By Christy Anyanwu
Lioness by TF brand was one of the amazing collections at the just concluded Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) held between October 11 and 12 at Kensington & Chelsea conference centre.
The creative designer spoke with Saturday Sun about her journey into fashion, what inspires her designs and more.
Tell us more about who Tokunbo Fasoro is Tokuno Fasoro is the Creative Director and Founder of Lioness by TF.
I hold a BA and a Master’s degree in Personnel Psychology, and I’m certified by the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) as a Global Professional in Human Resources-International (GPHR), as well as the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM). I’ve had an extensive 15-year career as an international HR professional, working globally before fully venturing into fashion. In addition to my background in HR, I also studied Sustainable Fashion from the University of Copenhagen, further aligning my work with sustainable practices.
I am also an alumna of the prestigious Pan Atlantic University in Lagos, where I was trained in Entrepreneurship Management. These diverse educational and professional experiences gave me the business acumen needed to launch and grow my fashion brand.
What ignited your passion to become a fashion designer?
Fashion has always been a part of me, deeply influenced by my mother, who was a fashion icon in her own right. Watching her dress with elegance and confidence instilled in me the belief that fashion could be both sophisticated and comfortable.
While still in the university, I started a small business, making jewellery and selling fabrics, even hiring fellow students on commission, creating a win-win for everyone.
After graduation, I focused on building my HR career but never abandoned my passion for fashion, running my business on the side. In 2018, alongside my assistant Zika Nwinse, we officially launched Zito Gems. It was an exciting time—working in HR during the week and attending trade shows on weekends. This venture eventually evolved into Clara’s Signature, a ready-to-wear brand that gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.
However, my long-standing dream was to build a global brand. When the opportunity to move to the UK came, I seized it, knowing it would give me better access to international markets. That’s when Lioness by TF was born—bringing my vision of combining African heritage with contemporary fashion to life. Now, with Lioness by TF, I am committed to expanding my reach worldwide, starting with the UK and beyond.
Your collection stood out at the just concluded AFWL. Could you tell us more about it?
My collection at Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) was inspired by the fusion of African heritage and modern sophistication. I wanted to showcase the richness of African culture while crafting designs that are chic, contemporary, and versatile enough to be worn by women across the globe. The vibrant colours, intricate detailing, and bold silhouettes were meant to embody the strength, elegance, and grace of the modern woman. I believe that this mix of tradition and innovation is what made my collection stand out and resonate with the audience at AFWL.
What inspires or influences your craft as a designer?
My Nigerian heritage is a significant source of inspiration for me. The vibrant colours, textures, and rich cultural history of Nigeria are always present in my designs. At the same time, I am also influenced by modern global trends. I want to create pieces that reflect the timeless beauty of African fashion but are reimagined in a way that appeals to women from all over the world. Ultimately, I aim to craft designs that are both culturally rooted and globally relevant, merging tradition with modernity.
Lioness by TF has become popular in a short space of time. What really influenced that?
Lioness by TF’s rapid rise is the result of a combination of factors. First, there’s the uniqueness of our designs—blending African cultural influences with modern aesthetics really sets the brand apart. Secondly, the commitment to quality and excellence in every piece—from sourcing the best fabrics to ensuring impeccable tailoring—has helped us build trust with our customers. Additionally, being featured in international publications like Vogue, Marie Claire, and NY Weekly Magazine has given us significant exposure. Participating in high-profile events like Pure London and AFWL has also solidified our presence in the global fashion scene.
