“I may be broke, but if I sell this dress, I’m selling the story of Africa. I want people to learn from it. - Patience Torlowei

About Patience Torlowei

Patience Torlowei (born 24 July 1964) is a Nigerian fashion designer. She is the creator of the "Esther Dress", the first piece of couture ever to join the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of African Art's permanent collection. Born in Enugu to Ijaw parents, Torlowei graduated from the Textile Arts and Technology faculty at the Yaba College of Technology. She moved to Belgium in 1989. As she has worked to create bridal clothes and lingerie as well as ready-to-wear attire. She founded her fashion line, Patience Please, in 2006.