Noni Styles aims for authenticity and quality in African wear

Noni Styles is the epitome of elegance and exquisite design concepts, thanks to Nigerian-born fabricator Nonye Anyadiegwu, whose cultural African roots and upbringing inspire her colorful collections.

Noni, as she is fondly called, is a brilliant designer. Her Brooklyn boutique is adorned with one-of-a-kind pieces. She is putting on the final touches to a new line of women’s clothing, wedding gowns, and male garments for her upcoming 11th Annual Fashion Show, set to take place on Oct. 12 at the Major Owens Health and Awareness Center, 1561 Bedford Ave.

The runway show will begin at 6 p.m. and end at 10 p.m. For tickets, log on to (https://nonistyles2024.eventbrite.com)

The fall collection will include an assortment of creations embellished for the winter season. Patrons will be mesmerized by the new collection’s innovation and artistry, never seen before in the designer’s wardrobe.

During an exclusive interview at her 1215 Nostrand Ave. location last Friday, Noni spoke passionately about her career as a fashion designer. She noted that her natural talent for creating elegant outfits started from a very young age when she observed her mother’s innate sense of style.

The storefront of Noni Styles enterprises at 1215 Nostrand Avenue, Brooklyn stands as a beacon for excellence. The boutique is adorned with fabulous apparel, headwraps, shoes, and handbags, collections that Nigerian-born Nonye Anyadiegwu, offer to up-scale, and neighborhood clients.Photo by Tangerine Clarke

“I’ve always had my eyes on fashion. Growing up, I saw my mom. She was a fashionista, and I’ve always liked seeing people look good in their outfits and thought, that’s what I’m going to end up doing, and here I am today, said the lovely lady, who was dressed in one of her creations, with a matching headwrap.

“I was born and grew up in Lagos with my parents, all of us who later joined my brother in America thirty-five years ago. I attended Nassau Community College and went on to Queens College from where I earned a degree in mass communication,” said Noni, who was bitten by the fashion bug.

As such, she followed her passion to become a designer.

“I’m more of a designer. When I look at the fabric, I know instantly what will be the best style for that fabric, she said, noting that most of her eye-popping textiles in brilliant colorful blends are imported from her homeland.

The couturier, whose tagline is “We are a Nigerian-owned African clothing store that strives to provide authentic and high-quality,” is skilled in all types of styles, from floor-length apparel to ensembles for special occasions like birthday parties and weddings. The collection includes outerwear, headwraps, and a men’s collection of jackets, suits, and shirts. A whimsical children’s line showcases her range of creativity.

She cuts from elegant material in vivid hues, sequins, and African textures to create attractive motifs. In addition to stunning overlay fabrication, her garments are designed with asymmetric looks, off-the-shoulder, trumpet sleeves, mini dresses, and distinctive outerwear pieces for a dynamic finish.

Noni, whose charming smile and warm, welcoming personality shines through when one enters her shop, outfits not only top-notch clients like elected officials and people of high society but also her simple neighbors.  

She patiently accommodates buyers who look for the perfect fit, style, and color to match whatever occasion that person’s heart desires.

She explained that most repeat clients come with their design concept, while others trust her to create what she thinks would be the appropriate ensemble in coloration and comfort.

“Most people have so much confidence in me that they just call me and say, I’m going to a function, you know which fabric would suit me. You already have my measurements. Just make something. I would then create a nice design for them, and they’re always very happy. They would say wow and dance while wearing the outfit,” said Noni, who has stitched for countless clientele over the past twenty-five years.

“I just love my clients. We are family. I should have been videotaping them to show how satisfied they are when they are dressed in their outfits, she quipped, of many who are always happy with the work she puts into creating a beautiful outcome.

“I’ve hosted many fashion shows only in Brooklyn,” said Noni, who shuns taking her collections to runways outside of Brooklyn, adding that she is pleased to stay in her community, and if anyone would like to view her outfits, they could freely come to her showroom.

However, she is open to showcasing her work in other locations after showing it in Brooklyn, her first choice and starting point, to support her neighborhood clients.

To complete the massive work required to meet demand, she works alongside her small fashion staff members, who are attentive to detail and meticulous about each garment.

The fashion connoisseur was seen checking every article of clothing to ensure it was stitched, accessorized, and produced to perfection.

She said of the fashion show, “I’ve been doing the runway show for so long that most of my clients are always looking forward to being in the audience and look forward to next year.”

This is my 11th show, and by God’s grace, it will be sold out, she said, adding that she is expected to unleash approximately eighty looks on the catwalk. Each model will showcase three eye-popping pieces and unique outfits during the show’s four-hour duration.

“My inspiration is to showcase our latest collections, designs that we have not done before. I’m looking forward to the show. I believe that most of the people who will attend are going to love it and can’t wait for the next one.”

“We make unique quality designs so when you step out, eyes will turn, and admirers will say wow! That outfit is beautiful. We always try to make a difference.“

“I would like to invite people to support the fashion show. It’s going to be exciting; you’ll be happy that you came out to be a part of the Noni fashion show 2024,“ she said.

Noni Styles can be found on all media platforms. To learn more, log on to www.nonistyles.com, Instagram @nonistyles, Facebook, #nonistyles, email [email protected], or call 347-885-8610.