Vogue Business has announced its anticipated 100 Innovators list for 2025, an annual roll call of individuals driving transformation in the worlds of fashion, beauty, and luxury. This year’s edition includes trailblazers from across the globe, each recognized for changing the way their industries think, create, and connect.
In this prestigious lineup, Nigeria’s own Yinka Ash, Founder & CEO of Ashcorp Group, stands out as a leading figure in the Entrepreneurs & Founders category. His inclusion highlights the rising influence of African visionaries on the international fashion and luxury scene.
The annual 100 Innovators list celebrates trailblazers who are not only innovating within their fields but also shifting culture and global business standards. Whether in sustainability, technology, beauty innovation, or luxury goods, these individuals are creating new paths for others to follow and raising the bar for what’s achievable.
Among this year’s honourees are a diverse group of founders, leaders, and disruptors: from pioneering fashion entrepreneurs and sustainability advocates, to beauty visionaries and digital experts. Their collective work reflects the dynamic evolution transforming the global creative economy, with a growing influence from African-led brands and designers.
Yinka Ash’s recognition comes alongside other influential names such as Nina Briance of Cult Mia, Jess Hunt and Jenna Meek of Refy, Johan Bello of UNCUT, and Caio Amato, Oakley’s Global President. The inclusion of these personalities further cements the cross-continental impact of entrepreneurship in shaping the future of luxury commerce.
The Entrepreneurs & Founders category in particular spotlights those building bold new businesses, introducing transformative concepts, and redefining standards for creativity and business impact—not just in the West but in Africa and emerging markets worldwide.
Why Was Yinka Ash Selected?
Vogue Business highlighted Yinka’s impressive achievements through his fashion houses Ashluxe and Ashluxury, commending his growing authority in global luxury circles. Notably, Yinka has positioned his brands as beacons of African excellence on an international stage.
Ashluxe, under Yinka’s visionary leadership, has attracted global attention—frequently seen on celebrities like Nigerian superstar Davido and Colombian sensation Maluma. Earlier this year, the brand made its official foray into the UK market, marking a significant growth milestone for both Ashluxe and the broader African luxury sector.
Photo Credit: Thomas Barwick
Source: Getty Images
Meanwhile, Ashluxury has become a prominent fixture in Lagos’s retail scene, housing a 120-square-metre flagship that curates over 100 distinct brands, both African and international. This flagship not only sets retail standards but also serves as a hub for the continent’s growing fashion community.
On being acknowledged by Vogue, Yinka Ash expressed gratitude, emphasizing his commitment to raising Africa’s profile in global fashion:
“This recognition is a reflection of the incredible community of creatives, partners, and supporters who believe in our vision.
“Our goal is not only to redefine what African luxury and streetwear can be but also to expand its influence globally, creating opportunities, attracting talent, and forming partnerships that shape the future of fashion.
“Ashcorp is a global luxury fashion, beauty, and lifestyle group redefining how we experience the world through innovation, and impact.”
With corporate headquarters in both Lagos and London, Ashcorp Group now connects fashion enthusiasts in more than 50 countries, providing access to a wide range of internationally acclaimed brands. This sustained growth and recognition affirm Yinka Ash’s role as one of the pivotal figures shaping the trajectory of luxury fashion from Africa to the world.
Industry stakeholders—including buyers, creative directors, and rising designers—have noted Ashcorp’s ability to serve as a bridge between African creativity and global luxury markets. Such cross-cultural connections are crucial as the world pays increasing attention to talent emerging from Nigeria, Ghana, and other West African countries.
Bridging Continents: African Innovation in the Global Limelight
Yinka’s story is part of a wider narrative of African entrepreneurship gaining international recognition. His vision is reflective of a new generation of business leaders intent on not just exporting African products, but shaping industry trends, advocating for creativity, and bringing the continent’s stories to the fore.
Experts on the future of fashion—including Lagos-based consultant Chika Okoro—have emphasized that, “Africa is not merely a consumer in the global fashion economy, but an active, innovative producer rewriting industry conventions.” The acknowledgment from platforms like Vogue Business helps validate this shift in perception, inspiring further investment and collaboration.
Local reactions in Nigeria and Ghana have ranged from pride at this continental achievement, to calls for continued support of homegrown talent. “This is just the beginning,” commented Ghanaian stylist Ama Osei on social media, “More African designers will soon take their rightful place at the table.”
Burna Boy: Another Global Milestone for Nigeria
Nigerian excellence isn’t limited to fashion. In a separate but equally momentous achievement, Burna Boy—whose birth name is Ebunoluwa Damini Ogulu—was recently recognized by Times magazine as one of the most influential people in 2024 in the Icon category, fueling further celebration among West African music and culture fans.
Burna Boy’s continued rise in the international music scene represents a paradigm shift for Afrobeat, confirming the genre’s immense global pull. According to a statement from the British media company, Burna Boy’s extensive contributions to Afrobeat and his ‘icon’ status were factors in his selection for the prestigious list.
The Grammy-winning artiste also made history in 2023 by selling out a major U.S. stadium—a feat previously unreached by an African act and a moment that solidified Nigeria’s presence on the world stage of entertainment.
Both Burna Boy and Yinka Ash exemplify a new era of African achievement in sectors where local voices have historically been underrepresented. Their international recognitions validate years of hard work, passion, and a commitment to showcasing the best of Africa to a worldwide audience.
The Path Forward: Opportunities, Challenges, and Local Impact
While these achievements are cause for celebration, experts caution that there remains much to be done in empowering local businesses, nurturing creative talent, and building sustainable growth. Nigeria’s fashion and entertainment sectors, in particular, face hurdles including financing, infrastructure, and global market access.
Industry observers point out that accolades such as the Vogue 100 Innovators list and Times 100 Icons provide necessary validation and open doors to international collaborations, funding, and new platforms for expression. However, supporting policies, investment in local infrastructure, and the celebration of homegrown talent must follow if African innovators are to continue making global headlines.
For many young Nigerians and West Africans with aspirations in the fashion or entertainment industries, the stories of Yinka Ash and Burna Boy are a much-needed reminder that global success is within reach. Their journeys demonstrate that with vision, perseverance, and local support, African brands and artists can achieve recognition at the highest levels.
How do you think these global milestones impact local talent and business growth in Nigeria and West Africa? What opportunities and challenges do you see for the next generation of African innovators? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let us know how you’re celebrating African excellence!
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