Lagos: Constance Walter, founded by Chioma Constance Walter, captivates the fashion scene with its unique collections. Recent showcases reflect the brand’s international appeal, illustrating a commitment to originality and empowering women through distinctive style. Walter shares insights into her branding journey and long-lasting client relationships.
Constance Walter, the namesake fashion brand founded by Chioma Constance Walter, continues to make waves in the fashion industry with its stunning collections and expansive global clientele. Based in Lagos, the brand has successfully captured the attention of women not only in Nigeria but also in the United Kingdom, Middle East, and America, who are keen on unique and standout styles.
Recently, the attention surrounding Constance Walter was particularly highlighted during the brand’s Spring/Summer 2025 and Holiday Collection showcase held in December at Pearl Garden, Victoria Island. Founder Chioma Constance Walter expressed her astonishment at the overwhelming turnout of guests. “When I came out and saw the crowd, it was overwhelming. I thought, ‘Oh my goodness! How did this happen?’ I was excited to see my very good clients, who I wasn’t even expecting that they would be around. Indeed, I was pleasantly surprised,” Walter remarked in an interview in her Lekki office, where her showroom displayed a vibrant array of stylish women’s clothing including kaftans, boubous, and evening gowns.
A poignant moment at the event included the presence of a long-time client who was still wearing a piece purchased from the brand a decade ago, illustrating the lasting impact of Walter’s designs. Walter noted that such occurrences are not uncommon in her over ten years in the fashion sector. “A customer came in three days ago and told me how, at a party, she immediately recognised another woman wearing Constance Walter. Statements like that make me happy,” she shared.
The brand’s identity is rooted in effective branding, an aspect that Walter has navigated with keen insight. Many people have mistook Constance Walter for an international label. “I remember one time I travelled to the UK for Christmas to visit my daughters. I went to Selfridges, and a woman stopped me to admire my outfit. ‘Who’s the designer?’ she asked, expecting me to say Givenchy or Louis Vuitton. I told her it was Constance Walter,” she recounted. This anecdote highlights the brand’s rising profile on an international scale.
Walter’s branding efforts began in earnest four years ago when she transitioned from previous labels such as “Truly Essential” and “Stitches by Chioma” to her current brand name. “The moment she typed ‘stitches’, over 100 accounts with the name stitches came out. So that was when I started thinking about rebranding from Stitches by Chioma to a name that is unique and personal to me,” she explained.
With a commitment to delivering a high-quality product, Walter emphasises that her branding approach encompasses every detail, from the design of the garments to the packaging. She recalled a customer in South Africa who initially thought she had purchased from a luxury label when the attire arrived impeccably packaged.
Walter’s affinity for fashion began in her formative years, influenced by her mother’s style choices and nurtured by the encouragement of Aunty Priscilla, a seamstress, who introduced her to fabric cutting and design. Despite embarking on careers in banking and aviation, it was her exposure to lingerie fairs across Europe and America that ignited her passion for fashion. Encouraged by friends, she established her business, initially transforming her living space into a makeshift showroom.
To date, Constance Walter has achieved remarkable success, attracting women worldwide with its distinctive styles. The founder attributes this to her use of high-quality fabrics and an unmistakable originality that she believes cannot be replicated. “There’s a unique touch to my designs. Even if you copy the style, you can’t capture that touch,” she stated, affirming her belief that individuality is the key to her brand.
Ultimately, Walter’s goal transcends mere fashion; she aims to empower women through uniqueness. “A woman feels her best when she wears confidence like a dress and steals the spotlight when she walks into a room. That confidence is even stronger when she knows no one else is dressed quite like her. That’s what we give our clients. A unique style,” she concluded.
Source: Noah Wire Services
