving Stories Through Stitches," Olabisi is thrilled to contribute to an inspiring convergence of fashion, art, and cultural narratives from around the globe. Join her in celebrating the diverse and interconnected world of fashion.

Marilyn is the founder of One Stop Tailoring Place, astonishing her clients with masterpieces; restoring their confidence and making their dream come true, creating a unique fashion style to set a fashion standard in the society.

She is a creative artist, trendsetter, fashion designer; with over ten years experience in modelling. Having studied Fine and Applied Art with Textile Design as her specialization at Imo State University in Nigeria, has through hard work been able to combine her artistry excellently with fashion illustrations.

Her works are simply made with eccentric and extraordinary pieces out of nature and imagination to create a style statement, excellently done in reconstructed eloquence, customizing and artistic panorama with precision to create a distinctive personality.

J & Mimi's Fashion World, established and guided by CEO Joy Airiavbere, has distinguished itself as a leading force in bespoke fashion in Lagos, Nigeria, over the past six years. Under Joy's innovative leadership, the brand has garnered acclaim for its superior craftsmanship, its dedication to narrating African stories through fashion, and its commitment to personalized service. Fueled by a profound passion for fashion and an unwavering commitment to excellence, J & Mimi's Fashion World remains at the forefront of trendsetting and elevates the standards of tailoring within the industry.

Lilia Synyshyn is a highly accomplished Ukrainian designer with 30 years of experience in clothing and accessory design. She has taught at a Ukrainian art university, mentoring over 300 students in incorporating authentic Ukrainian elements into their designs. Beginning her creative journey at age seven, Lilia's early passion for drawing and sewing led her to a successful career in art and design. Her atelier, Liliia Synyshyn, specializes in creating sophisticated clothing, accessories, and leather bags that blend traditional Ukrainian motifs with modern design. Liliia is also skilled in decorative arts such as leatherworking, embroidery, and pysanka, aiming to showcase and evolve Ukrainian culture within a Canadian context.

Victoria Popoola is a distinguished Nigerian designer now flourishing in Moncton, and I am thrilled to present my brand, Vay Atelier, at this year’s UCOF Fashion Festival. My journey began in Nigeria, where I discovered that fashion serves as a powerful medium for storytelling and cultural expression.

At Vay Atelier, each creation—ranging from elegant wedding gowns to chic party dresses and versatile everyday wear—embodies my rich heritage and the diverse influences of my new home in Canada. Our theme, "Threads of Unity: Weaving Stories Through Stitches," captures the essence of our mission to celebrate unity through fashion.

My designs are a tribute to the narratives of my roots while embracing the multicultural vibrancy of Moncton. As I expand my client base, I invite you to experience the artistry and stories embedded in every piece. At Vay Atelier, every outfit is a bridge between worlds, celebrating the unique connections that unite us all.

Join me in celebrating unity and creativity as we delve into the artistry and stories that make each design special.

Rosemary, affectionately known as "The Fashion Engineer," blends her IT background with a deep-seated passion for creativity and innovation in fashion. Driven by her desire to make every little girl’s dream of being a princess a reality, she founded Rosette_Kidds, a brand renowned for its luxurious designs that celebrate Nigerian cultural heritage.

Rosette_Kidds is synonymous with cutting-edge fashion, offering a diverse collection that includes elegant ball gowns, avant-garde creations, and vibrant African print dresses. Rosemary’s unique approach to design redefines modern fashion, merging traditional influences with contemporary elegance.

Outside of her fashion endeavors, Rosemary delights in exploring new cuisines, immersing herself in nature through hiking, traveling, and connecting with people from all walks of life. Her enthusiasm for these experiences enriches her creative perspective and fuels her passion for making a difference in the world of fashion

Born in Ireland and having lived and worked across several European countries and South America, Marion now resides in Halifax, where she infuses her work with a rich appreciation for the diverse cultures she has encountered. As a seasoned designer, Marion specializes in creating bespoke apparel for the mature and discerning woman.

Her designs are meticulously custom-made to reflect the unique character and individual tastes of her clients. Marion favors natural fabrics such as linen, wool, cotton, and silk, often incorporating chiffon for a graceful touch. Her designs are characterized by their elegant, free-flowing silhouettes that prioritize comfort and ease without compromising on style.

Peace Bassey is a seasoned Creative Director and Fashion Stylist specializing in ready-to-wear ensembles crafted from authentic African fabrics. She launched her fashion business in Nigeria, transitioning from a successful career in banking to pursue her passion for fashion. Understanding the unique needs of busy professionals, Peace offers tailored styling solutions designed to help clients present themselves with confidence and sophistication. Her work seamlessly integrates traditional African aesthetics with contemporary fashion trends, celebrating vibrant colors and diverse textures.

Eiman Al Makari is a Syrian designer and seamstress and a mother of three balancing her family life with her passion for sewing, viewing each project as an opportunity to express and reflect her culture and personal style into her work. Eiman finds joy and relaxation in creating beautiful garments with her time and effort.

Meet Ijeoma! Passionate traveler, avid shopper, and culinary enthusiast, Ijeoma finds solace in the tranquility of the beach. With a warm smile and an unwavering commitment to her craft, she has spent the last five years delighting customers with her tailor-made outfits.

​Ijeoma's business, Touch by AsoebiGirl, is dedicated to fulfilling the fashion needs of women. Whether through bespoke creations or ready-to-wear collections, she ensures her clients shine with confidence. Ijeoma's passion lies in working with colorful and vibrant prints sourced locally in Nigeria, adding a spring to every customer's step.

Nancy Bonilla is a distinguished Mexican fashion designer who draws inspiration from her family's rich sewing tradition and early creative pursuits. With formal training in pattern making, an immersive year in France attending Paris Fashion Week, and a degree in Design and Fashion Business Development, Nancy founded Depanik—a dynamic collective that hosts fashion shows, art exhibits, and concerts.

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Nancy remains steadfast in her commitment to her craft. Through her venture, Nancy Bonilla Atelier, she specializes in creating exquisite dresses and garments tailored for a variety of occasions. Her enduring passion for design continues to shine through her work, celebrating both her heritage and innovative spirit.

Bora S. Carine Mwinule is a visionary fashion designer renowned for her expertise in women’s fashion. As the founder and lead designer of Carine Fashion Style, Bora has cultivated a brand distinguished by its elegant, modern, and sophisticated designs. Her collections seamlessly blend contemporary trends with classic elements, reflecting a profound understanding of the diverse needs and preferences of women. Carine Fashion Style is celebrated for its commitment to quality craftsmanship and its ability to create versatile, stunning pieces that empower and inspire confidence. Bora’s unwavering passion for fashion and dedication to innovation continue to set her brand apart in the industry.

Jemine is a distinguished professional with a dual passion for technology and fashion. She is a dedicated IT specialist and the creative force behind Embellish Accessories, where she serves as the Creative Director. In this role, she specializes in designing bespoke headwear that seamlessly blends innovation with elegance.

Millinery, though a niche and seasonal aspect of fashion, began as a personal hobby for Jemine and has since evolved into a significant facet of her creative expression. Her designs have garnered appreciation from fashion-forward individuals across Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

Jemine’s signature pieces are crafted for those who seek to make a bold statement through their fashion choices. While her career in IT remains her primary focus, Jemine remains committed to exploring and contributing to diverse fields within fashion and the arts in the future.

Meet Tioluwanimi Ekunola, the visionary behind Sesh Collections, a distinguished luxury fashion brand renowned for its exquisite ball gowns for girls. With an unwavering passion for elegance and a meticulous attention to detail, Tioluwanimi is committed to creating high-quality, show-stopping garments that make her young clients feel like royalty. Her mission is to become the premier designer for special occasion wear, offering unparalleled craftsmanship and style to clients around the globe. Through SeshCollections, Tioluwanimi is redefining children's formal wear, one breathtaking gown at a time.

Omolola Adeyemi is the visionary lead at OVA Afrique, a company dedicated to celebrating and promoting African prints. OVA Afrique focuses on Afrocentric design, offering a range of products including bags and accessories inspired by the rich patterns and diversity of African culture. Under Omolola's leadership, the company strives to showcase the beauty and richness of African prints, contributing to a more interconnected and harmonious world.

Celebrate Your Curves Fashion, founded by Navdeep Parmanand, is committed to offering inclusive fashion for every body type, size, shape, and contour. We provide a diverse range of professional clothing, including petite and plus-size options, ensuring both comfort and style for all individuals, including those with disabilities and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Our mission is to empower through diversity, body positivity, and personal style. As a made-to-measure service, we craft clothing tailored specifically to your unique measurements, guaranteeing a perfect fit just for you.

After honing his tailoring skills on the streets of Lagos, Nigeria, Jaaziel relocated to Canada, where he began selling his creations at Citadel High School in Halifax. Following his graduation, he faced financial constraints that made attending university in Nova Scotia challenging. Undeterred, he compiled a portfolio of his favorite designs, which led to his acceptance at the New York School of Design.

During an internship at New York Fashion Week, Jaaziel became acutely aware of the significant waste generated by the fashion industry—from runway pieces that never reach consumers to discarded projects from major brands like Louis Vuitton during mass production. This experience inspired the concept of STOKEDUDS: What if fashion show attendees could purchase the very pieces that evoked strong emotions on the runway? What if designers could create using leftover materials rather than contributing to excess waste? Jaaziel believes that rather than producing more clothing, we should focus on reimagining what already exists.