Yemi Osunkoya is a Nigerian fashion designer and philanthropist. He is the founder and creative director of Kosibah Creations, a couture bridal and evening wear fashion brand. “Kosibah” label is eponymous of Osunkoya’s mother’s name “Cosiba”.
Born in 1966, he launched his career in fashion designing in 1991 following his graduation from the then Paris Academy School of Fashion in London, where he developed skills in designing and tailoring both menswear and womenswear.
Since then, the fashion brand has been featured in several high-end bridal salons and fashion shows across the globe with a clientele of celebrities. Kosibah is reputed for designing luxury bridal gowns and evening wears for societal women across the US, UK, Nigeria, South Africa, and the Caribbean.
As a philanthropist, Osunkoya has been actively involved in giving back to society through different initiatives. He is a member of the Bridal Council and dubs as the first person of color to join a New York-based non-profit organization that supports bridal-focused designers, retailers, and media. He holds a BA in Fine Arts and Textile Design from Obafemi Awolowo University.
In recognition of his laudable contributions to the fashion world, the 54-year-old fashion icon is a recipient of several awards. Some of which are: “Pride Of Africa” Award at the ‘Africa Fashion Week Barcelona’ (AFWB) in Barcelona, Spain (2014), International Designer of the Year by the City People Magazine (2012), the Bridal Designer of the Year at the Mahogany Bridal Awards (2002, 2004), amongst others.
