Nigerian Fashion Brand DWL Joins Qatar’s Scale7 Fashion Accelerator Programme

The Nigerian fashion industry records another huge win as Nigerian Women’s brand, DWL, founded by the outstanding Ivie Odemwingie-Osula is selected for the Scale7 Fashion Accelerator programme, funded by the Qatar Development Bank. 

Currently based in Qatar with its operation in Lagos and Doha, DWl, an acronym for Defining Women’s Lifestyle, was selected alongside nine other prominent Qatar-based fashion and design brands for the programme, which kicked off on September 18, 2023.

The Scale7 Fashion Accelerator program is a first-of-its-kind venture in Qatar. This program, launched by the Qatar Development Bank in conjunction with M7, Qatar’s epicenter for innovation and entrepreneurship in design, fashion, and technology, has captured the attention of Qatar Museums, led by Her Excellency, Sheikha Al-Mayassa. It is a direct answer to Qatar’s expanding fashion and design sectors’ growing demand.

The program’s goal is to provide specialized mentoring, encourage robust business development activities, and give critical finance assistance. It demonstrates Qatar’s dedication to developing young and inventive entrepreneurs with the ability to build their enterprises into renowned worldwide fashion and design brands.

Ivie Odemwingie-Osula shared her delight when DWL was chosen for the prestigious Scale7 fashion accelerator program following a rigorous selection procedure. She said:

This recognition not only validates our vision and hard work but also provides us with unparalleled opportunities for mentorship, networking, and capacity growth toward positioning DWL as a competitive global brand. Undoubtedly, the government of Qatar will enhance the status of the DWL brand, enabling us to expand our operations and global presence. For us at DWL, the Business Accelerator program will amplify our capabilities, allowing us to refine our strategies, scale faster, enhance brand presence, increase capacity, streamline operations, and broaden our reach and audience.

Ivie Odemwingie-Osula, founder of Defining Women’s Lifestyle (DWL)

DWL represents a luxury female fashion brand that specializes in unique designs bridging the gap between modest fashion and contemporary Western trends. Their creations empower women to utilize fashion as a means to project confidence and an amplified version of themselves.

Founded in 2017 in the vibrant Surulere neighborhood of Lagos State, DWL has evolved into a renowned luxury brand, offering ready-to-wear and bespoke blazer sets for women crafted from globally sourced fabrics and accessories. The brand’s journey began with the importation of ready-made dresses, and it has since become synonymous with elegance and style.

DWL has emerged as a synonym for women’s lifestyle. Personalities that have regularly donned DWL brands include Owen Omogiafo, CEO of Transcorp Group, Funke Bucknor of Zapphaire Events, Folly Thibault of AlJazeera, and Harriet Gyamfuah of Creatives Amplified, among others.

Ivie Odemwingie-Osula, a professional photographer and former banker, holds an MBA from Aberdeen Business School of Robert Gordon University.