In the symphony of Africa’s creative revolution, Rendoll stands as a melody of elegance, courage, and reinvention. The Nigerian fashion house, founded by Reni Abina is not just about garments, it is a living manifesto of womanhood, ambition, and the audacity to begin again.
Born from the crossroads of intellect and intuition, Rendoll emerged from the mind of a lawyer turned visionary. Where courtroom arguments once framed her days, fabric, silhouette, and texture now command her world. In a society that often measures success by titles, Rene dared to redefine her own, choosing fulfillment over familiarity, passion over predictability.
Today, Rendoll is one of Nigeria’s most celebrated contemporary fashion brands, loved for its bold femininity and distinct design language. Each piece is a dialogue between confidence and grace, clothes for women who are as fierce as they are fluid, as ambitious as they are authentic.
As the world turns its gaze toward African fashion, Rendoll represents more than a brand. It is a movement, a testament to the power of vision, discipline, and the women who choose to rise, resplendent and unapologetic.
The Rolling Stone Africa Interview
RSA: Rene, thank you for joining us. Can you please introduce yourself to our readers?
Rendoll: My name is Reni Abina, and I’m the founder and creative director of Rendoll.
RSA: Before we dive into your brand, tell us — what first drew you into fashion?
Rendoll: Honestly, it happened almost by chance. My background is in law — I’m a lawyer and later went on to earn an MBA. But I’ve always loved fashion; I’ve always enjoyed dressing well. I started Rendoll while doing my MBA, making clothes for myself, friends, and people who shared my sense of style. The brand started gaining traction, and I realized how much I loved it. That’s when I decided to put everything into it.
RSA: Your pieces are bold and unmistakably distinct. What inspires your designs?
Rendoll: Most of my designs are things I would wear myself. I didn’t want to create generic clothing. The spark that defines Rendoll comes from what I personally find beautiful, powerful, and expressive.
RSA: You studied law — a profession that carries a lot of prestige, especially in Africa. How did you make the leap to fashion?
Rendoll: I never truly wanted to be a lawyer. In secondary school, you have to choose a career path very early, and I started in science. Later, people would say, “You talk a lot, you argue well — you should study law.” So I did, and I enjoyed it. But once I started practicing, I knew it wasn’t my calling. I wanted a career that made me excited to wake up in the morning.
During my MBA, I launched Rendoll. At first, my dad didn’t take it seriously — it’s the typical mindset: if it’s not law, medicine, or engineering, it doesn’t count. I told him I would build it without asking for money. When he saw the brand growing, he became my biggest supporter.
RSA: What advice would you give to young women who want to transition from traditional careers to creative industries like fashion?
Rendoll: First — there’s no such thing as a wasted degree. My law background still helps me daily with contracts, business structure, and trademarks. So never see your past studies as a mistake.
If you’re pivoting, do your research. You’re not starting at the same level as someone formally trained in fashion, so be intentional about learning. Be ready to work hard — excellence is what earns you your seat at the table.
RSA: Lagos Fashion Week continues to attract global attention. How do you view the future of Nigerian and African fashion on the world stage?
Rendoll: The creative energy on this continent is unmatched. We’re finally receiving the recognition we deserve. People now fly into Lagos for Fashion Week just like they do for Paris or Milan — and that’s only the beginning. African fashion will continue to rise.
RSA: Where do you see Rendoll in the next five years?
Rendoll: I want to build a global community of women who connect not only through clothing but through shared values and energy. I want someone to see a woman wearing Rendoll and feel instantly aligned with her essence. I also hope to expand further into new markets beyond Nigeria, the U.S., and Europe.
RSA: If you could dress three women, who would they be — and why?
Rendoll:
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Michelle Obama — she inspires me deeply. She’s confident, intelligent, and graceful; she’s one of my role models.
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Beyoncé — I’m a proud member of the BeyHive!
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Ciara — she already supports Nigerian designers, and I’d love to see Rendoll in her wardrobe.
RSA: What are some of the biggest challenges for designers producing from Africa?
Rendoll: We have incredible talent and skilled artisans, but we lack the machinery that speeds up production elsewhere. Something that takes one hour in China can take five hours here — and that affects productivity.
Another major challenge is shipping. Import duties have become extremely high. In the U.S., for example, customers are now charged customs even for items under $800. Some have bought a $100 dress and paid $85 in duties — that’s discouraging for buyers.
RSA: What do you see as possible solutions?
Rendoll: We work with stockists in the U.S. who buy wholesale and resell, so customers avoid customs charges. But selling through retailers means losing direct connection with our clients. Including customs at checkout is another option, but that increases prices. Honestly, we’re still figuring it out — it’s a complex issue.
RSA: One final piece of advice for emerging designers?
Rendoll: Perfect your craft. Let others inspire you, not intimidate you. Fashion is competitive and new designers appear every day — but comparison kills creativity. Focus on your own race. Keep improving your designs, your product, your customer experience. If you know you’ve given your best, that’s more than enough.
From the courtrooms of Lagos to the global catwalks, Reni Abina’s journey with Rendoll is a story of faith, focus, and feminine fire. In her world, ambition wears silk, resilience is hand-stitched, and success is measured not in titles, but in impact. Rendoll is more than fashion, it is a reminder that when women dare to dream beyond what is expected of them, they don’t just change their lives; they redefine what power looks like.
