Omosalewa Ogunjimi, a Nigerian couture designer and founder of the luxury fashion brand ShallyBlaq, has won the Continental Apparel Category at the RLSD Africa Talent Leather Design Competition 2025, a prestigious African fashion and leather design competition that spotlights innovation in contemporary African couture.
Her award-winning collection, UNBURNT, gained international attention for its strong cultural narrative, creative leather craftsmanship, and celebration of African heritage. This is inspired by the legendary Yoruba warrior queen Moremi Ajasoro. The collection explores themes of resilience, sacrifice, strength, and African womanhood through modern couture fashion.
ShallyBlaq Founder Recognized for UNBURNT Collection Celebrating African Fashion, Yoruba Heritage, and Female Empowerment
Designed using cowhide leather, UNBURNT features Adire-inspired patterns symbolizing water, fire, protection, and the cycle of life. The collection reflects a seamless fusion of traditional Nigerian craftsmanship and contemporary African fashion design, positioning ShallyBlaq as a rising luxury couture brand within the global fashion industry.
“Winning this award is a dream come true,” Ogunjimi said. “UNBURNT tells a story of strength, heritage, and creativity. I hope it inspires young African fashion designers to believe in their work and pursue their vision.”
Following this continental win, Ogunjimi plans to expand ShallyBlaq into international fashion markets, continuing to create bespoke couture and bridal designs that amplify African stories, culture, and craftsmanship on a global stage.
UNBURNT Collection Highlights Innovation in African Leather and Couture Design
The UNBURNT collection showcases innovation in African leather fashion, combining cowhide leather with hand-crafted, Adire-inspired detailing. Each piece reinterprets Yoruba history through contemporary couture techniques, emphasizing endurance, transformation, and cultural pride. The collection stands as a bold statement on African identity, female empowerment, and sustainable storytelling in fashion.
About Omosalewa Ogunjimi
Omosalewa Ogunjimi is a Nigerian couture designer and the founder of ShallyBlaq, a luxury bridal and couture fashion brand known for its personalized, story-driven designs. Her work is recognized for blending elegance, comfort, and African cultural narratives through artisanal fabrics, mythological references, and innovative couture methods.
In 2025, Ogunjimi emerged as the Continental Winner, Apparel Category at the RLSD Africa Talent Leather Design Competition with her collection UNBURNT, a powerful tribute to Yoruba heritage inspired by the warrior queen Moremi Ajasoro. Through ShallyBlaq, she continues to push the boundaries of contemporary African couture, elevating African fashion on the global stage.
CREDITS: UNBURNT Collection
Designer / Creative Director
Ogunjimi Omosalewa (ShallyBlaq)
Photography
Bold Media
Videography
Daniel Ikehi
Models
Hannah Matthew
Odo Emmanuel Chiamaka
Osinachi Jennifer
Oluwanifemi Blessing Joseph
Omosalewa Ogunjimi
Media Contact
For media inquiries, interviews, or high-resolution images of the UNBURNT collection, please contact:
Omosalewa Ogunjimi
Instagram: @shallyblaq | @shallyblaq.atelier
WhatsApp: +234 707 788 4243
Email: shallyblaq@gmail.com
