Nigerian entrepreneur Louis Akorede Awode has relaunched his fashion label, CLOVIS, after a five-year hiatus, moving its headquarters from Ibadan to Atlanta and unveiling a debut comeback collection aimed at bridging West African heritage with contemporary global fashion.
The brand, formerly known as ClovisCasuals, announced the relaunch alongside its first new offering, The Renaissance Collection, and a refreshed identity built around the tagline “Made For You.” The new visual identity pairs a geometric emblem with bold typography, communicating what the company describes as modern elegance and customer-focused craftsmanship.
Awode, who serves as founder and creative director, said the five-year pause was deliberate. “Our mission has always been to prioritise personal connection, cultural pride and quality craftsmanship,” he said, adding that the break allowed him to strengthen the business foundation and map out a credible strategy for international expansion. During that period, he earned a master’s degree in International Business and Marketing in Scotland and is currently completing a STEM-designated MBA programme in the United States.
CLOVIS began in Ibadan, Oyo State, in 2014 with just ₦15,000 and a single sewing machine. From those modest beginnings, the label expanded into Lagos, reportedly selling more than 20,000 pieces and building a following among Nigerian entertainment figures including musicians Asake and Olamide, and media personalities Yhemolee, Laycon and Abayomi Alvin. International publications also took notice as the brand’s reach grew beyond Nigeria’s borders.
The company describes its fashion philosophy as Tradurban, a blend of West African cultural heritage, contemporary urban fashion and understated luxury. The Renaissance Collection brings this philosophy to life through three distinct product lines. The Lagos Loom line reinterprets traditional West African fabrics, including Aso-Oke, through modern cuts, with pieces such as the Denim Fringe Jacket, Ochre Set and Denim Stripe Set. The Afroform collection draws on geometric prints and tailored streetwear rooted in African motifs. The third line, City-Graphics, explores the cultural and migratory connections between Ibadan, Lagos and Atlanta, the three cities that have shaped the brand’s journey.
Commercial ambition aside, CLOVIS has maintained a social dimension through its Clothe A Child initiative, run in partnership with the Louis Awode Foundation. A recent outreach programme across four public schools in Ogun State reached approximately 1,800 students and more than 70 teachers, distributing new clothes, school bags and educational materials. A separate student empowerment programme focused on digital skills and mentorship was completed by 460 students. Across all its development initiatives, the organisation says it has now reached more than 3,000 people in West Africa.
Awode said the social work reflects a core conviction that fashion should contribute to development beyond the transaction of selling clothes. The Renaissance Collection is currently available online, with the brand targeting customers in Nigeria, Atlanta, London and across the African diaspora. CLOVIS says its new identity is now active across all digital platforms, packaging and community programmes.