The Vanguard: Lani Adeoye

As part of our ongoing series spotlighting international design trailblazers, we explore Nigerian designer Lani Adeoye’s seamless fusion of tradition, craft and contemporary form.

WORDS Dumisani Mnisi PHOTOS Olanrewaju V Media; Costantini Design; Paje Studio; Emanuele Maccio

Rooted in the ethos of connection, care and shared human values, Nigerian designer Lani Adeoye’s creations embody a quiet, enigmatic elegance. From meticulous craftsmanship to unconventional forms that subvert the norm while embracing African history and tradition, you can’t miss a Studio Lani piece – and Studio Lani itself has become a brand that challenges misconceptions about African design, offering innovative, finely structured pieces that invite human connection and cultural celebration.

Studio Lani is a fusion of art, craft and design, taking an experimental approach and exploring ways of creating that embrace functionality while creatively transforming space. From lighting fixtures and seating to handbags, the brand reimagines both form and function.

Winner of first prize at Milan’s 2022 SaloneSatellite Awards with her groundbreaking creation RemX – a walker inspired by her grandfather, and designed to offer a dignified, aesthetically pleasing alternative to conventional medical aids – Lani tends to view design through a curious and futuristic lens, and collaborate across various industries to create unconventional pieces.

“My work as a designer is very much inspired by skills beyond the design world,” she says. “When I make furniture, I don’t necessarily look for carpenters, because the furniture I make isn’t traditional. I’ll reach out to people who are good with their hands – like shoemakers and hairdressers – because they often have a different approach to style and design that is extraordinary, technical and artistic.”

Back in 2020, Lani was featured in Elle Decor’s “Women of the World: 75 Global Female Designers Worth Celebrating” issue; her work has also appeared in publications such as Architectural Digest, Wallpaper and Casa Vogue. She continues to advocate for innovation and creativity in Africa, most recently curating Craft West Africa at Milan Design Week 2025 – an exhibition that celebrated heritage through contemporary design from Burkina Faso, Senegal, Nigeria, Ghana and Cameroon.

A pioneer in craft preservation, Lani showcased work by various designers, including Cameroonian artist Djakou Kassi Nathalie’s carved-wood palaver chair, Maison Intègre’s lost-wax cast metalwork from Burkina Faso, Papa Mamadou N’Doye’s hand-engraved woodwork from Senegal, and Tekura’s handcraft ed furniture from Ghana – each contributing to a rich tapestry of West African craftsmanship.

Having participated in art competitions from a young age in her hometown of Lagos, Nigeria, Lani has always been passionate about sharing her heritage by blending traditional techniques with contemporary design. This interplay is evident in the Ekaabo collection: inspired by the Nigerian city of Abeokuta, it features pendant lights, lounge chairs and armchairs, craft ed with soft , warm materials to create unique pieces. The Ekaabo lights exude a futuristic aura, with intricate sculptural forms that celebrate metal artistry. Another standout in the collection, the Oba chair – Oba meaning “king” in Yoruba – is inspired by the traditional flowing garments worn by Yoruba kings, the Agbada. And the Hadin lounger is intricately woven by master weavers in Lagos, using upcycled leather that’s been collected over time.

From the choice of materials to the naming of each piece, Studio Lani translates the stories of African culture into art. Embracing the warmth and hospitality of West Africa, Lani creates designs that are both comfortable and welcoming, and that truly embody the spirit of home.

Studio Lani’s Talking Stools collection adds to the narrative with stools inspired by the hourglass silhouette of the iconic West African “talking drum” (known as “sweet sound” in Yoruba). These stools are a celebration of traditional hand-woven mats in a contemporary style, and support the preservation of the mat-weaving culture. | studio-lani.com

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