Veekee James has become one of Africa’s most influential designers and one of the most confidently priced. Her journey from Ajegunle to building one of Africa’s most celebrated fashion labels is rooted in discipline, branding, and the refusal to shrink herself or her value.
Behind the glamour of Veekee James’ brand lies a sharp, intentional, and strategic businesswoman who has managed to build a couture brand that commands thousands of dollars per dress.
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How It All Started
Her fashion journey wasn’t linear. She started with hair styling, then makeup, before shifting fully into clothing design once she returned to Lagos.
Although she spent her childhood helping her mother sew, fashion wasn’t her first business. Her life changed the day she posted one of her designs which was Priscilla Ojo’s 21st birthday dress, and it went viral.
After that moment, the celebrity calls poured in, and red carpets quickly became her runway, with stars like Osas Ighodaro consistently choosing her designs.
Still, the real conversation around her brand has always been her pricing. And instead of avoiding it, Veekee addresses it with clarity on Off The Top with VJ Adams.
On Pricing and Value
Veekee speaks boldly about what goes into her pricing, a topic she knows is controversial.
“People think you just charge for the material. No. I charge for the ideas, the craftsmanship, the time, the stress, the prayers… everything.”
She breaks it down thus:
- The creative energy
- The team
- The materials
- The late nights
- The uniqueness of each design
- The excellence of her brand
“I charge for the craft, the energy, the time, everything that makes a Veekee James dress what it is.”
Veekee James’ Most Expensive Dress?
In 2023, she revealed that her most expensive dress was the one she made for Osas for the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) 2023, and the dress is worth $20,000.
However, her own wedding gown, reportedly costing ₦44–45 million (around $30,000), now takes the top spot.
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She also shared that she charges in both dollars and naira as she has some clients outside the country.
In the past and even recently, her
- Clearance pieces have sold for ₦950,000–₦1,100,000
- Bridal gowns and luxury customs can cross tens of thousands of dollars
This context paints a clear picture of the global couture league Veekee is playing in.
Going global
Speaking on what keeps her going, she says success can be overwhelming, but she handles it with groundedness.
“I still feel like that girl walking with her mum in Ajegunle sometimes. But I know I’ve worked to be here.”
Veekee says she wants to dress Beyoncé and Cardi B, and given that CNN, BBC and Forbes have already recognised her, the dream feels like an unfolding plan.
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