Cynthia Abila is an eponymous brand launched in 2016 by Cynthia Otiyo-Abila. Cynthia Abila is a storyteller and an African culture enthusiast. The designer founded her brand for the world-traveling woman who likes to learn about the varied cultures of the worlds outside her own, but who also cares deeply about her roots and seeks to share her own local story in every way possible.
An opulent look, colour schemes, and unique fabrication are all features of Cynthia Abila's brand. By utilizing a network of artisans in local communities, the brand also fosters local manufacturing and the preservation of centuries-old traditions of handmade fabric, hand beading, and embroideries. Abila also provide vital work opportunities and essential training to local communities. With the adoption of flexible work policies, women represent 70% of the work force, which enables them support their families.
Fashionably, the brand is culturally expressive but different in style; its pieces portray a bold, free expression of the Cynthia Abila woman in a way she wishes to be remembered, ensuring that none of her elements is silenced. Cynthia Abila's aim is to show how African history is timeless and how it can be used to the aesthetics of modern clothing.
Cynthia Abila strives to incorporate cultural distinctiveness with well-curated modern aesthetics that go beyond international notions of African culture with each piece. Through Women, the brand displays the pride in their ancestry and ethnic beauty of Nigerian roots as unique as they are without compromising their identity.
The Eponymous brand has gained quite a lot of popularity has it has been featured in various magazines and newspapers; the likes of Vogue, Glamour, Schick, Style Rave, Essence to mention but few. Cynthia Abila also graced the 2019 & 2021 LFW with her intriguing collections celebrating the African Culture and its heritage.