Reality TV star and fashion influencer, Alex Unusual, has stirred a powerful conversation about fashion waste and sustainability in Nigeria with her bold remarks during the virtual launch of TABEX (The Asoebi Boutique Exchange).
“Celebrities are under constant pressure not to repeat clothes. It’s an unspoken rule that drives many of us into buying more than we need,” Alex shared at the event.
Her honest statement struck a chord, drawing attention to the culture of overconsumption that dominates the entertainment and fashion scenes.
TABEX, co-founded by Modupe Sanni, Dr. May Ikeora, and Philip Uwumarogie, is a new digital platform created to tackle the growing problem of fashion waste—especially within Nigeria’s vibrant Aso-Ebi culture.
Designed to revolutionize how Nigerians engage with traditional occasion wear, TABEX allows users to shop, sell, and donate pre-loved outfits, making sustainable fashion more accessible and appealing.
“Nigerians spend millions every year on clothes they only wear once,” said Modupe Sanni. “While our fashion is beautiful and expressive, it’s time for a shift. Sustainability is the new style statement.”
The launch comes amid rising global concern over the environmental impact of the fashion industry.
According to the World Bank, the industry accounts for 10% of global carbon emissions and generates 92 million tonnes of textile waste annually—a figure projected to reach 134 million tonnes by 2030.
Locally, the popular trend of purchasing new Aso-Ebi for every event significantly contributes to this waste. From fabric sourcing to custom tailoring and logistics, the environmental footprint of single-use fashion is staggering.
TABEX, however, is more than a resale platform. It’s building a community-led movement. By collaborating with local designers, tailors, and stylists, TABEX curates collections of gently-used occasion wear. A portion of each sale goes to charitable causes, including the Raising Women Initiative, which supports girls and women in underserved communities. Users can also opt to donate clothes directly, transforming once-worn garments into tools for social good.
“Using TABEX is more than just a fashion choice—it’s a conscious lifestyle decision,” said co-founder Dr. May Ikeora. “It empowers people to support the planet and uplift others.”
To further its mission, TABEX will roll out a series of pop-up events, including sip-and-shop sessions, and will feature in major fashion showcases like GT Fashion Weekend and Lagos Fashion Week. The platform also plans to partner with Nigerian designers to upcycle discarded fabrics into luxury pieces, proving that eco-conscious fashion can still be chic and trendsetting.
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