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Beyond Style- A Responsibility to the Planet

As we near the end of the year 2024, sustainability is more that just a goal at Styledbyzk – it’s a central to everything we do. With our growing production, fabric remnants are inevitable, but rather than seeing them as waste, we see potential. Part of our Zero-waste approach is repurposing these materials to create pockets, headbands and headwraps, adding unique touches to each piece while reducing waste. 

Fashion is about more than style; it’s about making choices that protect our planet. In 2025, we’re doubling down on pour zero-waste mission, creating fashion that empowers you to look good and feel responsible. 

Join us on this journey – together, let’s make 2025 a year of bold, sustainable fashion! 

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OUR TRIBE

Our Customers: The Heart of Everything We Do

Our customers are at the core of Styledbyzk, supporting local African craftsmanship and making conscious choices that help protect our planet. By choosing our sustainable designs, they play a vital role in promoting African culture and preserving the environment.

We deeply appreciate their support and look forward to sharing more of their Styledbyzk moments. Keep the pictures coming!

 

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The Women That Make the Magic at Styledbyzk

Hello from the heart and hands behind Styledbyzk! Every Styledbyzk piece is crafted with purpose, precision, and a deep love for African culture. Though our team is small, each member brings their unique energy and dedication, making every design a labor of passion.

 

Our Creative Director and founder, Zainab Kolawole (styledbyzk), leads the way, turning inspiration into the stylish, vibrant designs that define our brand. Zainab’s talent for merging tradition with modernity brings each collection to life. Collaborating with her is Nancy Oyinlola, a powerhouse in production who ensures that every vision is realized with the utmost quality and detail.

 

Anuoluwapo Sobanke, our dedicated manager, oversees everything from fabric sourcing to managing our tailors and ensuring that all designs meet the high standards of Styledbyzk. Her hands-on approach keeps our production running smoothly and ensures that every piece reflects the brand’s commitment to excellence.

 

We also work closely with local artisans across Nigeria: our Adire textiles come from talented creators in Egba, Abeokuta, our Aso-oke from skilled weavers in Ibadan, and vibrant Ankara fabrics sourced from Nigerian markets. Supporting these artisans is central to our mission, as it enables us to create fashion that not only celebrates but sustains our culture.

 

Each Styledbyzk piece tells a story of collaboration, culture, and craftsmanship. Our team’s work extends beyond fashion—it’s about uplifting local communities, supporting sustainable production, and empowering the talented individuals behind the scenes. Every piece we create, we do so with you in mind, knowing that by wearing Styledbyzk, you’re joining us on this journey.

 

We’re excited for the future as we look to expand our ethical partnerships, create even more inclusive designs, and see our collections reach every corner of the world. Thank you for being part of our journey. With each piece you wear, you’re carrying forward the legacy and dreams of Styledbyz

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Zainab Kolawole, Founder Styledbyzk

ZAINAB KOLAWOLE  is the Founder and Creative Director of STYLEDBYZK, a sustainable Nigerian ready-to-wear women’s fashion brand. Over the years, she has carved a niche as one of Nigeria’s most outstanding fashion designers by providing ready-to-wear and custom services to women of different ages, sizes, and cultural backgrounds. Her clothing has been sold across various countries, including the United Kingdom, the USA, Australia, Canada, Ghana, Dubai, and Germany.

She is well known for her Afrocentric designs, which incorporate African fabrics like Ankara, Adire, and Aso-Oke to showcase African culture. Zainab Kolawole has styled leading figures in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, including Toyin Abraham, Linda Osifo, Tomike Adeoye, Kemi Afolabi, Bola Ogunmola, Biodun Okeowo, and Ify Mogekwu.

Her designs have been exhibited in several exhibitions, including the Lagos Fashion Fair, Naijabrand Chick Trade Fair, and Eco Bank Oja Oge,  and she has been featured in various fashion blogs, including Ms_Asoebi, Asoebiafrica, and the Bella Naija website.

In addition to her design work, Zainab Kolawole is a trainer and mentor who has trained several women in fashion design. She has successfully helped many women launch their ready-to-wear businesses in Nigeria including Brazil, the UK, and the USA.

Zainab Kolawole was also part of the team that worked behind the scenes for the African Fashion Show Yorkshire in the UK.

Her entrepreneurial drive, passion for fashion, and dedication to empowering others led her to create a community called ZKININFKUENCE, where she shares insights about the fashion business with emerging and established designers. She also authored an e-book titled Tailor Workshop Structure, which guides fashion designers on how to run their businesses successfully without needing to be physically present, based on her firsthand experience running her business from the UK while pursuing her master’s degree.

Zainab Kolawole holds a Law degree from Houdegbe North American University, studied fashion design at ATK Fashion, and is pursuing an MSc in Journalism at Leeds Beckett University.

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About Us

Founded in 2019 by Zainab Kolawole, Styledbyzk was born from a deep love for African prints and a desire to make them a daily fashion staple. Growing up, Zainab observed how traditional fabrics like Aso-oke and Ankara were reserved for special events, always accompanied by the question, “What’s the occasion?” Inspired to change this perception, she launched Styledbyzk to make African fashion a staple in the modern wardrobe, blending cultural heritage with contemporary style.

Our Mission

At Styledbyzk, our mission is to ensure that every woman, regardless of race, can effortlessly incorporate African elements into her personal style – even through the smallest details. We envision a future where African inspired fashion becomes everyday staple, no longer reserved for special occasions, but embraced globally. We’re committed to making African clothing accessible in everyday wardrobes and available on international retail platforms. 

Our Values

We are committed to sustainability and zero waste. Every piece is crafted with eco-friendly, locally sourced fabrics like Adire, Ankara, and Aso-oke, honoring both our planet and heritage. We create fashion that looks good while keeping our planet safe, prioritizing ethical practices to make sure every choice supports a sustainable future.

What Sets Us Apart

We bring African fashion into the global spotlight, showcasing how traditional fabrics can transform modern style. Our unique designs add flair and meaning to your everyday look. At Styledbyzk, we believe in empowering women not only through our designs but also within our workplace. Most of our talented team members are women, and we create a supportive, inclusive environment that uplifts them in every aspect of their work. From showcasing African fashion in modern designs to offering a platform for women’s voices, Styledbyzk ensures that cultural expression and empowerment go hand in hand.

Who We Design For

Styledbyzk is for women who embrace the beauty of their culture and express it boldly. Our customers are women who want to use fashion to stay connected to their roots and honor their heritage. Our collections—whether a statement dress or a simple accessories, offer something for every style journey.

Our Collections

Styledbyzk’s collections are a celebration of African culture, lifestyle, and the vibrant stories of its people. Each piece is thoughtfully crafted to merge traditional African styles with modern design, using Afrocentric fabrics. From elegant dresses and tailored jumpsuits to versatile pants and accessories, Styledbyzk redefines how you wear African prints. Explore our range of styles, designed to make cultural expression simple and chic.

Sustainability Matters

Our eco-friendly practices shape everything we do. We use sustainable materials and are on track to achieve zero-waste production by 2025, reimagining fabric scraps into pocket details, accessories, and innovative designs. Every piece you wear contributes to a brighter, greener future.

Cultural Influence

Styledbyzk’s voice and designs are rooted in African culture. Our marketing celebrates this heritage, using vibrant patterns and stories to connect with our community. As we grow, our vision remains clear: to lead in sustainable fashion while inspiring a worldwide audience to embrace African prints as an everyday lifestyle.

Join Us

Discover how Styledbyzk transforms traditional African prints into your new wardrobe essentials. Celebrate your culture, honor the planet, and shop our collections today—because every day is an occasion to wear your heritage with pride.