FRANK AGHUNO

Franklin Aghuno, Jury’s Favorite

Country of origin Nigeria

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Self-taught designer and founder of the brand Fruché, based in Lagos. Selected among the six winners of Africa Fashion Up 2025, he distinguished himself by a singular vision of African fashion, both bold, narrative and deeply rooted. With Fruché, Franklin Aghuno develops a strong aesthetic, where traditional Nigerian textiles meet, contemporary design and powerful personal stories. His work is directly inspired by his family heritage—his mother being herself a stylist — and explores themes of identity, resilience, and freedom. Each collection affirms a committed approach. From Shameless, an ode to self-acceptance, to Nkeiruka, a vibrant tribute to maternal transmission, his creations become veritable manifestos of pride, emancipation and cultural memory.

The jury praised a strong creative signature, driven by an assertive stylistic approach, a powerful narrative and a perfect mastery of contemporary codes. Franklin Aghuno embodies a new generation of African creators, free, rooted and visionary.