By Ngozi Uma
In step with sustainability in fashion business, talented tailors Linda and Abigail have announced the launch of their fashion brand Linabi, a creative partnership with years in the making.
On the strength of years of experience in sewing exquisite custom pieces based on client orders, the pair are now transitioning into a full-fledged couture and ready-to-wear label, with a bold vision to redefine African elegance for today’s global fashion market.
The official launch of Linabi coincides with their current industrial training at LegsApparel Academy, a respected institution renowned for nurturing Nigeria’s top design talents. With this training, Linda and Abigail are not only deepening their technical knowledge but also sharpening their understanding of brand development, high-end garment finishing, and market-ready production strategies.
Both women have built their reputations as masterful tailors, producing garments that reflect the beauty and intricacy of Nigerian fashion. Their work includes finely constructed pieces such as:
• Senator wear with flawless topstitching and clean silhouettes
• Traditional kaftans tailored with regal simplicity
• Iro and Buba rendered in lace, silk, and Ankara
• George and lace blouses with hand-embellished detailing
• Modern bubu gowns cut for comfort and class
• Agbada designed with structural precision
• Ankara and mixed-fabric fusion dresses for contemporary flair
Linda is particularly known for her garment construction expertise — from initial pattern drafting to final fitting, she ensures every piece carries a bespoke feel, perfectly adapted to the client’s frame and personal style. Her gift lies in creating silhouettes that balance traditional roots with a refined, modern aesthetic.
Abigail, while equally gifted in tailoring, brings an added dimension through her bespoke bag-making craft. Her handmade handbags — often designed with matching fabric or complementary palettes — combine artistry and function. From clutch bags to larger statement pieces, each item reflects care, innovation, and cultural pride.
Together, they have been working closely for several years, handling numerous client orders for events, weddings, and everyday traditional wear. Having built a loyal customer base, they are now scaling up — integrating those experiences into the evolution of Linabi as a couture and ready-to-wear brand, with plans for capsule collections, fashion showcases, and online retail presence in the months ahead.
Their transition into the public spotlight was fast-tracked when they co-represented LegsApparel Academy at the Science of Trade Conference 2025, hosted at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event — organised by FashionEVO, Olorisupergal, and the Made in Africa Expo — brought together Africa’s top fashion students, professionals, and innovators.
Linda and Abigail competed in the Creative Marketing Debate, where they spoke in defence of dancing reels as a dynamic and powerful marketing tool in the digital fashion space. Drawing from real-world examples and cultural trends, their arguments struck a chord with the judges and audience alike, earning them the ₦500,000 grand prize, which they shared equally. The debate wasn’t just a win; it was a spotlight moment that affirmed their position as rising voices in fashion communication and branding.
Following the event, Abigail was invited for a live interview on Channels TV Nigeria, where she shared insights into their journey, their creative process, and their vision for Linabi.
“It’s not just about sewing anymore — we want to build something lasting, something global but proudly African,” said Abigail.
Linda added: “We’ve sewn quietly behind the scenes for years, but now it’s time to step into the spotlight. Linabi is ready.”
Members of the panel of judges at the ceremony
Their current training at LegsApparel is a stepping stone in this transformation — offering them firsthand exposure to professional client management, fabric sourcing, couture-level finishing, and fashion business planning. Every stitch, seam, and sketch feed(s) into a larger vision: a fully realised brand that celebrates African identity through fine craftsmanship and forward-looking design.
Founded in 2025 by Linda and Abigail, Linabi is a couture and ready-to-wear fashion brand rooted in Nigerian tradition and driven by a contemporary aesthetic. Specialising in elegant garments and handcrafted bags, the brand aims to offer a distinctive voice in African fashion — blending culture, creativity, and class with every collection.
– Written by Ngozi Uma.
