Zephans & Co. Becomes the First Nigerian Fashion Label to Partner with Nollywood
In a groundbreaking fusion of couture and cinema, Zephans & Co., the Lagos-born ready-to-wear fashion label beloved by style-conscious women across Nigeria and the diaspora, has made history. The brand has officially become the first Nigerian fashion house to co-sponsor a Nollywood film — Gingerrr, the high-octane heist movie currently lighting up cinemas nationwide.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Yemi “Filmboy” Morafa, Gingerrr boasts an all-star lineup that includes Bisola Aiyeola, Wunmi Toriola, Bolaji Ogunmola, Kiekie (Oluwabukunmi Adeaga-Ilori), Odunlade Adekola, Lateef Adedimeji, and Shaffy Bello, with special appearances from Timini Egbuson and Blossom Chukwujekwu.
This partnership between fashion and film isn’t just another marketing move — it’s a creative milestone that celebrates Nigerian storytelling, style, and cultural synergy.
Fashion x Nollywood: A Natural Alliance
Nigeria’s fashion and film industries have long shared an undeniable spark. For years, the glamour of Nollywood has fueled fashion trends, while designers have found global visibility through the screen. From iconic red-carpet moments to unforgettable onscreen wardrobes, the relationship between the two creative worlds has only deepened.
Industry watchers have increasingly pointed out the growing symbiosis between fashion and screen culture, where costume design, celebrity styling, and brand partnerships are evolving into serious artistic and commercial forces.
But Zephans & Co.’s latest move takes things a step further — from inspiration to investment.
By co-sponsoring Gingerrr, Zephans & Co. has transformed this creative chemistry into a true partnership, proving that Nigeria’s stories, style, and screens can thrive together.
Why This Partnership Matters
For Nkiru Achukwu, founder and creative director of Zephans & Co., this collaboration represents far more than a branding milestone — it’s a cultural statement.
“This moment is special not just for our brand but for the creative economy we love,” Achukwu shared. “Gingerrr celebrates bold Nigerian women; dressing that story feels like a full-circle Lagos love letter. We’re excited to help bring the film to life and show what happens when fashion and Nollywood build together.”
Since its release, Gingerrr has drawn rave reviews for its costume design, set styling, and cinematography, all of which merge to create a visual world that feels proudly Nigerian.
Film critics have praised how Zephans & Co.’s pieces transition seamlessly from fashion rack to silver screen — combining the brand’s signature Lagos street chic with the visual rhythm of modern Nollywood. The costumes aren’t just outfits; they’re extensions of character, attitude, and story.
A Creative Power Play for Nigeria’s Cultural Economy
For Zephans & Co., co-sponsoring Gingerrr is a strategic and visionary move. Nollywood films often reach millions of viewers across Nigeria and beyond within weeks — an audience that few traditional fashion campaigns could ever match.
By integrating its designs directly into a major film’s storytelling, Zephans & Co. isn’t just showing clothes; it’s embedding its aesthetic into Nigerian pop culture. This is fashion as narrative, as identity, as national expression.
Beyond visibility, this partnership also signals a new kind of collaboration model for the creative industries — one where designers and filmmakers join forces not only for styling but also for storytelling, financing, and shared cultural impact.
“It’s about ecosystem value,” Achukwu added. “When brands support films, we don’t just promote fashion — we help finance stories that move culture forward. It’s a win for everyone.”
This evolving partnership model could reshape how fashion houses engage with entertainment in Nigeria, paving the way for deeper cross-industry growth and collaboration.
About the Film: Gingerrr
Bold, stylish, and unapologetically Nigerian, Gingerrr is a female-led heist film that captures the energy and audacity of Lagos living. Starring four powerful women at the height of their craft, the movie is packed with suspense, humor, and glamour — all wrapped in vibrant cinematography that celebrates Nigerian identity through color and texture.
Released on September 26, 2025, Gingerrr has already made waves for its cinematic polish and fashion-forward production design. From streetwear-inspired ensembles to high-octane evening looks, Zephans & Co.’s contribution to the film’s wardrobe underscores the evolving sophistication of both Nollywood and Nigerian fashion.
About Zephans & Co.
Founded in Lagos, Zephans & Co. is a ready-to-wear fashion label built for women who love expressive, joy-forward style. The brand’s aesthetic fuses contemporary silhouettes with Lagos energy — a mix of modernity, vibrancy, and confidence that resonates across Nigeria and the diaspora.
Since its launch, the label has become a favorite among fashion-forward women and style influencers for its effortless blend of minimalism and statement-making design. From high-end streetwear to refined occasion pieces, Zephans & Co. embodies the spirit of the modern Nigerian woman: bold, confident, and unapologetically original.
The Future of Fashion and Film in Nigeria
With Gingerrr, Zephans & Co. has opened a new door — one where fashion brands become co-creators of cultural storytelling. It’s a move that bridges artistry and commerce, proving that the future of Nigerian creativity lies in collaboration.
As Nollywood continues to grow its global reach, and Nigerian fashion cements its international influence, partnerships like this are set to define the next chapter of Africa’s creative economy.
Zephans & Co. isn’t just making clothes — it’s making history.