Luciana Ojeniyi, the visionary founder behind Luciana—an innovative AI-driven Virtual Try-On fashion platform—is making a passionate appeal for heightened investment in Nigeria’s creative industries, arguing that the sector holds untapped potential to drive mass employment and bolster the nation’s economic fortunes.
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, Ojeniyi stressed that governments, corporate bodies, and other industry gatekeepers must prioritize support for young creative talents through better financing avenues, mentorship programs, cutting-edge technology access, and upgraded infrastructure.
She emphasized that the support package should also cover enhanced creative education, robust intellectual property safeguards, and a regulatory climate that nurtures innovation-driven ventures.
“Nigeria is overflowing with raw talent. What’s often missing is the bridge to opportunity—funding, guidance, modern tools, and platforms that enable scale,” Ojeniyi observed. “We need to stop viewing the creative economy as mere entertainment or fashion flair. It is a serious economic engine capable of generating jobs, attracting foreign capital, boosting exports, and projecting Nigerian excellence onto the world stage. Empowering our creatives is essentially investing in our nation’s economic future.”
AI Revolutionizing Nigerian Fashion
As the digital economy accelerates, Ojeniyi noted that Nigerian fashion entrepreneurs are increasingly turning to Artificial Intelligence to reimagine customer experiences and position homegrown brands for global competitiveness. She described how technology is now converging with craftsmanship and consumer service to reshape the industry’s landscape.
Her brainchild—the AI Virtual Try-On platform—was born out of a desire to solve a persistent pain point in online fashion retail: the hesitation customers feel when they cannot physically try on garments before purchasing. The tool allows shoppers to upload a photo or take a live image on the website, then instantly visualize themselves wearing selected outfits from the Luciana collection.
“For me, fashion has always been deeply personal. One of the greatest obstacles to online shopping is uncertainty—customers constantly ask themselves, ‘Will this actually look good on me? How will it fit?’ I wanted to eliminate that doubt and make shopping more accessible, convenient, and enjoyable for everyone,” she explained.
Bridging Digital and Physical Retail
Beyond boosting consumer confidence, Ojeniyi said the technology bridges the gap between digital and brick-and-mortar retail. For those who still cherish the in-store experience, Luciana maintains a physical location offering personalized styling consultations.
“Fashion today isn’t just about craftsmanship anymore. Consumers now expect convenience, personalization, and innovation. Our platform delivers all three by letting them see themselves in our designs before committing to a purchase—creating a richer, more immersive shopping journey,” she added.
Ojeniyi made it clear that Luciana’s ambitions extend well beyond Nigeria’s borders. “We are building for the global market, not just the local one. Whatever you do, you must solve a genuine need—and that’s exactly what inspired the AI Virtual Try-On platform. It’s about solving a real problem for real people, everywhere.”
