SFALagos-Sisimeme Fashion Academy
Empowering the next generation of designers through hands-on training and mentorship.
About SFA Lagos
Founded by fashion designer Sisimeme, SFA Lagos (Sisimeme Fashion Academy) is a creative learning space built to nurture the next generation of fashion entrepreneurs. The Academy was born out of her passion for empowering young people with practical skills and helping them transform creativity into sustainable fashion careers.
At SFA Lagos, students gain hands-on experience in everything from basic tailoring techniques to advanced garment construction, design interpretation, and business branding. The curriculum is designed to blend technical skill development with real industry insight, ensuring every learner is equipped to start their own label or work confidently within the fashion industry.
Whether you’re a beginner exploring fashion for the first time, a designer refining your craft, or someone dreaming of a career in fashion, SFA Lagos offers the mentorship, structure, and tools to make it happen. The Academy stands on three pillars; creativity, consistency, and craftsmanship - values that shine through every stitch and design produced by its students.
Why I Started the Fashion Academy
Over 20 years ago, when I first picked up a needle and thread, I never imagined it would lead me here - building not just a fashion brand, but a platform that empowers others to create theirs.
I started the Fashion Academy because I saw my younger self in so many passionate, creative women who wanted to design, sew, and build a fashion career but didn’t know where to begin. I remember the struggles, learning through trial and error, the long nights, the doubt, and the frustration of figuring everything out alone.
The Academy was created to bridge that gap, to provide aspiring designers and tailors with the structured knowledge, practical skills, and business insight I wish I had when I started. This space isn’t just about sewing clothes; it’s about building confidence, mastering a craft, and turning passion into purpose.
The Sisimeme Fashion Academy was born from experience, resilience, and a deep desire to help others rise - one stitch at a time. If you’ve ever dreamed of starting your own fashion journey, this space was made for you.
Stay tuned! Admissions reopen soon for our next Beginners’ Program.
OUR COURSES
FOUNDATION COURSE - (Pattern Drafting)This is an introductory course to Pattern Drafting Techniques, suitable for beginners and pattern making newbies with or without prior knowledge of tailoring.
At the end of this course, you would have created a Basic Bodice Block, Skirt Block, Trouser Block, Sleeves Block and Dress Block.
This Course is purely Pattern Drafting with absolutely No Freehand methods and No Construction (No Sewing)
If you'd like this Course with Garment Construction please take our Intermediate Course instead
FEES: #50,000 For EACH Level
#100,000 For Both Levels
DURATION: 6 weeks (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday)
2 Weeks (crashed duration)
TIME: 9am - 4pm (opening hours) Weekdays
Weekends (ask our representative for details)
COURSE OUTLINE
This training will discuss in details the following;
Lesson 1
* Understanding the human body
* BASIC SKIRT BLOCK
• Pencil/ Straight
• A-Line / Skater
• Mermaid / Trumpet
• Pieces / Paneled Skirt
Lesson 2
* BASIC BODICE BLOCK 1
- Bust Dart
- Waist Dart
- Dart Manipulation Techniques 1
• Slash and Spread
• Pivotal Method
Lesson 3
BASIC NECKLINES
- Necklines Contouring and Tightening
Lesson 4
BASIC SLEEVE BLOCK
Lesson 5
BASIC DRESS BLOCK
Lesson 6
* BASIC TROUSER BLOCK
Trouser Variations
-Straight
-Bootcut
-Pallazo
-Shorts
-Romper / Jumpsuit
PRO LEVEL
COURSE OUTLINE
This training will discuss in details the following;
Lesson 1 - BASIC SKIRT BLOCK
• Pencil/ Straight
• Mermaid / Trumpet with Train
• Pieces / Paneled Skirt with Train
* Gore in Skirts
Lesson 2
BASIC BODICE BLOCK 2 (Natalie Bray)
* Bustier
* Shoulder Dart
* Princess Dart
* Mono-strap
* Off Shoulder
Lesson 3 - Advanced Dart Manipulation Techniques
• Slash and Spread
• Pivotal Method
Lesson 3
BASIC DRESS BLOCK
Lesson 4
* BASIC TROUSER BLOCK
Trouser Variations
-Straight
-Bootcut
-Pallazo
-Shorts
-Romper / Jumpsuit
Lesson 5 - NECKLINES
- Necklines Contouring and Tightening
Type of Necklines
• Asymmetrical (One Shoulder) Neckline
• Boat Neckline
• Cowl Neck
• Collared Neck
• Halter Neckline
• High Neck or Turtleneck
• Keyhole Neckline
• Illusion Neckline
• Off the Shoulder Neckline
• Plunging Neckline
• Queen Anne Neckline
• Round or Crew Neckline
• Scoop Neckline
• Spaghetti Strap
• Square Neckline
• Strapless Neckline
• Surplice Neckline
• Sweetheart Neckline
• V–Neckline
Lesson 6 - SLEEVE BLOCK
Sleeve Variations and Adaptations
• Tulip or Petal
• Trumpet
• Bishop
• Bell
• Cap
• Cape
• Circle
• Cowl
• Flutter
• Flare / Butterfly
• Puff
• Raglan
• Bishop and Puff
• Leg of Mutton
• Dolman or Batwing
• Lantern Sleeves
• Balloon Sleeves
FINAL PROJECT
N:B
ALL PAYMENTS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE
PAYMENTS for single courses are One-Offs
INSTALLMENTS applicable to 2 or more courses (ask our representative for Installments Payment Schedule)
You’d require a Sewing Machine at home for personal learning and assignments to aid faster assimilation and practice.
BASIC FASHION DESIGN COURSE - A beginner’s course that centers on the freehand basic techniques of tailoring.
This course will ignite the creative mind of the designer and at the end of this training, you would have gained the basic knowledge required for a READY TO WEAR Clothing Line.
Please note that this Course CANNOT be taken alone, you're required to take the Foundation Course (Beginner's Level)
FEE: #200,000
DURATION: 10 weeks (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday)
TIME: 10am - 4pm (opening hours) Weekdays
Weekends (ask our representative for details)
COURSE OUTLINE
This training will discuss in details the following;
Week 1 - My Machine and I
* Fashion Marketing, Business and Terminology
* Taperule Reading and Working with the machine
* Straight, Curve and Shapes Sewing
Week 2 - Basic Sewing Element
* Zippers and Bands
* Hook and Eyes / Buttons
* Hemming and Basting Stitches and other types of Stitches
Week 3 - Fullness in Garment Construction
* Gathers
* Pleats
* Flares
* Darts and Tucks
Week 4 - Tunics (Easy Wears)
* Tunics
* Iro and Buba
* Maxis
* Off Shoulder Maxis
* Kaftans
* Kimono
* Boubou
Week 5 - Creative Design Class
* Fabric Pattern Creativity
* Embellishment
- Beadwork
- Stoning
- Appliqués
* Canvas Design
Week 6 - Basic Darts
* Basic Bodice (with easement)
* Bust Dart
- Shift or Sheath Dress Making
Week 7
* Basic Necklines
- Round Neck
- U Neck
- V Neck
- Sweetheart
- Keyhole
Week 8
Neckline Contouring and Tightening
- Facing the Necklines
- Basic Capes and Collars
Week 9 - Basic Sleeves
- Sleeve Variations
* Long Sleeve
* Three-quarters
* Short Sleeve
* Cap Sleeves
Week 10 - Garment Construction
* Basic Sewing Techniques
- Interlining
- Interfacing
- Piping
- Pockets (inner and outer)
- Clean Finishing
* Style Interpretation (Ready-To-Wear)
FINAL PROJECTS
N:B
ALL PAYMENTS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE
PAYMENTS for single courses are One-Offs
INSTALLMENTS applicable to 2 or more courses (ask our representative for Installments Payment Schedule)
You’d require a Sewing Machine at home for personal learning and assignments to aid faster assimilation and practice.
INTERMEDIATE COURSE - Pattern Drafting and Garment Construction
This course focuses on Bespoke Tailoring (Asoebi/ Made-to-Measure). It is a practical class with Garment Construction of various outfits in details.
At the end of this course, trainees would have gained skills enough to perfectly tailor custom made outfits for clients and produce Ready-To-Wear in various sizes.
-NOT suitable for beginners
-Pattern Drafting knowledge NOT required as this training includes our FOUNDATION COURSE
FEE: #150,000
DURATION: 10 weeks (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday)
TIME: 9am - 4pm (opening hours) Weekdays
Weekends (ask our representative for details)
COURSE OUTLINE
This training will discuss in details the following;
Week 1
* Fashion Business and Marketing
* Terminologies
* Costing
* Understanding the human body
BASIC SKIRT BLOCK
• Pencil/ Straight
• A-Line / Skater
• Komole Wrap / Tulip Skirt
Week 2
• Mermaid / Trumpet
• Pieces / Paneled Skirt
- 6 and 10 /20 pieces
- Garment Construction 1
Week 3
* Basic Bodice Block
- Bust Dart
- Waist Dart
* Dart Manipulation Techniques
(using Helen Armstrong's Bodice Block)
- Slash and Spread
- Pivotal Method
Week 4 - Basic Bodice Block (Natalie Bray)
* Bustier
* Mid-Shoulder Dart
* Princess Dart
* Mono-strap
* Off Shoulder
Week 5
BASIC DRESS BLOCK
-Garment Construction 2
Week 6 - NECKLINES
- Necklines Contouring and Tightening
Type of Necklines
• Asymmetrical (One Shoulder) Neckline
• Boat Neckline
• Cowl Neck
• Collared Neck
• Halter Neckline
• High Neck or Turtleneck
• Keyhole Neckline
• Illusion Neckline
• Off the Shoulder Neckline
• Plunging Neckline
• Queen Anne Neckline
• Round or Crew Neckline
• Scoop Neckline
• Spaghetti Strap
• Square Neckline
• Strapless Neckline
• Surplice Neckline
• Sweetheart Neckline
• V–Neckline
Garment Construction 3
Week 7
* Sleeve Block
Sleeve Variations and Adaptations
• Tulip or Petal
• Trumpet
• Bishop
• Bell
• Cap
• Cape
• Circle
• Cowl
• Flutter
• Flare / Butterfly
• Puff
• Raglan
• Bishop and Puff
• Leg of Mutton
• Dolman or Batwing
• Lantern Sleeves
• Balloon Sleeves
Week 8
* BASIC TROUSER BLOCK
Trouser Variations
-Straight
-Bootcut
-Pallazo
-Shorts
-Romper / Jumpsuit
Garment Construction 4
Week 9 - Jackets and Shirts
* Corporate Dresses
* Shirt Dresses
* Jacket in detail
- Blazers
- Shawl Neck
- Waterfall Jackets
- Double breasted Jackets
* Capes
* Collars
- Bishop / Standing collar
- Roll Collar (Shirt Collar )
- Flat collar ( Shawl, Peter pan)
* Empire Silhouette
Garment Construction 5
Week 10 - Bridal Party
* Bridesmaids Dresses
* Little Brides (Ball Dresses)
Commercial Tailoring- Asoebi Styling and Ready-To-Wear
Style Interpretation of
* Tops
* Skirts
* Dresses
* Trousers
FINAL PROJECT (2 weeks)
N:B
ALL PAYMENTS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE
PAYMENTS for single courses are One-Offs
INSTALLMENTS applicable to 2 or more courses (ask our representative for Installments Payment Schedule)
You’d require a Sewing Machine at home for personal learning and assignments to aid faster assimilation and practice.
ADVANCED FASHION DESIGN COURSE - A follow up course that further broadens the mind of the designer to latest tailoring techniques and styles.
At the end of this course, trainees would have acquired skills to tackle more complicated outfits especially Red Carpet and Evening Wear designs.
-NOT suitable for beginners
-Pattern Drafting knowledge required for full indepth understanding of the Basics (trainees may be advised to undergo our FOUNDATION COURSE- PRO LEVEL if necessary)
FEE: #150,000
DURATION: 10 weeks (Wednesday and Thursday)
TIME: 9am - 4pm (opening hours) Weekdays
Weekends (ask our representative for details)
TIME: Weekend and Weekdays
This is an Advanced Training Program NOT suitable for beginners.
Trainees are required to already know the Basic Blocks for easy adaptation for the Training - Freehand or Pattern
- The Blocks
* Basic Skirt Block
* Basic Bodice Block
* Basic Sleeve Block
* Basic Dress Block
COURSE OUTLINE
This training will discuss in details the following;
Week 1 - INTRODUCTION to Advanced Fashion Design
- The Fashion Industry
* Fashion Marketing
* Fashion Business
* Costing
* Terminologies
* Advanced Dart Manipulation Techniques
- Pivotal Method
- Slash and Spread
Week 2 - Advance Sewing Techniques
* Interlining
* Padding
* Clean Finishing
* French Sewing
* Horse Hair Braid (uses and application)
Fabric Reconstruction and deconstruction
* Fabric Embellishment,
*Lace Patchwork/ Appliques and Trimming
Week 3 - Illusion
* Illusion Neckline
* Illusion Bodice
* Asymmetrical Neckline Illusion
* Optical Illusion (with Nude effects)
Week 4 - Draping/Moulage
* Body/ Dressform Moulage
* Bustier Bodice
* Style lines
* Cowl and Cascade Draping
* Creative Draping
* Ruching Techniques
Week 5 - Corset and Draping
Week 6 - Corsetry
- Hourglass and Waist Cinching Techniques
*Overbust Corset - Outer Corset
* UnderBust Corset
* Corset (with readymade Bra Cup)
Week 7 - Corsetry (Continued)
* Corset (with Padded Cup)
* Busks
* Boning and Caging
(rigilene, plastic and steel)
* Lacing (Eyelets and Loops)
* Modesty Panel
Week 8 - Structure in Garments
* Structured Cone
* Structured Bodice with Crinoline
- Hip and Butt Padding
- Exaggerated Sleeves and Peplum
- Style Interpretation of complex styles
Topic 9 & 10- Bridal Wear (introduction)
* Types of Bridal Wear
* BridalWear Trends and Styles
* Veil and Petticoat
* Ball Gown (Adult / Little Bride)
FINAL PROJECT (2 weeks)
N:B
ALL PAYMENTS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE
PAYMENTS for single courses are One-Offs
INSTALLMENTS applicable to 2 or more courses (ask our representative for Installments Payment Schedule)
You’d require a Sewing Machine at home for personal learning and assignments to aid faster assimilation and practice.
MASTERCLASS: BRIDAL WEAR AND COUTURE STYLING - This is an Intensive Masterclass Training on contemporary bridal styling and couture design that will explore in details current trends and various types of bridal outfits for the bride, and bridal party.
-NOT suitable for Beginners and Intermediates
Taking this course means that you have good tailoring skills and know how to draft the basic patterns.
This course is a Practical Class and requires dedication to Garment Construction
-Pattern Drafting knowledge required for full indepth understanding of the Basics
(Trainees may be advised to undergo our FOUNDATION COURSE if necessary)
ONLINE TRAINING (currently unavailable)
FEE: #100,000
DURATION: Lifetime
TIME: Self Paced and NO groups
You'd require the Telegram App for this Training.
FEE: #180,000
(Physical Class)
DURATION: 12 weeks (Wednesday, and Thursday. Fridays -Optional)
TIME: Weekdays
REGISTRATION #10,000
CERTIFICATION #10,000
STARTER KITS (please request for a list of tools to get for the training)
PAYMENTS for single courses are One-Offs
INSTALLMENTS applicable to 2 or more courses (ask our representative for Installments Payment Schedule)
Start Date:
Weekdays Only
Weekends (not available)
COURSE OUTLINE
This training will discuss in details the following;
Week 1- Introduction to Bridal Wear
* The Bridal Industry
* BridalWear Trends and Styles
* The Anatomy of BridalWear Construction
*Body Shapes and Silhouettes
*Bridal Silhouettes (various types of Bridalwear will be discussed)
-- Fashion Illustration **
Week 2 - The Skirt Block
*Mermaid with Tail
*Paneled Skirts (10-20 pieces)
*Paneled Skirts with Train
*Gore in Skirts
-- Fashion Illustration **
Week 3 - The Bodice
Necklines and Contouring
-Yokes and Illusion
* Off Shoulder with Cape
*Fabric Deconstruction and Reconstruction
*Appliqué Bodice Reconstruction
*Fabric Embellishment (Beading and Enhancements)
Closures
* Loops and Buttons
* Zipper with Buttons
* Lace- Up
Week 4 - Bridal Covers and Undergarments
* Bridal Jackets
- High neck
- Bolero
* Capes
* Bridal Cropped Top
Wedding Gown Undergarments
- Petticoats
- Bustle
- Panniers
Week 5 - Bridal Veils in Detail
* Tiered Veil
* Mantila
* Cathedral
* Chapel
* Birdcage Veil
* Blusher Veil
* Royal Veil
* Poufs in Veils
Lengths of Veil
*Elbow length
*Fingertip length
*Ballet length
*Chapel length
*Cathedral length
Week 6 & 7 - Corsetry (in details)
* Structured Bodice - Inner Corset
*Overbust Corset - Outer Corset
* Victorian Corset
* Corset (with and without Bra Cup)
* Busks
* Lacing (Eyelets and Loops)
* Modesty Panel
* Hourglass and Waist Cinching
Week 8 - Draping / Moulage
* Bodice Draping
* Fabric Draping
* Cascade Draping
* Ruching and Pleats
Week 9 - Ball Gowns
* Tulle Ball Gown
* Fabric Ball Gown
* Ball Gowns with Train
* Ball Gowns with Panels
Week 10 - Trumpet and Mermaid Dresses
* Tulle
* Ruffles and Frills
* Spiral Circle
Fit and Flare
* Waist
* Knee
Flare Variations
* Structured Cones
* Cascades
* Clouding
Week 11 - Empire Dresses
* Grecian Inspired wedding dresses
* Empire Silhouette with Long Train (Panels)
Week 12- BONUS
- Bridal Robes
- Bridal Jumpsuits
- Creating a Nude effect on Outfits
Style Interpretation;
* Bridesmaids
* Little Brides
* Reception Dress
FINAL PROJECT
ADVANCED MASTERCLASS TRAINING (CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE) - This course is suitable for designers in need of a Skill Upgrade to current trends, styles and proper garment construction techniques for a better fit and excellent finishing.
-NOT suitable for beginners
-NO Pattern Drafting knowledge required
WEEKDAYS
FEE: #75,000
DURATION: 3 weeks (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday)
TIME: 9am - 4pm (opening hours)
Classes are scheduled between 10am-2pm
Start Date:
WEEKENDS (currently unavailable)
FEE:
DURATION
TIME:
Saturdays 11am - 6pm
Sundays 12noon - 4pm
ONLINE
FEE: #25,000
DURATION: 6 weeks
TIME: Twice a week
COURSE OUTLINE
This training entails topics outlined below;
INTRODUCTION
* Introduction to the Brush Up Course
* Current Tailoring Trends and Styles
* Terminologies
- The Blocks
* Basic Skirt Block
* Basic Bodice Block
* Basic Sleeve Block
* Basic Dress Block
(Trainees are required to draft their Blocks for easy adaptation for the Training - Freehand or Pattern)
Please Note that if you need to learn how to construct these blocks, you'd be required to take our Foundation Course -Pro Level discounted for #25,000)
Week 1 - Advance Sewing Techniques
* Interlining
* Padding
* Clean Finishing
* French Sewing
* Horse Hair Braid (uses and application)
Fabric Reconstruction and deconstruction
* Fabric Embellishment,
*Lace Patchwork/ Appliques and Trimming
The Illusion Effect
* Illusion Neckline
* Illusion Bodice
* Asymmetrical Neckline Illusion
* Optical Illusion (with Nude effects)
Week 2 -Structured Garments
* Structured Cone
* Structured Bodice
- Hip and Butt Padding
- Style Interpretation of complex styles.
Draping / Moulage
* Body/ Dressform Moulage
* Bustier Bodice
* Style lines, Cowl and Cascade
* Creative Draping
* Ruching
Week 3 - Corsetry
- Hourglass and Waist Cinching
*Overbust Corset - Outer Corset
* UnderBust Corset
* Corset (with readymade Bra Cup)
* Corset (with Padded Cup)
* Busks
* Boning (rigilene, plastic and steel)
* Lacing (Eyelets and Loops)
* Modesty Panel
BONUS
* Basic Trouser Block
N:B
ALL PAYMENTS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE
PAYMENTS for single courses are One-Offs
INSTALLMENTS applicable to 2 or more courses (ask our representative for Installments Payment Schedule)
You’d require a Sewing Machine at home for personal training to aid faster assimilation and practice.
KINDLY NOTE THAT THIS COURSE IS AN INTENSIVE MASTERCLASS TRAINING WITH GARMENT CONSTRUCTION CLASSWORKS AND ASSIGNMENTS, PLEASE COME PREPARED WITH YOUR TOOLS ALWAYS.
ONLINE COURSES - Our online trainings are one-on-one / over the shoulder method, to ensure proper knowledge is impacted
The Course Outline is same for the Physical Classes.
Available Courses are;
• Basic Fashion Design 50k
• Foundation Course 50k
• Intermediate Course 50k
• Advanced Course 50k
• Bridal Wear Course 100k
• Single Topics (please ask our representative for further information cos the prices vary from 10k Upwards)
— Baby Dress
— Corsetry
— Draping
— Jackets in detail
— Trousers
— Fashion Business and Marketing
All Online Courses are available on our Website.
Duration: course durations differ
No Group training and are Self Paced
Appreciable knowledge of sewing machine use is required for faster assimilation and mastery.
N:B
ALL PAYMENTS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE
Start Your Fashion Journey Today
Every great designer begins with a single stitch and your journey starts here. At SFA Lagos, we don’t just teach fashion; we help you build the confidence, creativity, and skills to turn your passion into purpose. Whether you dream of starting your own fashion brand or mastering the art of tailoring, this is your moment to begin.✨
Ready to start your journey in fashion design? Click below to connect and take the first step toward becoming the designer you’re meant to be.