They say that a name carries its own destiny. Alára means “wondrous performer” in Yoruba, a name that reflects ambition, artistry, and a bold invitation to stand, perform, and be seen. It is a name that Reni Folawiyo carried into her vision: a space where African design could be celebrated with dignity, creativity, and global relevance.
Reni Folawiyo was born in London and raised in Nigeria. She studied law at the University of Warwick before returning to Lagos to work in her father’s law firm. Despite her legal career, she felt drawn to African creativity and recognized a gap: the continent’s designers and artisans did not have a platform to showcase their work at the level it deserved.
In 2015, she opened Alára in Lagos, West Africa’s first luxury fashion and lifestyle concept store. Reni describes Alára as “a window to the world, an authentic curation of contemporary Africa… a symbol of my personal journey of self affirmation and belief.” The store presents African designers alongside global labels, bringing fashion, furniture, art, and décor together to show that African creativity can be refined, contemporary, and globally relevant.
Her approach, which she calls Afro‑lux, blends African heritage with modern luxury. She explained, “A lot of the beautiful things that people were making in different parts of Africa were not celebrated in the way that I thought they should be celebrated.”
Beyond fashion, Alára includes NOK by Alára, a restaurant that reinterprets African cuisine, and Alára Interiors, continuing her work in design and spatial experiences. NOK by Alára is not just a place to eat; it is a celebration of African culinary heritage, blending traditional ingredients with modern presentation to create a dining experience that feels luxurious and authentic. Alára Interiors extends her vision into the spaces people live and work in, showcasing furniture, décor, and design that reflect African craftsmanship and contemporary style.
Through these ventures, Reni demonstrates that African creativity extends beyond fashion, into lifestyle, food, and spaces – offering a holistic vision of contemporary African identity. Each project reinforces her belief that African culture and talent can thrive on a global stage, proving that luxury, innovation, and heritage can coexist.
Alára has elevated African designers, given them visibility, and changed perceptions of African luxury.
As she said, “We wanted an aesthetic that truly reflected who we are. We chose designers who embodied bold, unapologetic beauty, had a conscience, and celebrated craftsmanship.”
This vision was brought to life in the building designed in collaboration with architect David Adjaye, creating a space that embodies both contemporary luxury and African heritage.
Reni Folawiyo proves that vision, courage, and persistence can redefine not only a career but an entire culture. Her story inspires us to pursue our dreams, trust our instincts, and create spaces where creativity, identity, and heritage are seen, celebrated, and allowed to thrive.
