A Girl You Should Know: Debby Fasingha
Meet the Lagos-based designer and stylist whose eye for color is inspiring a new generation of style obsessives.
Acrid yellows, electric greens, bruised purples, hot pinks: Debby Fasingha has an eye for color that will make you stop scrolling. Despite her digital fluency, the 24-year-old designer’s style feels like a refreshing break from the Internet’s endless flurry of trends. Based in Lagos, Fasingha finds inspiration everywhere throughout the day. But ask her where she’d rather be, and she’ll tell you her closet. Whether she’s styling her friend and fellow fashion-obsessive Rachel Ojuromi, breaking down runway archives for her “Behind the Look” series online, or working on the next idea for her namesake label, Fasingha pours life into everything she makes.
Age: 24
Occupation: Designer and stylist.
Where are you from and where are you based?
I’m from Bayelsa State, Nigeria. I moved to Lagos 3 years ago, and am based here at the moment.
If a friend visits, where is the first place you take them?
My closet! Some of my grails are my Nike Acg jacket in grey and yellow, red and leopard print Obey hat, Sergio Rossi chainmail heels, and Ed Hardy yellow high-top sneakers. I’m very proud of it. I really love my space. I’m either home or hanging out with my friends. But don’t side eye me if you see me out in the club. I still love a good time.
How does living in Lagos influence your personal style?
It provides me with the freedom to try new things. A lot of people here lean into their personal styles, so I know there’s no judgement.
What’s always on your moodboard?
Right now, I’m just so obsessed with color. Whatever I’m looking at, just know I’m looking at whether the colors work well together.
What is your favorite thing about your creative community?
We littttt. The kids are so lit. Everyone is super talented in their own field. Odey Ikpa on photography, Enoch Itua with art, and so many others. There’s so much coming out of Africa. It’s really exciting.
Do you remember the first time you got dressed and felt like you were really creating a whole look? What was the outfit?
I’ve been dressing up since I was very little, courtesy of my mom. But I really started to get into it when I was in high school and had to dress myself up for church. I still remember this black dress with tulle I loved to wear with some black tights. I paired it with these blue heels my aunt sent to me.
Sum up your style in three words.
Fun, playful, daring.
Who are your fashion role models?
Favorite designer and specific season, and why?
Martin Margiela, Spring/Summer 1990. He was my introduction to high fashion, although at the time, he wouldn’t even be considered that. I guess I’ll say fashion with meaning. It was a really beautiful show, raw and unapologetic. Deciding to do the show at a kids’ playground and allowing them to walk alongside the models felt like such a beautiful experience. I cried the first time I watched a breakdown of it. I wish I could’ve witnessed it in person. Even the clothes… Margiela’s idea of layering and deconstructing was something incredibly special.
Favorite contemporary designers?
Right now, August Barron, Dauan Jacari, and Ben Doctor.
What’s the inspiration behind your clothing brand?
The brand is Debby Fasingha, and “Hope” is the name of my debut collection. The inspiration behind it was this idea of endless possibilities. I wanted to push past where I was at that moment as I knew there was so much more to reach for. I was hungry for story, for fantasy, and I took all of that feeling and poured it into the clothes. It’s incredible to see how much has happened since the genesis. Everything happening right now is “Hope.”
In your “Behind the Look” series, you educate your followers about fashion design. Why do you think it’s important to make fashion theory and history accessible?
Because there’s more kids like me who need resources. Big love to creators like Fashionroadman, Rian Phin, Ashantéa Austin, and Chani Ra. I love them to death for providing me with knowledge I couldn’t have gotten anywhere else.
What isn’t a trend yet but should (or will) be?
Me.
What song would be the soundtrack to your life?
This is really hard. I’ll say “Gratitude” by Asake.
What’s something you saw recently that inspired you?
I saw my friend, Semzi, record music. I don’t really know how to explain it, but it was incredible to witness.
You’re going out in the morning and won’t be back home all day: What are you wearing and what are you bringing in your bag?
Whatever I’m wearing depends on my mood for the day. These days I’ve been gravitating towards sweats and a tank top. I’m prioritizing comfort. What’s in my bag? EVERYTHING. I always have my iPad with me. My chargers, perfume, earphones, sunglasses, sanitizer, tampons. I take my jewelry bag with me as well. An extra tank top and some shorts just in case I want to change up my outfit.
You have followers from around the world, what’s one thing people should know about Lagos?
It’s chaotic asf.
What’s one thing people should know about you?
I’m really funny! I made a group chat on Instagram. I think everyone on there can testify (I hope). I love everyone who’s joined so far.