Self-taught designer and founder of the Fruché brand, based in Lagos. Selected as one of the six winners of Africa Fashion Up 2025, he has distinguished himself with a unique vision of African fashion that is bold, narrative, and deeply rooted.

With Fruché, Franklin Aghuno has developed a strong aesthetic that combines traditional Nigerian textiles, contemporary design, and powerful personal stories. His work is directly inspired by his family heritage—his mother is herself a fashion designer—and explores themes of identity, resilience, and freedom.

Each collection affirms a committed approach. From Shameless, an ode to self-acceptance, to Nkeiruka, a vibrant tribute to maternal transmission, her creations become true manifestos of pride, emancipation, and cultural memory.

The jury praised his strong creative signature, driven by a bold stylistic approach, powerful storytelling, and a perfect mastery of contemporary codes. Franklin Aghuno embodies a new generation of African designers who are free, grounded, and visionary.