Matthew Eluwande's Rise in Fashion

Matthew Eluwande’s story is a powerful blend of resilience, raw talent, and unshakable belief in self. A UK-born Nigerian fashion designer, Eluwande has carved out his place in the international fashion scene—against all odds.

Though born in Bristol, Matthew’s early life took a sharp turn when his parents returned to Nigeria with him at just four months old. “I had no memory of the UK,” he shared in an interview with TransferGo Africa. But tragedy struck when he was only seven—his father passed away, and with that, his mother lost everything. That painful moment marked the beginning of a long, uphill journey.

Years later, Eluwande returned to the UK in search of stability, but what he found was far from welcoming. Armed with experience in running his own small business in Nigeria—designing and selling hats—he hoped to rebuild. Instead, he was told that immigrants like him were best suited for nursing, cleaning, or care assistant jobs. “They meant well,” he recalled, “but they made it clear—fashion wasn’t for me. One woman even pointed at my skin and said, ‘because you’re a Black man.’”

But instead of accepting defeat, Eluwande used the discouragement as fuel. “I couldn’t bury my dreams just because I returned to the UK,” he said. “If you don’t give up on yourself, God won’t give up on you.” 

Working around the clock—sometimes pulling 24-hour shifts—he kept designing, building, and pushing his brand forward. Then came the breakthrough moment: the prestigious Hat Festival in Caussade, southern France.

Despite global competition, Matthew submitted his bold designs. What happened next was a scene straight from a dream. “One of the models came out wearing my hat—I didn’t even realize what was going on,” he said. “Then I heard them call my name. I had won the top award.”

But the surprises weren’t over. A second hat design also won the Hat Magazine Prize. “It was magical. One of the most beautiful nights of my life,” he recalled, visibly moved by the memory.

Today, Eluwande’s story inspires a new generation of creatives, especially those navigating cultural and racial barriers. He’s proof that the combination of grit, talent, and faith can create a runway to success—no matter where you start.