La Mode Magazine:
Sandra, thank you for joining us. Velluto Luxury Boutique has become a powerhouse in luxury fashion both locally and internationally. How would you describe the Velluto journey so far?
Sandra Amen Osasuwa:
Thank you,it’s a pleasure. The journey has been transformative. When I launched Velluto, the vision was clear: to create a luxury fashion destination that could stand shoulder to shoulder with global names while giving African designers a stage of equal prestige. Established in 2011 and we officially launched in Lagos in 2017, and since then, it’s been about curating not just clothes, but a culture. Today, we’re proud to represent a blend of global icons and emerging African brilliance.
La Mode Magazine:
You mentioned African brilliance,let’s talk about that. Velluto stocks an impressive lineup of African designers. Could you tell us more?
Sandra Amen Osasuwa:
Absolutely. African designers are the heart of our boutique. We believe in telling our own stories through fashion, and I am proud to stock some of the most innovative and bold creatives on the continent.
Our African designer roster includes:
Veekee James, Boriah Couture, Vixteau Couture, La Mode Fashion Design Brand, Agbons-GL, Made-by Atarah, Trish O’ Couture, Jemimasfashion, Vivo, Bold In Africa, Monaestore, Shopzetu, Kipepeocollection, Tiwanigventures, Anncranbery, House of Nini, Cuttiesandsparkus, Prudential Luxury, Didis Fashion, Agatha Moreno, and Medlin Couture.
Each brand brings something unique whether it’s heritage craftsmanship, modern Afro-glam, or timeless elegance. These designers aren’t just creating clothing; they’re shaping culture.
La Mode Magazine:
That’s a powerful statement. But what is unique is that you have managed to balance these African brands with the world’s most recognized luxury labels. What’s that curation process like?
Sandra Amen Osasuwa:
Curation is everything. At Velluto, we’re very intentional about what we showcase. We want to create a seamless dialogue between African creativity and international excellence. It’s not about hierarchy,it’s about harmony.
We proudly stock iconic global luxury brands like:
Gucci, Prada, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, Dior, Versace, Givenchy, Fendi, Hermès, Alexander McQueen, Rick Owens, Yohji Yamamoto, Comme des Garçons, Maison Margiela, Issey Miyake, Ann Demeulemeester, Dries Van Noten, Thom Browne, Bode, Tom Ford, Stella McCartney, Victoria Beckham, Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss, Kenzo, Paul Smith, Off-White, Fear of God, A-COLD-WALL*, Rhude, Palm Angels, Amiri, Vetements, Balmain, Dsquared2, and Sacai.
This blend is what makes Velluto special,where a handcrafted African gown might sit alongside a Parisian runway piece, both equally revered.
La Mode Magazine:
Incredible. And the boutique itself, located on the heart of Lagos ,34 Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, it has become something of a fashion landmark. How has the Lagos fashion community embraced Velluto?
Sandra Amen Osasuwa:
The support has been amazing. Lagos is a city of style, ambition, and global perspective. The community has embraced our boutique not just as a store, but as an experience. Whether you’re shopping, styling, or discovering new designers, it’s a space where fashion lives and breathes. And beyond Lagos, our digital platform allows clients from across the world to explore African luxury on their own terms.
La Mode Magazine:
And your impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. Velluto has won numerous awards. Could you share a few?
Sandra Amen Osasuwa:
We’re humbled by the recognition. Some of our awards include:
• International Luxury Boutique of the Year (2023) – La Mode Magazine (Green October Event)
• Exceptional Luxury Boutique of the Year (2021) – Africa Achievers Awards
• Outstanding Fashion Brand of the Year (2019) – ELOY Awards
• Featured as one of Lagos’ Premier Luxury Boutiques by La Mode Magazine (January 6, 2024)
Each award reminds us that the work we’re doing matters not just to fashion, but to cultural identity and global representation.
La Mode Magazine:
Looking ahead, what’s next for Velluto?
Sandra Amen Osasuwa:
We’re just getting started. Earlier this year 2025, we expanded our global presence through partnerships with fashion leaders like Garm Luxury Boutique (South Africa), A Ma Maniére (USA), and Studio 14 (Morocco). We’re also investing more in emerging African designers, launching collaborative collections, and continuing to redefine what it means to wear African luxury with pride, with power, and with purpose.
La Mode Magazine:
Sandra, thank you for your time and for continuing to elevate African fashion to its rightful place on the global stage.
Sandra Amen Osasuwa:
Thank you. It’s an honor to be part of the movement.
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