The Nigerian luxury fashion scene witnessed a significant milestone as Polo Avenue, the country's premier luxury retailer, officially welcomed Swedish eyewear designer Anna-Karin Karlsson to the Nigerian market. The exclusive partnership marks the designer's first official entry into Africa, bringing her world-renowned bold and expressive eyewear collections to fashion-forward Nigerian consumers.
A Landmark Collaboration in Victoria Island
On Thursday, 20 November 2025, the Polo Luxury Penthouse in Victoria Island, Lagos, became the epicenter of fashion innovation as Polo Avenue hosted an intimate press parley featuring the acclaimed designer. The event gathered editors, stylists, and fashion enthusiasts for conversations about craftsmanship, creativity, and the evolving landscape of luxury fashion in Nigeria.
Polo Avenue has spent over a decade shaping Nigeria's luxury retail landscape, curating more than 50 prestigious international fashion houses including Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Balenciaga, and Jimmy Choo. Through its Polo Luxury division, the retailer also maintains strong heritage in fine jewelry and horology with iconic brands like Rolex, Cartier, and Chopard.
The Vision Behind the Bold Designs
In an exclusive conversation, Anna-Karin Karlsson revealed her unique design philosophy that sets her eyewear apart from traditional styles. "I see everything as a vision, almost like a poem," she explained, describing her creative process that begins with immediate sketching when inspiration strikes.
Her approach to eyewear design challenges conventional norms. "I feel eyewear has become flat and one-dimensional. I never wanted to follow that path, and I wanted my pieces to feel emotional, bold and full of personality," Karlsson emphasized. This philosophy resonates strongly with Nigerian fashion sensibilities, noted for their boldness and expressive nature.
The designer shared that her connection to Nigeria predates this business venture. "When I moved to London, I connected with Nigerians in school. I'm an 'extra' person, and I love fancy things, so I naturally connected with them," she recalled, contrasting her design ethos with Sweden's "less is more" approach.
Strengthening Nigeria's Position in Global Luxury
Jennifer Obayuwana, Executive Director of Polo Limited, highlighted the strategic importance of this partnership for Nigeria's luxury market. "We've always wanted to put Nigeria firmly on the global map when it comes to luxury. Working with Anna is part of that vision," she stated.
The collaboration represents more than just business expansion—it's about raising standards and inspiring the next generation of Nigerian designers. "Partnerships like ours with AKK speak to what the luxury industry is about. They inspire young and upcoming designers, they show what is possible, and they help raise the standard of fashion in Nigeria," Obayuwana emphasized.
Both companies share core values of integrity and craftsmanship. Obayuwana noted that Karlsson never compromises on materials or quality, aligning perfectly with Polo Avenue's commitment to excellence. The partnership began when the two met in Paris and recognized the potential for bringing Karlsson's designs directly to Nigerian consumers who were already purchasing her pieces abroad.
Beyond the commercial aspects, the collaboration included a philanthropic session at the University of Lagos, where Karlsson shared her expertise with young creatives. This initiative demonstrated the brand's commitment to nurturing local talent and giving back to the community.
This landmark event not only reinforces Polo Avenue's position as Nigeria's luxury retail leader but also signals Lagos' growing importance as a key player in the global luxury fashion conversation.
