By Amina Ojelabi
Le Look House of Bags, one of Nigeria’s pioneering fashion and manufacturing companies, has celebrated its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of global impact, entrepreneurship, and export excellence.
The event held at with the theme “Legacy Of Resilience ”
Empowering Entrepreneurs For Africa’s Economic Future” drew industry leaders, maritime stakeholders, trade officials, and private sector partners. It featured cultural performances, awards, and an exhibition of Le Looks signature afro-centric luxury bags.
Chief Mrs Chinwe Ezenwa middle alongside staff of Le Look with award
Founded in 1985 by Chief Mrs. Chinwe Ezenwa, Le Look began as a women-led small business. Today, it is a globally recognized manufacturer, exporting more than a million bags annually to Europe and other markets.
Over the years, the company has remained committed to local manufacturing, job creation, and skills transfer, particularly among women and youth. Through the Le Look Academy in Abuja, Enugu, and Lagos, artisans receive hands-on training in bag-making and digital skills.
Le Look’s partnerships with institutions such as the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have further strengthened its role in empowering artisans and facilitating trade. Notably, Le Look became the first SME in Nigeria to receive the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) certification from the Nigeria Customs Service, a recognition that places it among trusted players in international trade.
Models on the Runway showcasing Bags Designed by Le Look
As part of the anniversary celebrations, Chief Ezenwa unveiled Just Bags, a collaborative platform for African bag makers. The initiative is designed to position Nigeria and Africa as a hub for quality, export-ready products, capable of meeting bulk international orders and attracting foreign direct investment (FDI).
“This is not just a launch party — it is the beginning of a prosperity highway,” Ezenwa said. “No single company can meet the global demand, but together we can. Just Bags brings artisans under one roof, enabling Africa to supply millions of bags to the world.”
She revealed plans to expand across the continent, with distributors already in Kenya and upcoming entry into Namibia, Rwanda, and Botswana within the next year.
Chief Ezenwa in an interview with World Swift News (WSN) explained that her inspiration came from a personal story “My younger brother is deaf. I didn’t want him to end up begging on the streets. I told myself, if he could not hear or speak, at least he could see and create. That was the seed for Le Look”. International markets have embraced the brand, with European buyers especially drawn to Le Look’s “alakate” designs and African prints reimagined as luxury bags.
Le Look’s 40th anniversary is more than a celebration of longevity; it is a showcase of African resilience, entrepreneurship, and export potential. With the launch of Just Bags, Chief Mrs. Chinwe Ezenwa is charting a new trade pathway — one that blends culture with commerce and positions Africa’s creative industry as a driver of economic growth in the global marketplace.
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