Gbenga Artsmith: 16 Years Of Luxury Fashion Excellence

Mary Nnah

From Lagos to the global stage, Gbenga Artsmith’s impact on luxury fashion is undeniable. With a legacy spanning over a decade and a half, this iconic brand continues to captivate audiences with its exquisite fusion of African heritage and contemporary style

Gbenga Artsmith, a luxury fashion accessory brand known for blending African heritage with modern design and crafting timeless pieces for both men and women for over 16 years, is capturing the attention of the global fashion industry. Founded by the visionary Nigerian designer Gbenga Ayo-Dada, this brand is known for creating stunning, handcrafted pieces that merge tradition and contemporary style. From intricate jewelry to leather bags and belts, Gbenga Artsmith’s designs have been turning heads both in Nigeria and internationally.

Recognised as a pioneer in African luxury jewelry design, Gbenga Artsmith masterfully combines African culture with fashion-forward designs. The brand’s mission is to honor African heritage through exquisitely crafted fashion accessories that resonate with discerning, style-conscious individuals. Whether it is statement jewelry pieces like coral beads or cutting-edge leather accessories, Gbenga Artsmith delivers luxury with a unique flair. With a growing presence in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, and expanding across the UK and the USA, Gbenga Artsmith is the go-to brand for those who value the artistry behind exclusive luxury fashion accessories.

“Our vision is to conserve and celebrate African culture through fashion accessories that speak to the heart of our traditions while embracing modernity,” said Gbenga Ayo-Dada, Founder and Creative Director of Gbenga Artsmith. “We are not merely creating these beautiful pieces; we are crafting stories that intertwine our rich heritage with contemporary elegance.”

Under the creative direction of Gbenga Ayo-Dada, Gbenga Artsmith has earned a reputation for excellence. Recognized as West Africa’s most renowned male jeweler, Gbenga Ayo-Dada’s dedication and talent have led to invitations to prestigious global fashion events, including London Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week, where his intricate designs have garnered international acclaim. Over the years, Gbenga Artsmith have showcased their innovative designs at events like African Fashion Week London and Glitz Africa Fashion Week.

Gbenga Ayo-Dada’s personal achievements have not gone unnoticed. He was spotlighted as one of the “Movers and Shakers of 2018” by Guardian Life Magazine, recognizing his role in revolutionizing African jewelry design. His innovative approach to fashion also earned him the coveted Jewelry Designer of the Year title at the Glam & Essence Awards, solidifying his place as a leader in the African luxury fashion space. The brand’s pieces have adorned notable figures such as Shaffy Bello, Sola Sobowale, and Jumoke Adenowo, solidifying its status as the go-to jeweler for Nollywood stars.

In addition to its design achievements, Gbenga Artsmith is deeply committed to social impact, championing causes such as cerebral palsy awareness and breast cancer advocacy. The brand’s breast cancer awareness campaign was featured on the cover of ThisDay Style and earned a feature in British Vogue, further demonstrating the brand’s influence beyond fashion. In 2020, CNN recognized Gbenga Artsmith as one of Africa’s changemakers for its dedication to empowering underprivileged communities and supporting individuals living with disabilities.

Most recently, on 19th September 2024, Gbenga Artsmith had the honor of opening the runway show at the FashionEVO X ACM 2024 event, where the brand unveiled a stunning couture collection. From intricately crafted leather accessories to avant-garde headpieces, every piece on the runway was a bold statement.

Looking ahead, Gbenga Artsmith continues to push the boundaries of luxury fashion accessories, blending creativity with a strong sense of social responsibility. The brand is also focused on nurturing future designers through internships and workshops, ensuring the legacy of African jewelry-making continues to thrive for generations.