Akin Faminu Inducted Into the BoF 500 Class of 2026

Dr Akin Faminu just added another accomplishment to his résumé. The Lagos-based doctor and content creator has been inducted into The Business of Fashion 500 Class of 2026, an index of people who shape the global fashion industry.

He is one of 100 new members this year. The BoF 500 began in 2013 with 500 names and has since grown into a community of 1,713 people. New members are chosen over several months, based on nominations from existing members and the BoF team. Faminu joins the Sub-Saharan Africa group alongside Bobby Kolade, Joram Muzira and Michelle Francine Ngonmo.

Photo: Instagram/@akinfaminu

In the class announcement, BoF founder Imran Amed named Faminu as an example of how fashion is changing. He said the Nigerian doctor-turned-creator has made Yoruba ceremonial dress legible as high fashion.

The journey here started in 2014, when he launched a personal style platform called The Way Men Dress. He trained as a doctor at the University of Lagos, graduating from its College of Medicine in 2018, and continued attending fashion weeks in Lagos, London, Paris and Milan.

BoF describes his wardrobe, saying it leans on sharp tailoring, exaggerated proportions and statement accessories, with Nigerian designers like Orange Culture, Emmy Kasbit, Ugo Monye and Ashluxe sitting beside heritage references and global luxury labels. It also lists Daniel Wellington among his collaborators and names him a partner for Moët & Chandon and Nivea.

Photo: Instagram/@akinfaminu

The honours were already stacking up. In 2025, he was named Best Dressed Male at the AMVCA in a popular vote. On November 22 that year, he won the Man of Style award at the EMY Africa Awards in Accra, Ghana.

In Paris, the new class gathered at the BoF 500 Gala during Paris Fashion Week, with guests from more than 70 nationalities. Faminu wore a deep plum double-breasted suit by Nigerian label Deji & Kola. The jacket has velvet lapels with a leaf pattern embroidered in copper and orange tones, and the same detail runs down to the pocket flaps. The trousers were wide-legged, and he wore an unbuttoned velvet shirt. He added tinted sunglasses, a big ring, a watch and black dress shoes.

In his caption, he said he had typed and deleted it many times. He thanked God, his family and friends, and everyone who backed him, and called the honour a win for all of them.

Photo: Instagram/@akinfaminu

Earlier this year, at the Lagos premiere of The Devil Wears Prada 2, he wore a different kind of look by Mekallia. It was a wine-coloured vest covered in gold and cream shells, worn over a white shirt with full, gathered sleeves and burgundy wide-leg trousers with round sunglasses.