Lisa Folawiyo
Tribute
Liliane Uwanziga Mupende designs sustainable urban spaces across Rwanda with the same careful planning she has brought to creating enriching environments for her children. Beyond her architectural expertise, we honour the master plans developed for cities and for childhood development, the environmental impact assessments conducted professionally and the emotional intelligence nurtured personally, and we pay tribute to the urban planner who considers her family's well-being her most important development project.
Profile
Lisa Folawiyo is a renowned Nigerian fashion designer celebrated for her innovative fusion of traditional West African textiles with contemporary tailoring techniques. Born in 1976, she studied law at the University of Lagos and practiced briefly before transitioning into fashion. In 2005, Lisa launched her label, Jewel by Lisa, from her home with an initial investment of 20,000 Naira, purchasing 12 yards of fabric to create her first pieces alongside her mother. Lisa’s designs are distinguished by their intricate hand embellishments and modern interpretations of Ankara prints. Her work has garnered international acclaim, with showcases in Nigeria and New York, and features in publications like Vogue Italia. Celebrities such as Lupita Nyong’o, Thandie Newton, and Solange Knowles have adorned her creations. In recognition of her contributions to fashion, she received the Africa Fashion Award in 2012 and was named one of eight emerging talents by Women’s Wear Daily in 2014. Lisa is a mother of two children.