The Journey of N.N.O’s Sustainable Vegan Footwear
Looking for stylish and vegan footwear? N.N.O is a sustainable footwear brand that celebrates Nigerian craftsmanship through vibrant colours, intricate patterns, and unique silhouettes. Founded in 2020 by designer Onyinyechi Nneji, the brand began as a reselling company and evolved into a designer label, bringing customers along on its journey.
How N.N.O Is Transforming Nigerian Craftsmanship & Sustainable Fashion
Based in Lagos, Nigeria, N.N.O produces handcrafted products using traditional techniques, empowering women throughout its design process. N.N.O works to ensure that over 60% of its artisans are women, promoting gender equality and providing economic opportunities to women in Nigeria. This focus on women is not only a core value of the brand but also part of a larger mission to support communities by creating jobs and ensuring that the local economy benefits from ethical craftsmanship. The brand collaborates with organizations such as SisterlyHQ, which is known for its focus on empowering women and promoting social change. Through these partnerships, N.N.O ensures that its artisans receive fair wages and working conditions while being supported in their personal growth and development. SisterlyHQ’s involvement also helps facilitate a network of women artisans, giving them access to resources and mentorship to further their careers in craftsmanship and entrepreneurship.
N.N.O’s sustainable approach doesn’t stop at its commitment to women. The brand produces its footwear using traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations of artisans. These skills not only preserve cultural heritage but also support sustainable practices by using local materials and minimising waste. This approach to production emphasises N.N.O’s desire to create high-quality products that are both environmentally and socially responsible. The brand's evolution reflects the growing shift towards ethical production in fashion, where consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental and social impacts of their purchasing decisions. N.N.O’s story is an example of how young, forward-thinking brands are leveraging traditional skills and sustainable practices to create a modern aesthetic that honours their heritage.
In an exclusive interview with founder Onyinyechi Nneji, we were able to learn more about her vision as a designer and her perspective on N.N.O:
What inspired you to shift from custom design to launching your own brand?
N.N.O started with me making pieces for people but after a while, I realised something: people kept coming back for pieces that had my spin to it. Not just the execution, but my actual creative perspective. And that got me thinking—why was I spending all my time bringing other people’s visions to life when I had so much of my own to explore? I also wanted more freedom because when it’s your own brand, you set the tone. You create what you love, and the right people find you. And let’s be honest—there was a financial aspect too. Custom work pays, but building a brand means you get to grow in ways that one-on-one projects don’t allow. So, I took the leap. Scary? Yeah. Worth it? Absolutely.
If you could change one thing about the fashion industry, what would it be?
The sameness. Everywhere you look, people are wearing the same thing, following the same trends, styling their clothes the same way. It’s like personal style has taken a backseat to whatever’s trending online. And as much as I love a good trend, fashion is supposed to be about expression and what feels like you. It’s supposed to be fun. Fashion should be about who you are, not just what’s “in” for the season.
Can you tell us more about your Fluid Collection and what inspired it?
I had a moment where I realised I was playing it safe. So, I challenged myself to try something different. Fluid didn't just come from nowhere, it was a very gradual evolution
With Fluid, I was obsessed with contrast. I wanted a hard feminine look—something structured, powerful, but still undeniably feminine. And on the flip side, I wanted a flirty masculine look—something relaxed, effortless, but with attitude. The result? A collection that played with both energies—blurring lines, mixing bold patterns with softer textures, making sure every piece had movement and range. It’s a little rebellious, but it’s also just real. People don’t fit into one box, so why should fashion?
Who are some of your female role models in the fashion industry?
Recently I learnt about Rei Kawakubo – the way she deconstructs fashion and makes you rethink silhouettes? Genius.
What advice would you give to young people starting in fashion?
Be patient. The industry moves fast, but building a brand takes time. There are no shortcuts.
Experiment. Don’t get stuck trying to fit into what’s popular—originality is what sets you apart.
Know your worth. Pricing your work right, understanding production costs, and getting paid properly is just as important as creativity.
Stay consistent. Even when it feels like no one is watching, keep going.
Fashion isn’t just about talent—it’s about resilience.
How would you describe N.N.O?
N.N.O is bold, unapologetic, and experimental. It’s a brand that thrives on contrast—structured yet fluid, powerful yet playful. It’s also a brand that doesn’t do labels. I don’t believe in boxing things into “masculine” or “feminine” or what’s “supposed” to be worn a certain way. If you love it, if it makes you feel something, then it’s for you.
What’s one thing about you as a designer that people may not know?
I cannot draw at all. I’ve tried, I’ve practiced, and it’s just not my thing. And honestly? It made things so much harder when I was starting out. This has made conceptualizing my designs so much harder because I can’t just sketch my ideas like most designers do. In the beginning, this was a huge struggle—I had to either physically go to my studio to piece leather together or spend hours narrating my vision to my production lead, who can draw. But over time, I found my own rhythm. You don’t need to do things the “traditional” way to do it well. You just have to figure out what works for you.
Find your perfect pair of handcrafted, vegan leather shoes today. To Shop N.N.O’s collection of footwear, click here and find your next go-to sandals, mules, slippers, or slides. Follow ADJOAA on Instagram for more sustainable fashion stories.
About The Author: Grace Chittick is a Marketing and Public Relations Intern at ADJOAA, currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in Integrated Marketing Education with a minor in Public Relations at DePaul University
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