In Nigeria’s fast-evolving entertainment and fashion scene, “packaging” — as it is fondly called — has become a defining art. Behind the glam and camera-ready looks of celebrities lies the genius of creative minds who bring stories to life through fabric, color, and design. Among these emerging talents is Pulley Mercy, a fast-rising wardrobe assistant and costume designer whose artistry is turning heads across the industry.
Rooted in the culturally vibrant city of Benin, Pulley Mercy’s creative journey is deeply inspired by her environment — a place steeped in artistic tradition and craftsmanship. “I see things through the lens of culture,” she explains. “I don’t feel the need to reinvent the wheel with Western ideas. Our native designs and aesthetics are beautiful and powerful enough to take anyone to the top. The world needs to see more of our fashion identity.”
Mercy began her professional journey styling for short films, commercials, and stage productions, gradually carving out a signature style that fuses originality with authenticity. Her passion, however, lies in designing for epic productions, where fashion meets storytelling. “Styling epic characters is where I perform at my best,” she says with enthusiasm. “As a culture enthusiast, I’m perpetually fascinated with our native fashion sensibilities.”
Her work draws inspiration from Nigeria’s diverse cultural wardrobe — from the flowing Agbada and Adire of the South-West, to the regal Isiagu and Ewu-Ivie (coral bead robe) of the East, and the majestic Babban Riga, Kaftan, and Zani of the North. Each piece, she says, carries history, identity, and emotion.
“Nigeria is blessed with diversity and an extraordinary wealth of local designs and styles,” Mercy explains. “For me, these fabrics are far beyond fashion — they are stories and heritage stitched into every thread.”
Mercy also advocates for a revival of Nigeria’s textile industry, emphasizing its potential to make the country a global fashion powerhouse. “The vision I have for Nigeria is one where we become ‘The Paris of Africa,’” she says. “It can only happen if we bring back to life the textile industry we’ve neglected for too long.”
As one of the new creative forces redefining costume design in Nigeria, Pulley Mercy is determined to keep pushing boundaries. Her dream is to see Nigerian fabrics and designers celebrated on global stages — from Lagos to Broadway, and London’s West End.
With each piece she creates, Pulley Mercy isn’t just styling actors or celebrities — she’s telling Africa’s story, one costume at a time.
